Malabsorption syndrome

Abdomen | Gastroenterology | Malabsorption syndrome (Disease)


Description

Malabsorption is a state arising from abnormality in absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Impairment can be of single or multiple nutrients depending on the abnormality. This may lead to malnutrition and a variety of anaemias

It absorbs about 80% of the amount of liquid consumed daily. But sometimes, for whatever reason, the intestine is not even able to absorb the nutrients that are so necessary for proper functioning of our body.

Causes and Risk factors

There are many causes that can lead to malabsorption. A small mistake in the process of digestion causes the body to stop producing the enzymes needed to digest food. Congenital structural defects or diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder or liver may alter the digestive process

Inflammation, infection, injury, surgical removal of the small intestine or part of it can lead to absorption problems. Radiation therapy can damage the intestinal lining, causing diarrhea. Prolonged use of antibiotics may harm bacteria that normally live in the gut and have a role in digestion.

There are many diseases that can lead to malabsorption. It is cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, lactose intolerance and celiac disease. 24 of 100,000 children are born with short bowel syndrome, a congenital disease that causes small intestine to be shorter than normal, and therefore can absorb nutrients suprfata is lower, which means it will absorb less of any food consumed. Short bowel syndrome has a high rate of mortality.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Multiple tests to determine the cause of the malabsorption may be performed including imaging studies of the intestines. Treatment and reversal of the initial cause will be done. Intravenous fluids, vitamins, and nutrient replacement is often necessary. ...