ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Malabsorption

Malabsorption

Causes and Risks:
Malabsorption can be the result of a broad spectrum of diseases. Typically, malabsorption can be the failure to absorb specific sugars , fats , proteins , or other nutrients (such as vitamins ) or it can include a general nonspecific malabsorption. Diarrhea , bloating or cramping, failure to thrive , frequent bulky stools, muscle wasting , and a distended abdomen may accompany malabsorption.

Malabsorption can affect growth and development or can lead to specific illnesses. Some of the causes of malabsorption include:

cystic fibrosis (the number one cause in the U.S.)
lactose intolerance
celiac disease (gluten-induced-enteropathy, sprue )
bovine lactalbumin intolerance (cow's milk protein )
soy milk protein intolerance
acrodermatitis enteropathica
biliary atresia
abetalipoproteinemia
vitamin B-12 malabsorption
- Diphyllobothrium latum infestation
- juvenile pernicious anemia
parasites
- Giardia lamblia
- Strongyloides stercoralis ( threadworm )
- Necator americanus ( hookworm )

Prevention:
See the individual conditions.

Symptoms:

specific food avoidance
chronic diarrhea
bloating and flatulence (gas)
growth failure

Signs and Tests:
See the individual conditions.

Treatment:
See the individual conditions.

Prognosis:
See the individual conditions.

Complications:
Prolonged malabsorption can result in malnutrition .

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call to make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of malabsorption.

This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.