Short Bowel Syndrome is a rare and complex condition which means that the amount of functioning bowel available is not enough to suitably absorb nutrients.
This usually develops:
- After a significant portion of small bowel and /or colon is removed surgically, often resulting in a stoma being formed.
- Or if a portion of the bowel loses function due to inflammation or congenital condition
In either case, sufferers of short bowel syndrome often have a reduced ability to absorb much-needed nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. This can result in malabsorption and malnutrition.
This is a chronic condition for which there is no cure, although you can find out how to control your symptoms here. There are also certain steps you can take to manage your diet which we’ll cover in this article. People who have chronic digestive illnesses such as Crohn’s Disease are more likely to suffer from this condition as a result of multiple surgeries and prolonged inflammation so its important to know how to manage symptoms.
Short Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of short bowel syndrome are varied and will depend on the severity of the condition. The less functional bowel that you have available, the more symptoms you are likely to suffer from.
People with short bowel syndrome may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Kidney problems
- Weight loss
- Feeling generally unwell and fatigued
- Pale, greasy stools
- Low salt, which can impact heart health
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Dry, flaky skin
Many of these symptoms are a direct result of malnutrition and can be managed through careful diet management – you will be advised on how to manage short bowel syndrome as part of your treatment plan.
How is Short Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?
A diagnosis will be considered based on a patient’s previous history. If a patient has had several surgeries resulting in the removal of the small bowel or has chronic digestive disorders then short bowel syndrome will be considered.
A complete blood count will be taken to look for signs of malnutrition or nutrient deficiency and a CT scan and/ or MRI scan may be performed to check for signs of obstruction or ileus which could be causing the intestinal failure. Liver function tests may also be performed to check for signs of liver damage caused by lack of nutrition.
To find out about treatments for short bowel syndrome and how you can help control your condition, click here.
How is Short Bowel Syndrome Managed?
There are certain diet and lifestyle changes which can help how you absorb nutrients from foods you take on. The general advice is to slow down the movement of the bowel, reduce the secretions from the bowel (which helps break down food) and reduce the amount of non-concentrated fluids in this order. Often a combination of all three is required to improve symptoms of short bowel syndrome.
1 – Slow down the Bowel
There are medications available to achieve a slower bowel movement, in order to allow the nutrients more time to be absorbed. You’ll need to visit your GP or specialist clinician to obtain the right medication and dosage for you.
You may be advised to follow a diet that is low in fibre, and high in energy protein and salt in order to try to enable the bowel to absorb enough nutrients each day. It’s worth eating little and often and avoid high sugar content foods wherever possible.
2 – Reduce secretions from the bowel
This can be achieved with anti-acid medications, which work to reduce the acid in the stomach and slow down digestion. Other medications are available to reduce the secretions, these will depend on your symptoms and needs.
3 – Reduce non-concentrated fluids
The amount of fluids can be controlled in order to optimise absorption. Dioralyte or electrolyte drinks can be used to treat dehydration, but must also be paired with non-salty fluids unless directed otherwise.
Further Information
You can find out more about the specific treatments for short bowel syndrome in our article, which covers the medications and routes to treatment. We also cover surgical options should more conservative methods not be successful.
THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS A GUIDE ONLY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SPEAK TO YOUR GP OR A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ABOUT YOUR CONDITION.