Can Pancreatitis Cause Diarrhea?

With acute pancreatitis 20-30% percent of patients will experience diarrhea due to impaired digestive enzyme production. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it cannot produce adequate amounts of lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes needed to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. This leads to malabsorption and steatorrhea—loose, greasy, foul-smelling stools that float due to undigested fats. Studies show that up to 90% of patients with chronic pancreatitis develop pancreatic insufficiency, resulting in digestive symptoms including diarrhea. The severity can range from mild loose stools to severe, frequent bowel movements that significantly impact quality of life and lead to nutritional deficiencies if left untreated.