Short Bowel
Syndrome
Article provided by the National Digestive Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems affecting people who
have had half or more of their small intestine removed. The most
common reason for removing part of the small intestine is to
treat Crohn's disease.
Diarrhea is the main symptom of short bowel syndrome. Other
symptoms include cramping, bloating, and heartburn. Many people
with short bowel syndrome are malnourished because their
remaining small intestine is unable to absorb enough water,
vitamins, and other nutrients from food. They may also become
dehydrated, which can be life threatening. Problems associated
with dehydration and malnutrition include weakness, fatigue,
depression, weight loss, bacterial infections, and food
sensitivities.
Short bowel syndrome is treated through changes in diet,
intravenous feeding, vitamin and mineral supplements, and
medicine to relieve symptoms.
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