Malabsorption is the inability of the intestines to absorb certain nutrients from foods. Malabsorption is often characterized by bloating and flatulence and can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. Common causes of malabsorption include food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, etc), an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO), and changes in the intestinal microflora. Other causes include a deficiency in digestive enzymes, inflammatory bowel disease, Celiac disease, and various intestinal infections (such as parasites and bacteria).
Symptoms of malabsorption include:
- Episodes of diarrhea
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Gaseousness
- Abdominal distension and pain
- General abdominal discomfort
- Weight loss
The following tests are used to diagnose malabsorption and to evaluate for possible complications it may cause:
- Clinical evaluation
- Laboratory Testing (stool tests, blood tests)
- Hydrogen breath tests: used to diagnose lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance and SIBO (bacterial overgrowth)
- Colonoscopy: A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the anus into the rectum and large intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; and a small sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken.
- Upper Endoscopy: A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed into the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; A small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken.
- Capsule endoscopy of the small intestine
