Malabsorption history and symptoms
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Malabsorption |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
History and Symptoms
It can present in variety of ways and features might give clue to underlying condition. Symptoms can be intestinal or extra-intestinal, former predominates in severe malabsorption.
- Diarrhea, often steatorrhea is the most common feature. Watery, diurnal and nocturnal, bulky, frequent stools are the clinical hallmark of overt malabsorption. It is due to impaired water, carbohydrate and electrolyte absorption or irritation from unabsorbed fatty acid. Latter also result in bloating, flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Cramping pain usually suggest obstructive intestinal segment e.g. in crohn's disease especially if it persists after defecation.[1]
- Weight loss can be significant despite increased oral intake of nutrients.[2]
- Growth retardation, failure to thrive and delayed puberty in children.
- Swelling or edema from loss of protein.
- Anemias, commonly from vitamin B12, folic acid and iron deficiency presenting as fatigue and weakness.
- Muscle cramp from decreased vitamin D, calcium absorption. Also lead to osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
- Bleeding tendencies from vitamin K and other coagulation factor deficiencies.
References
- ↑ Bai J (1998). "Malabsorption syndromes". Digestion. 59 (5): 530–46. PMID 9705537.
- ↑ health ato z "Malabsorption syndrome". Retrieved 2007-05-10.