Malabsorption

Question 1

What is malabsorption?

Answer 1

A clinical syndrome characterised by impaired absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the GI tract.

Malabsorption can lead to various health issues due to nutrient deficiencies.

Question 2

What are the disorders that can lead to malabsorption?

Answer 2

Various disorders including:
* Mucosa affected (e.g., coeliac disease)
* Disrupted digestion (e.g., pancreatic insufficiency)

Each disorder affects nutrient absorption differently.

Question 3

What are the common symptoms of malabsorption?

Answer 3

Common symptoms include:
* Chronic diarrhoea
* Weight loss
* Nutritional deficiencies
* Steatorrhoea (if fat malabsorption)

Symptoms vary based on the underlying cause of malabsorption.

Question 4

What condition is associated with mucosal damage leading to malabsorption?

Answer 4

Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Question 5

What is pancreatic insufficiency?

Answer 5

A condition that leads to disrupted digestion, contributing to malabsorption.

It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes.