Overview

A healthy digestive system is equal to a healthy body and mind. An individual suffering from digestive issues faces multiple other health problems. The affected individual is unable to have emotional satisfaction as well. The health of organs involved in the digestive system is also essential. The small intestine is among the major players in the digestive system.

It absorbs food nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, water, and many more. The body uses the elements to get energy to perform multiple activities. If the small intestine cannot perform this function, it may hamper the overall digestive system, making the affected feel weak and uneasy.

What is short bowel syndrome?

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition characterised by a significant reduction in the functional length of the small intestine, leading to impaired absorption of nutrients and fluids. It typically occurs after the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine or due to certain diseases or conditions that affect its function. The medical condition can happen due to a smaller intestine by birth or damage caused to the intestine during a surgical procedure. It makes the small intestine incapable of absorbing nutrients leading to a weak digestive system. Medical professionals can prepare specific diets to cure the disease to avoid issues such as malfunction caused due to the disease.

Causes of Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) can have various causes, and the most common one is surgical removal of a significant portion of the small intestine. Other causes and risk factors include:

- Smaller Intestine by Birth- Sometimes, an individual is born with a smaller intestine. If a baby is born without a large intestine or a stomach, the conditions are manageable, but a human without a small intestine can be fatal. The affected person is not able to absorb nutrients from the food consumed. Hence, under such situations, the nutrients are directly given in the bloodstream through IV liquids.
- Damaged Small Intestine- A small intestine can be damaged due to injury caused to the organ during a surgical procedure. It can also be damaged due to the removal of the damaged part of the organ, making it small in size. The operated individual cannot digest food consumed and may face relatable issues such as malnutrition.
- Crohn's Disease is a medical scenario in which the affected individual's intestinal walls are damaged, making it difficult for the small intestine to support the digestive system. The disease can also damage and cause scars on the bowel of the digestive system. The medical condition can be healed with the help of surgery, which removes damaged parts and makes the intestine smaller.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)- Severe cases of IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can lead to extensive bowel resection, potentially resulting in SBS.
- Conditions affecting intestinal motility- Disorders that affect the movement and function of the intestines, such as pseudo-obstruction syndrome or intestinal dysmotility, can contribute to SBS.
- Intestinal Atresia is a medical disorder that occurs when a small part of the small intestine is damaged along with a damaged cord connecting the stomach and large intestine. It also hampers the digestive process making the situation severe for the patient if not treated on time.

Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome

Mentioned below are some of the short bowel syndrome symptoms that help to identify the disease in the initial stages:

- Diarrhoea- One of the prime symptoms of issues with the small intestine is diarrhoea. It can also accompany stomach aches, weight loss, weakness, and lack of appetite. Lack of electrolytes, required nutrients, and water leads to improper digestion, weakening the internal system. In such situations, getting the condition checked by a medical professional helps get the proper treatment on time.
- Weight Loss- Sudden weight loss is another symptom of the disease. The affected patient lacks nutrients, electrolytes, and water, resulting in weight loss and weakness. The inability of the patient to digest food also makes one feel a lack of appetite most of the day, leading to losing weight.
- Malabsorption- The reduced functional length of the small intestine can result in poor absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition. This can cause weight loss, muscle wasting, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
- Foul-smelling Stools- Foul-smelling stools also indicate improper small intestine functioning. It happens due to indigestion, diarrhoea, and other digestive disorders. The stools might also be greasy, smelly, and pale. A lab test can help identify the issue and determine the proper medications and treatment.
- Steatorrhea- Malabsorption of fats can result in oily, foul-smelling stools that are difficult to flush.
- Malnutrition- The affected patient lacks the essential nutrition for a healthy body. Hence, health conditions such as weakness and malnutrition can be observed. It acts as a disturbance in performing routine activities.

Treatment Options for Short Bowel Syndrome

Mentioned below are some of the treatment options that can help to lower the damages caused by the disease:

- Nutritional Diet- A nutritional short bowel syndrome diet helps to lower the damage. The curated diet allows the body to get the required nutrition and avoid negative symptoms such as weight loss, malnutrition, lack of appetite, or weakness. The diet also helps to resolve issues with digestion and passage of stools.
- Medications- Doctors may suggest certain medications to control health issues such as irritable bowels and improper digestion. The medications also balance the stomach acid and lower diarrhoea. These are also helpful in allowing the intestine to absorb nutrients from food.
- Parenteral nutrition (PN)- In severe cases of SBS, where oral or enteral feeding alone is insufficient, PN may be necessary. This involves receiving nutrients intravenously to bypass the digestive system and provide nutrition directly into the bloodstream.
- Surgery- If non-surgical methods cannot treat the disease's symptoms, surgery is the last resort. The surgery's main aim is to slow digestion, allowing the intestine to absorb the most nutrients. The surgery also aids in small bowel transplantation.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Short bowel syndrome is a disease affecting the small intestine and obstructing the smooth digestive system. The affected individual has a decreased size of the small intestine. The condition can be treated with the help of medications, a curated diet, and surgery.

FAQs

Q. What is short bowel syndrome? A. The medical condition leads to the decreased size of the small intestine due to surgical procedures for congenital disabilities.

Q. What are the symptoms of the intestinal issue? A. Diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, and foul-smelling stools are some of the symptoms of the disease.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/understanding-your-risk-for-gastrointestinal-diseases-and-conditions/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/short-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355091
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome#causes