Short bowel syndrome

Overview

Many people need special nutrition, sometimes through an IV, while the bowel adapts.

Medicines can slow the gut and help absorption.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Diarrhea
• Losing weight without trying

Less common

• Weight loss
• Dehydration

When to get medical care

Causes

Surgery.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Follow nutrition plan
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Use oral rehydration drinks

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Often after bowel surgery as babies.
• Children with gut problems at birth: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

The bowel often adapts over 1 to 2 years.

Many adapt over time.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Am I a candidate for teduglutide?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Short bowel syndrome