Malabsorption that results from the removal of a large segment of the small intestine or, less frequently, from the complete dysfunction of a large portion of the small intestine. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weigh loss.
Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome
The following features are indicative of Short Bowel Syndrome:
diarrhea
bloating
cramping
fatigue
feeling tired
foul-smelling stool
heartburn
too much gas
vomiting
weakness
food allergies
lactose intolerance
malnutrition
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Common Causes of Short Bowel Syndrome
The following are the most common causes of Short Bowel Syndrome:
portions of the small intestine surgically removed
portions of the small intestine are missing or damaged at birth
Risk Factors for Short Bowel Syndrome
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Short Bowel Syndrome:
poor motility inside the intestines
significant damage of the small intestine
Prevention of Short Bowel Syndrome
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Short Bowel Syndrome. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
drink oral rehydration solutions
avoid foods that can cause diarrhea
avoid high fat foods
Occurrence of Short Bowel Syndrome
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Short Bowel Syndrome cases seen each year worldwide:
Rare between 10K - 50K cases
Common Age Group
Short Bowel Syndrome can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Short Bowel Syndrome can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Short Bowel Syndrome
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Short Bowel Syndrome:
Physical Exam: To look for muscle wasting or weight loss and signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Blood test : To show mineral and vitamin levels and measure complete blood count
Fecal fat test: To measures the body's ability to break down and absorb fat
Computed tomography Scan: To show bowel obstruction and changes in the intestines.
Complications of Short Bowel Syndrome if untreated
Yes, Short Bowel Syndrome causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Short Bowel Syndrome is left untreated:
malnutrition
peptic ulcer
kidney stones
small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Procedures for Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome
The following procedures are used to treat Short Bowel Syndrome:
Surgery: To increase the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients
Intestinal transplant: To remove a diseased or an injured small intestine and replace it with a healthy small intestine
Self-care for Short Bowel Syndrome
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Short Bowel Syndrome:
drink oral rehydration solutions
avoid foods that can cause diarrhea
avoid high fat foods
eat healthy diet
Patient Support for Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome
The following actions may help Short Bowel Syndrome patients:
Join online support groups: Provides information about the disease
Time for Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Short Bowel Syndrome to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Short Bowel Syndrome.