What is malabsorption?
Malabsorption concerns the inability to absorb nutrients and food vitamins. Many different conditions can affect digestion and absorption, including parasites, anatomical defects, irritable colon syndrome and pancreatic and liver disorders. Without the right levels of certain nutrients, one can experience serious gastrointestinal problems and weight loss. Before starting treatment, the doctor usually seeks to determine the basic cause. In most cases, malabsorption can be overcome by a structured diet plan, nutritional supplements and medical care for causal factors.
Most Malabsorption cases include a shortage in one or more of the key nutrients rather than a complete lack of nutrition. A person may not be able to spend certain sugars, vitamins or proteins for many different reasons. Many people have inherited disorders such as lactose or intolerance of fructose that affect the way their bodies metabolize important diet compounds. Stavs as pancreatitis, Crohn's disease and hepatitis can affect the waySome nutrients are absorbed and used in the body. In addition, tapeworms and parasites can rob an otherwise healthy person about the necessary minerals.
The most common physical symptom of malabsorption is frequent seizures of diarrhea. If the body is unable to process nutrients, most consumed food and fluids are rapidly excluded as waste. The light -colored stools that float in the toilet are a sign that fat is not cleaned properly. Abdominal pain, convulsions, nausea and weight loss are common with lack of chronic protein and vitamin.
The physician may usually diagnose malabsorption by careful review of the patient and medical symptoms. Blood, stool and urine samples are taken and analyzed to control abnormal levels of specific vitamins and proteins. Laboratory tests can also detect the presence of an apparatus or other infectious agent that could cause symptoms. DiagnosisThe imaging tests such as ultrasound and computer scanning of tomography are used to check the intestines and search for symptoms of physical abnormalities. After diagnosis of malabsorption and identifying the basic cause, the doctor can determine the best way to treat the condition.
patients suffering from malabsorption must usually meet clinical nutrition experts to learn about specific dietary recommendations. For example, there is a intolerant person with lactose about lactose -free milk alternatives that still supply calcium and vitamin D. Many patients receive oral supplements to replace the lack of certain vitamins or minerals in their systems. In addition, antibiotics, anti -inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressive drugs for control of specific health conditions may be prescribed. Most people who follow the orders of their doctors are able to recover within a few weeks.