If your body doesn’t produce certain digestive enzymes, you may be at risk for developing malabsorption. Congenital and/or structural defects and diseases of the intestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver may increase your risk for malabsorption. Inflammation, infection and injury to your intestinal tract may increase your risk for malabsorption. Removal of portions of your intestine may also contribute to the condition. Radiation therapy can put you at risk for malabsorption. Certain conditions and diseases such as HIV, cancer, chronic liver disease, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease can put you at greater risk for malabsorption. [3] X Research source The use of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline and cholestyramine, and drugs such as laxatives can increase your risk for malabsorption. If you have recently traveled to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, India, or other countries that commonly face intestinal parasite problems, you may have been infected by a parasite that causes malabsorption. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Gastrointestinal issues such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and flatulence are the most common symptoms. There may also be excessive fat in your stools, causing them to change in color and become more bulky. Changes in weight, especially weight loss, is a common symptom. Fatigue and weakness may accompany malabsorption. Anemia or excess bleeding are symptoms of malabsorption. Anemia can be a result of lack of vitamin B12, folate or iron. Insufficient vitamin K may cause excessive bleeding. Dermatitis and night blindness can indicate inadequate absorption of vitamin A. Cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, may be present due to inadequate levels of potassium and other electrolytes.
Pay attention to stools that are light in color, soft, bulky, and abnormally foul-smelling. These stools may also be difficult to flush or may stick to the sides of the toilet bowl. Notice if your belly swells or you have flatulence after eating certain foods. You may experience edema, a swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet caused by fluid retention. [7] X Research source
The child’s hair may become abnormally dry and they may lose more of it than normal. You may notice that the child is not growing or that their muscles are not developing. You may even notice that their muscles are getting weaker. [9] X Research source Pain in the child’s bones or muscles, or even neuropathy (numbness in the extremities), can be a sign of certain types of malabsorption.
Your doctor may be able to diagnose malabsorption based on a detailed patient history. Your doctor may also use a variety of tests to help diagnose malabsorption.
Tell your doctor about the symptoms you experience and how they feel. For example, if you’re experiencing bloating and cramping, use descriptive words like severe, dull, or strong. You can use these kinds of terms to describe many physical symptoms. Mention how long you’ve had your symptoms. The more specific date you can pinpoint, the easier it may be for your doctor to figure out what is causing your symptoms. Note how frequently you have or notice symptoms. This information can also help your doctor figure out what’s causing your symptoms. For example, you could say “I have flatulence and bulky stools every day,” or “I have edema in my feet occasionally. ” Let your doctor know about any changes in your life, such as increased stress. Provide your doctor a list of your medications, which may also exacerbate asthma.
The stool sample will be tested for excess fat since many malabsorption cases result in the poor absorption of fat. Your doctor may suggest ingesting excess fat over one to three days, and samples will be collected throughout this period of time. The sample may also be tested for bacteria and parasites.
Your doctor will likely look at your plasma viscosity, vitamin B12 levels, red cell folate levels, iron status, clotting abilities, calcium levels, antibodies, and serum magnesium levels.
X-rays and CT scans make images of the inside of your abdomen it easier for your doctor to identify not only if you have malabsorption, but also exactly where the problem area(s) of the condition are. This can help them better formulate a treatment plan. Your doctor may order an X-ray, which will require you to sit still while a technician makes images of your small bowel. This can help better see damage in this lower section of your Your doctor may order a CT scan, which will require you to lie inside of a large scanner for a few minutes. A CT scan can show how severe the damage is to your intestines and help assess the type of treatment needed. [14] X Research source An abdominal ultrasound might be used to diagnose problems with the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, intestinal wall, or lymph nodes. [15] X Research source You might be asked to drink a barium solution that will allow technicians to view structural abnormalities more clearly. [16] X Research source
During the test, you will be asked to breathe into a special collection container. You will then be instructed to drink a lactose, glucose, or other sugar solution. Additional samples of your breath will be collected at 30-minute intervals and checked for bacterial overgrowth and hydrogen. Abnormal levels of hydrogen indicate an abnormality.
The biopsy sample is usually taken during an endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Be aware that even with early treatment, it may take a while to heal your body from malabsorption.
Mild to moderate cases might be treated with oral supplements or a short dosage of nutrient-rich IV fluids. Your doctor may recommend a nutrient-dense diet for you to follow. The nutrients you’re currently lacking will likely be increased in this diet plan.
Infections and parasites can usually be eliminated with medication, which may cure the malabsorption completely. Celiac disease requires you to remove gluten from your diet. Malabsorption from lactose intolerance may require avoiding dairy products. Pancreatic insufficiency may require the long-term usage of oral enzymes. Vitamin deficiencies may require the long-term use of vitamin supplements. Some causes, like blockages and blind loop syndrome, can require surgical intervention.
