Inflammation, disease, or injury can cause malabsorption, a condition in which the small intestines don't absorb enough nutrition.Malabsorption can be caused by many different diseases including cancer, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.If you identify the symptoms of malabsorption and get proper treatment, you can help treat and prevent the condition from recurring.
Step 1: Be aware of the risk factors for malabsorption.
Certain factors can increase your risk of having problems with malabsorption.Being aware of your risk can help you treat it effectively.You may be at risk for developing malabsorption if your body doesn't produce certain enzymes.Malabsorption can be caused by congenital and/or structural defects and diseases.Malabsorption can be caused by inflammation, infections and injury to your bicyle.The condition may be caused by the removal of portions of your intestine.Malabsorption can be caused by radiation therapy.Malabsorption can be put at greater risk by certain conditions and diseases.The risk of malabsorption can be increased by the use of certain antibiotics and drugs.If you have recently traveled to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, India, or other countries that face problems with parasites, you may have been exposed to one.
Step 2: Look at potential symptoms.
Depending on what your body has failed to absorb, malabsorption can range from mild to severe.Identifying potential symptoms can help you get treatment as soon as possible.Gastrointestinal issues are the most common symptoms.Excess fat in your stools can cause them to change in color and become more bulky.Weight loss is a common symptom.Weakness and fatigue may accompany malabsorption.Malabsorption is caused byemia or excess bleeding.Anemia can be caused by lack of vitamins.excessive bleeding can be caused by insufficientvitamin K.Dehydration and night blindness can be signs of inadequate absorption of vitamins A and C.
Step 3: Observe your body functions.
If you suspect you have malabsorption, watch your bodily functions closely.This can help you identify the symptoms more easily, as well as helping you diagnose the condition and get proper treatment in a timely manner.There are stools that are light in color, soft, and stinky.The stools may stick to the sides of the toilet bowl if they are difficult to flush.You should notice if your belly swells or if you have flatulence after eating certain foods.A swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet is caused by fluid retention.
Step 4: Pay attention to weakness in the structure.
Your body can suffer from malabsorption.This can happen in both adults and children.Children who are at risk are often smaller and lighter than children of the same age and sex.brittle bones and weak muscles can occur from the condition.Malabsorption can be diagnosed and treated by paying attention to changes in your bones, muscles, and hair.The child's hair may become dry and they may lose more of it than normal.The child is not growing or their muscles are not developing.You may be able to see that their muscles are getting weak.Pain in the child's bones or muscles can be a sign of malabsorption.
Step 5: You can see your doctor.
If you observe any of the signs or symptoms of malabsorption in yourself or your child, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.Early diagnosis can help treat the condition and prevent long-term damage in children.A detailed patient history can be used to diagnose malabsorption.A variety of tests may be used by your doctor.
Step 6: Tell your doctor what you have symptoms for.
Write down your symptoms before you see your doctor.This will help you better explain your symptoms and how you are feeling, as well as ensure that you don't forget important information.Tell your doctor about the symptoms you experience.Descriptive words such as severe, dull, or strong can be used if you are experiencing a problem.These kinds of terms can be used to describe physical symptoms.How long have you had your symptoms?It is easier for your doctor to figure out what is causing your symptoms if you have a specific date in mind.How often do you notice symptoms?Your doctor can use this information to figure out what is causing your symptoms.Let your doctor know about any changes in your life, such as increased stress, if you say that you have flatulence and bulky stools every day.Provide your doctor with a list of your medications.
Step 7: Get a diagnosis.
If your doctor suspects that you have malabsorption, they may order tests after conducting your physical exam, asking a series of questions about your symptoms and ruling out other causes.Malabsorption can be confirmed with these tests.
Step 8: A stool sample is needed.
If your doctors suspect malabsorption, you will need to provide a stool sample.This can help confirm the diagnosis and come up with an effective treatment plan.Many malabsorption cases result in the poor absorption of fat, so the stool sample will be tested for excess fat.Excess fat can be taken over a few days by your doctor, and samples will be collected throughout the period.The sample may be tested for parasites.
Step 9: Have your urine or blood tested.
If your doctor suspects malabsorption, they may order urine or blood tests.These tests can spot deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.Your doctor will look at your levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as your ability to clot.
Step 10: Prepare to have a test.
The extent of damage caused by malabsorption may be examined by your doctor.They may order you to get an X-ray or other procedure to see your body more closely.If you have malabsorption, it's easier for your doctor to identify the problem area in your abdomen with the help of X-rays andCT scans.They can use this to formulate a treatment plan.Your doctor may order an X-ray that requires you to sit still while a technician takes pictures of your small bowel.This can help you see the damage in the lower part of your body.You will have to lie inside of a large scanner for a few minutes if your doctor orders a CT Scan.It's possible to see how bad the damage is to your intestines with a CT Scan.It's possible to use an abdominal ultrasound to diagnose problems with the gallbladder.You might be asked to drink a solution that will allow technicians to see more clearly.
Step 11: Consider hydrogen breath tests.
A diagnostic breath hydrogen test is suggested by your doctor.This can help your doctor figure out a treatment plan for sugar-based malabsorption conditions.You will be asked to breathe into a container during the test.You will be told to drink a sugar solution.At 30-minute intervals, additional samples of your breath will be collected and checked for overgrowth and hydrogen.Abnormal levels of hydrogen are indicative of an abnormality.
Step 12: Cells can be collected from a biopsies.
If there is a potential problem with your bowel lining due to malabsorption, your doctor may order a biopsy of the intestinal lining for further analysis.The sample is usually taken during a procedure.
Step 13: Get the treatment you need.
Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor may prescribe a course of treatment.Taking vitamins is one of the options for severe cases.It may take a while for your body to heal from malabsorption.
Step 14: It is necessary to replace the nutrients that were lost.
If your doctor can show you which vitamins are not being absorbed by your body, they may prescribe you vitamins and fluids.It is possible to treat mild to moderate cases with oral supplements or IV fluids.Your doctor can give you a recommendation on a diet for you to follow.This diet plan will likely increase the amount of vitamins and minerals you have.
Step 15: You can treat the underlying condition with your doctor.
Malabsorption can be treated by healing underlying causes.The exact treatment you need will vary based on the underlying condition causing your malabsorption, so work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for your particular circumstancesMalabsorption can usually be cured with medication.You have to remove gluten from your diet.Malabsorption may require avoiding dairy products.Pancreatic insufficiency may require the use of oral enzymes for a long time.The long-term use of vitamins may be required.There are some causes that can require surgical intervention.