519-685-8177What is short bowel syndrome?
Short bowel syndrome occurs when the small intestine or bowel is not working properly or is not present. This can occur because your child’s:
- small intestine (bowel) was surgically removed
- was born with an abnormal intestine
- has poor motility or movement inside the intestine
Children with short bowel syndrome have difficulty absorbing enough water, vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, calories and other nutrients from food.
What are the symptoms of short bowel syndrome?
The symptoms of short bowel syndrome include:
- poor weight gain or weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- bloating
- poor appetite
- increased gas, foul smelling stools
- Fatigue and paleness
What causes short bowel syndrome?
The causes of short bowel syndrome include:
- Surgery to remove part of the small intestine due to birth defects, injuries or intestinal diseases
- Some children are born with a short small intestine or with part of their intestine missing
How is short bowel syndrome diagnosed?
REMINDER: This information is intended to provide general information and should not be used to base a diagnosis or treatment. Please consult the doctors about your specific condition and the approach for treatment.
