Malabsorption history and symptoms

Malabsorption
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Overview
Classification Infection Structural defect Digestive failure Systemic disease Iatrogenic
Differentiating Malabsorption from other Diseases

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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.

Small intestine : major site of absorption

• Diarrhoea,often steatorrhoea 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 persists after defecation.
• Weight loss can be significant despite increased oral intake of nutrients.
• Growth retardation, failure to thrive, delayed puberty in children
• Swelling or oedema from loss of protein
• Anaemias, commonly from vitamin B12, folic acid and iron defeciency 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 defeciencies.