Short bowel syndrome happens when the small bowel (intestine) is too short. It can't fully absorb enough of the nutrients that kids need to grow, like water, protein, fat, and sugar. Food that isn’t fully absorbed stays in the intestine and can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, malnourishment, and other problems.
Children with short bowel syndrome often need to get to help them grow. This is nutrition given through a special IV into a vein.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of short bowel syndrome are:
Usually short bowel develops because of an emergency while a baby or child is in the hospital. Your doctor will talk with you about the diagnosis and treatment plan before sending your child home.
Children with short bowel syndrome will need regular follow-up medical care. During these visits, the doctor will ask questions, take a medical history, and do an exam.
The doctor might also order blood tests and imaging tests (X-rays or computerized tomography (CT).
How Is Short Bowel Syndrome Treated?
Treatment for short bowel syndrome depends on how severe the condition is. It will be different for every child, and could involve a combination of:
getting parenteral nutrition
eating a healthy diet, which may include avoiding some foods
getting food or formula through a feeding tube
taking medicines to help treat diarrhea
taking nutritional supplements
working with therapists
surgeries to help the intestines work better
referral to a medical center that does intestinal transplants
A specialized team cares for children with short bowel syndrome. Usually the team includes:
a doctor who specializes in digestive problems, called a pediatric gastroenterologist
a pediatric surgeon for any needed surgical procedures
a dietitian to help monitor the child’s growth and help provide nutrition
a social worker to help the family get the support they need
Be sure to take your child to all regular checkups. The doctor will talk with you about many things, including your child’s growth, diet, and overall development.