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Small Intestine Conditions
Celiac Sprue Disease
Also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy, this a condition that causes damage to the small intestine when
foods containing gluten are eaten. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune
system acts inappropriately and forms antibodies to gluten which attack and damage the lining of the small intestine.
This injury prevents proper absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Symptoms of celiac disease include
bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Malabsorption can result in weak bones, anemia, and
malnutrition. The disease is treated by eliminating all gluten containing foods (wheat, rye, barley and oats) from the
diet.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive
tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and even malnutrition.
Small Bowel Obstruction
A blockage of the small intestine. It prevents food, fluid and gas from passing normally through the digestive
tract. Symptoms of small bowel obstruction include cramping abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal
bloating and distension, and inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. Possible causes of bowel obstruction
include scar tissue from previous surgery (adhesions), hernias, tumors, radiation therapy, and Crohn's disease. Initial
treatment typically includes hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and medications to relieve pain and nausea. A thin
plastic tube may be passed through the nose into the stomach (NG tube) to remove fluid and gas trapped above the
obstruction. If these measures are not effective surgery may be necessary to relieve the obstruction.
Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome
This condition is associated with an increased number and/or type of bacteria in the upper gastrointestinal
tract. Affected patients may have one or more symptoms including bloating, abdominal discomfort, watery diarrhea
and weight loss. Damage to the small intestine may occur and interfere with absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth may result from structural abnormalities such as diverticula (outpouchings), or
strictures (narrowing), abnormal motility, or motor function from diseases such as diabetes, scleroderma, Crohn's
Disease, or from prior gastrointestinal surgery. Treatment includes eliminating any condition which may predispose
the patient to bacterial overgrowth and antibiotics to reduce the number of bacteria.
Duodenal Ulcer
These ulcers are open sores on the lining of the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Patients
with an ulcer often complain of a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating. Other
symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or bleeding from vomiting, or passing black or bloody stools. Duodenal
ulcers most commonly occur in patients taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or in people infected with
a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Duodenal ulcers may be complicated by bleeding, perforation (a hole
through the wall of the intestine), or stricture formation (a narrowing). Duodenal ulcers are easily treated by
medications which reduce acid production. Patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection should also receive