Malabsorption Flashcards
What is malabsorption?
Defective mucosal absorption.
Digestive system does not have functions/enzymes to break down substances
Causes of malabsoption?
-Coeliac
-Lactose intolerance
-Crohn’s
-Post infective
-Chronic pancreatitis
-Biliary obstruction
-Liver cirrhosis
LESS COMMON=
Whipple’s disease, drugs, short bowel, PSC
Symptoms of malabsorption?
- Diarrhoea
- Wt loss
- Bloating
- Abdo pain
Signs of malabdorption?
- Anaemia
- Oedema
- Steatorrhea
- Bleeding disorders
- Neuropathy
Things to remember in a history for malabsorption?
Travel, drug, diet, PMH, SH
What happens in lactose intolerance?
Patient produces little or no lactase so they will not break down the lactose into glucose and galactose.
Undigested molecule will cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea and abdo pain
What happens in a lactose allergy?
Mediated by the immune system, commonly involving IgE antibodies. The pt will experience rashes, swelling, hives and wheezing
What is tropical sprue?
Digestive disease that affects SI’s ability to absorb nutrients, especially Vit B12 and folic acid
Is tropical sprue common?
NO rare
-It’s most prevalent in tropical areas
What is the pathophysiology?
Atrophy of villi of digestive wall leading to malabsorption
Symptoms of tropical sprue?
Fatigue, diarrhoea, anorexia
How to treat tropical sprue?
AB’s and supplements
What causes scurvy?
Vitamin C deficiency
Symptoms/signs of scurvy?
Gum disease, anorexia, weakness
Diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency?
Osteomalacia, rickets
