MALABSORPTION

(Malabsorptive Syndrome)

 Basic information

description

Malabsorption involves problems with digesting and absorbing nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, sugars, fats, etc.) from foods. Most nutrients are absorbed through the small intestine. Malabsorption is not a disease in itself. It is a result of some other condition. It can affect all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Diarrhea.
• Weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Gas with stomach discomfort and swelling.
• Bad-smelling, bulky stools, often with mucus.
• Mild anemia (pale skin and feeling weak and tired).
• Bone pain.
• Swollen hands and feet.

causes

A variety of health problems can cause malabsorption. The small intestine can be affected by infections, inflammation, irritation, structural defects, injury, surgery, faults in the digestive process, congenital defects, and others.

risk increases with

• Lactose intolerance.
• Celiac disease.
• Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis; chronic diarrhea.
• Chronic pancreatitis.
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Small intestine disorders such as diverticulosis, strictures, and partial obstruction.
• Bacteria or parasite infection.
• Short bowel syndrome (due to surgery that removed half or more of the small intestine).
• Stomach or bowel surgery or radiation.
• Liver disease.
• Excess use of laxatives or antacids.
• HIV infection.
• Imbalance of minerals in the body.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

The degree to which symptoms can be controlled depends on the cause, but many things are common to all malabsorptive disorders. The onset is usually slow and sometimes difficult to diagnose. Disorders may be present for months or years before being recognized. Treatment can be long, complicated, and may need to be changed often. Patience and a positive attitude are important steps in becoming cured.

possible complications

• Prolonged illness.
• Failure to thrive in infants.
• Additional illness caused by nutritional, vitamin, or mineral deficiency.
• Anemia.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood, stool, and urine studies and x-rays of the intestinal tract. Other tests may be done to help diagnose the cause.
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the needs of each patient. Steps may include special feeding methods, diet changes, or drugs.
• Some patients may need feeding through a vein (IV). This is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Some patients may need tube feeding. A tube is inserted into the stomach or the bowel for feeding.

medications

You may be prescribed enzymes to aid digestion, antidiarrheals, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, intestinal hormones, medium chain triglycerides, vitamins and other supplements, and antacids.

activity

As tolerated by symptoms and physical condition.

diet

Diet changes may be prescribed. They may be milk-free, gluten-free, low-fat, no-fat, or have other restrictions. You will be provided specific diet instructions.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of malabsorption.
• Any of the following occur during treatment:
  • Black, tarry bowel movements.
  • Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
  • Severe abdominal pain.
  • Muscle cramps.

Special Notes: