Malabsorption refers to a group of disorders that affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. The pathophysiology of malabsorption can be due to a variety of mechanisms that can affect different parts of the digestive system. Some of the common mechanisms involved in malabsorption include:
1、Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities such as inflammation, obstruction, or surgical removal of a portion of the intestine can affect the absorptive capacity of the gut.
2、Enzymatic deficiencies: Enzymatic deficiencies, such as lactase deficiency, can cause malabsorption of specific nutrients, such as lactose or fat.
3、Impaired bile flow: Impaired bile flow due to liver disease or gallbladder dysfunction can lead to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other fats.
4、Reduced surface area: Reduced surface area due to diseases like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or Whipple's disease, can cause malabsorption of nutrients by reducing the surface area available for absorption
5、Motility disorders: Motility disorders like gastroparesis or intestinal dysmotility can affect the transit time of food through the gut, reducing the time available for nutrient absorption.
6、Microbial overgrowth: Microbial overgrowth in the small intestine can interfere with nutrient absorption by competing for nutrients or altering the gut environment.
7、Mucosal damage: Mucosal damage due to infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or radiation therapy can impair the absorptive capacity of the gut.
In summary, malabsorption can occur due to a variety of mechanisms that can affect different parts of the digestive system, ultimately leading to a reduction in nutrient absorption.
Some common signs and symptoms of malabsorption syndromes include:
1、Diarrhea: Chronic or frequent diarrhea is a common symptom of malabsorption. The stool may be bulky, greasy, and have a foul odor.
2、Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur due to malabsorption of nutrients.
3、Abdominal bloating and discomfort: Malabsorption can cause abdominal bloating, discomfort, and cramping.
4、Nutritional deficiencies: Malabsorption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause a range of symptoms, such as anemia, bone pain, muscle weakness, and neurological symptoms.
5、Fatigue: Malabsorption can cause fatigue due to a lack of energy and nutrients.
6、Skin rash: A skin rash, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, can be a sign of malabsorption associated with celiac disease.
7、Vitamin deficiencies: Malabsorption can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which can cause specific symptoms, such as night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency or bleeding gums due to vitamin C deficiency.
8、Foul-smelling gas: Foul-smelling gas may be a sign of malabsorption of carbohydrates.
9、Delayed growth and development: Children with malabsorption may experience delayed growth and development due to the lack of nutrients needed for growth.
drugs for treatment
1、Pancreatic enzyme supplements: Pancreatic enzyme supplements are used to replace digestive enzymes in people with pancreatic insufficiency, which can help improve nutrient absorption.
2、Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, which can improve nutrient absorption.
3、Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, which can cause malabsorption.
4、Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine or methotrexate（甲氨嘌呤）, can be used to treat autoimmune conditions that can cause malabsorption.
5、Antidiarrheal medications: Antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide（罗哌丁胺）, can be used to manage diarrhea associated with malabsorption.
6、Vitamin and mineral supplements: Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary to correct nutritional deficiencies associated with malabsorption.
