Short bowel syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and may include: | |||
*A high-calorie diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals, as well as certain types of [[carbohydrates]], [[proteins]], and [[fats]]. | |||
*Some vitamins and minerals may need to be given by injection. | |||
*Treatment for [[anemia]] with [[vitamin B-12]], [[folic acid]], and increased dietary [[iron]]. | |||
*Medications to slow down the normal movement of the intestine (lengthens the time nutrients spend in the small intestine). | |||
*Tube feeding through a [[vein]] ([[parenteral nutrition]]), if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients (patients can sometimes return to normal eating once they have stabilized). | |||
==Where to find medical care for short bowel syndrome?== | ==Where to find medical care for short bowel syndrome?== | ||
Revision as of 14:49, 5 September 2012
|
Short bowel syndrome |
|
Short bowel syndrome On the Web |
|---|
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed (malabsorption) because a large part of the small intestine is missing or has been surgically removed.
What are the symptoms of short bowel syndrome?
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Pale, greasy stools
- Swelling (edema), especially of the legs
- Very foul-smelling stools
- Weight loss
What causes short bowel syndrome?
When areas of the small intestine are removed by surgery, or they are missing due to a birth defect (congenital defect), there may not be enough surface area left in the remaining bowel to absorb enough nutrients from food.
This condition is likely to develop when one-half or more of the bowel is removed during surgery.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors include diseases of the small intestine that may require surgery, such as Crohn's disease. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a common cause of short bowel syndrome in infants.
Diagnosis
The following exams and tests may be used to help diagnose short bowel syndrome.
- Blood chemistry tests (such as albumin level)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Fecal fat test
- Small intestine x-ray
- Vitamin levels in the blood
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and may include:
- A high-calorie diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals, as well as certain types of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Some vitamins and minerals may need to be given by injection.
- Treatment for anemia with vitamin B-12, folic acid, and increased dietary iron.
- Medications to slow down the normal movement of the intestine (lengthens the time nutrients spend in the small intestine).
- Tube feeding through a vein (parenteral nutrition), if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients (patients can sometimes return to normal eating once they have stabilized).
Where to find medical care for short bowel syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition