The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is part of the digestive tract.
This organ connects the stomach and the large intestine and is the longest part of thedigestive system.
A number of conditions can interfere with digestion and affect the small intestine.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea may occur as symptoms of these disorders.
As food being digested travels through it, the small intestine absorbs vitamins and minerals.
It travels through the three parts of the small intestinetheduodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Several problems can occur in the small intestine and affect how well it digests food.
Crohns Disease
Crohnsdisease is one form ofinflammatory bowel disease(IBD).
It can affect the small intestine as well as the rest of the digestive tract.
It causesinflammationin the lining of the walls of the gut.
This can lead to ulcers.
You may also experience whole-body symptoms like fever and fatigue.
Celiac Disease
Celiacdisease is anautoimmune disease.
When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body.
Celiac disease affects the small intestine.
The lining of the small bowel is covered invilli, which are like little fingers.
The villi absorb nutrients from food.
This leaves the small intestine less able to absorb vitamins and minerals from food.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a common condition that can affect the intestines.
Obstruction
A small intestineobstructionor blockage means that there is something blocking food from going through.
This can happen as a result of another condition, such as Crohns disease.
Symptoms of obstruction include:
A bowel obstruction can be an emergency.
Blockages might be treated with medication and fluids in the hospital.
In serious cases,surgerymight be needed.
The bacteria can get out of balance and overgrow.
SIBO can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
It might be associated with other conditions such as IBS, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions.
How Are Small Intestine Problems Diagnosed?
When problems in the small intestine start, the signs and symptoms might not seem related to digestion.
The treatment for small bowel conditions will be different based on whats causing them.
The treatment for celiac disease isavoiding gluten.
ForCrohns disease, treatment requires lifestyle changes as well as medications.
In some cases, such as when the bowel becomes narrowed, surgery might be needed.
Lifestyle changes are also necessary forIBS treatmentalong withdiet adjustmentsand medications.
People with IBS may also work towards controlling symptoms by identifying what environmental triggers may set them off.
SIBO may be treatedwith antibiotics to curtail the growth of the bacteria.
Other treatments could include getting any associated conditions under control, as well as nutritional support.
In some cases, surgery to remove the blocked section of the small intestine might be needed.
Summary
Diseases and disorders of the small intestine are common.
They include Crohns disease, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and irritable bowel syndrome.
They may also lead to vitamin deficiencies or anemia.
Diagnosis of these conditions may take time and a variety of imaging tests.
Treatment may involve making changes to lifestyle, especially to diet.
For some conditions, medications and surgery might also be used to manage the signs and symptoms.
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