What Are the Causes of Orange Oil in Your Stool?

Stools appear in a variety of colors and consistencies. Stools containing oil are also known as steatorrhea. When you have oil in your stool, it may appear grease-like, float to the top of the water and have a foul odor. Orange oil in your stool may suggest underlying health conditions such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis and lack of bile acids. The removal of the gallbladder causes defects in the pancreatic juices and may lead to oily stools. In addition, foods that are high in fat may cause this to happen. Consult with your physician if you have find that you have oil in your stool.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. According to Celiac Disease Foundation, people with celiac disease have an autoimmune reaction to gluten causing the villi of the small intestine to not effectively absorb the nutrients needed by our bodies. One of the symptoms of celiac disease is oily, fatty stools that may be accompanied by abdominal cramps.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a congenital disease affecting the digestive tract and the lungs. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the protein product from a defective gene causes the production of unusually thick sticky mucus that obstructs the pancreas preventing natural enzymes from assisting the body in absorbing foods that in turn increases fat excretion. One of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis is oily stools.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a disease that attacks the small intestines, preventing the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients from food. Some of the symptoms of this condition are diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping as well as oily stools. MayoClinic.com states that Crohn's disease affects the thickness of the intestinal walls causing a blockage of digestive content that may require surgery.

Choledocholiathiasis

Choledocholiathiasis is a condition where gallstones are present in the bile duct. Gallstones are made up of hardened cholesterol. This is a condition that may be inherited and require surgery. The obstruction may lead to liver damage and pancreatitis. The symptoms of choledocholiathiasis are pain in the upper right of the abdomen, oily stools as well as nausea and vomiting.