Causes:
Crohn's disease is the most common cause of SBS.
Other causes are surgical removal due to other diseases
or traumatic injury to the small bowel.
Symptoms
& Complications: Weight loss, malnutrition,
fatigue, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal bloating,
steatorrhea (fat in the stool), bacterial infections,
anemia, depression, gallstones, and kidney stones.
Treatments:
Because there is no direct treatment for SBS itself,
treatments are directed at relieving symptoms and
include special diets and means of providing nutrients
(e.g., intravenously); vitamin and mineral supplements;
and medications such as corticosteroids, antidiarrheals,
antacids, antimicrobials, pancreatic enzymes, and
antidepressants.
Introduction
The condition
referred to as Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) is a result of the
loss of a significant portion of the small bowel (small intestine)
due to disease or surgery. Because of the significant role
that the small bowel plays in nutrient absorption, SBS causes
malnourishment due to an inadequate absorption of nutrients
and fluids (malabsorption). Its symptoms include weight loss,
diarrhea, abdominal bloating, fatigue, and fat in the stool
(steatorrhea). The condition can have serious ramifications
for the quality of life of the people that suffer from it.
Information about SBS and its effects, along with knowledge
about treatments and coping mechanisms are extremely important
and can have a considerable impact on a person's ability to
adjust to the condition.
This website
has been designed to provide information and educational materials
to patients with SBS and their families. The internet is a
valuable tool for finding information on a vast array of subjects,
but it can also create confusion and promote misinformation
since there are no safeguards to prevent that from happening.
This website is intended to provide reliable, up-to-date,
and accurate information on SBS, its causes, effects and impacts.
By clicking on the links to the left you will find both basic
and more technical
information on normal gastrointestinal functioning and
the effects and ramifications of SBS in that process (Information/Education).
Also in this section is a glossary
of terms to help you in your understanding of the information
presented. The Living with
SBS section provides discussion of lifestyle issues, information
on insurance and traveling,and links to
organizations and groups
that might be useful as you continue your search for knowledge
and an understanding of SBS.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
Causes:
Crohn's disease is the most common cause of SBS.
Other causes are surgical removal due to other diseases
or traumatic injury to the small bowel.