What are the Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Symptoms of short bowel syndrome result when fluids and nutrients are not properly absorbed. These will vary from person to person. Symptoms often include:
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- pale greasy stools (steatorrhea)
- swelling of lower extremities (edema)
- foul smelling stools
- weight loss
- dehydration
- electrolyte losses
- malnutrition
Vitamin and mineral losses can lead to some symptoms. Depending on which vitamin or mineral is deficient, symptom examples include:
- visual disturbances
- excessive dryness of the eyes
- prickling or tingling feeling on the skin
- muscle spasms
- loss of coordination
- loss of bone mass
- easy bruising and/or prolonged bleeding
- lack of energy (lethargy)
- weakness
- difficulty breathing on exertion
What Causes of SBS
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is most often due to defects existing at birth (congenital), or surgical removal of part of the small bowel. There may not be enough functioning bowel or surface area left in the remaining bowel to absorb needed water and nutrients from food. Sometimes, loss of normal function may occur even when the bowel length is intact. Typically, a loss of half or more of the small bowel will result in SBS.
Other explanations include emergency situations related to injury or trauma, perforated bowel, or blocked or restricted blood flow to the bowel.
Diagnosing SBS
SBS can lead to malabsorption of nutrients in the body as well as difficulties maintaining hydration. Because the symptoms of SBS can vary from person to person, the diagnosis of this syndrome can also vary. It is important to discuss all symptoms being experienced with your healthcare provider. Any change from before surgery should be mentioned – even if not specifically mentioned in this fact sheet.
The diagnostic workup of SBS includes:
- A thorough physical exam including a review of the patient’s overall health status; and especially weight and hydration.
- Determining the functional status of the remaining small bowel and whether it is working with the colon.
- Blood tests to assess for nutrient deficiencies.
Risk Factors
Short bowel syndrome can occur in a person of any age. Risk factors for SBS include defects existing at birth and diseases of the small intestine that require extensive or recurrent surgery such as Crohn’s disease or gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, SBS can be caused by loss of function due to injury or disease in a normal length small intestine. Other explanations include emergency situations related to injury or trauma, perforated bowel, or blocked or restricted blood flow to the bowe cancers.
In addition SBS can be caused by loss of function due to injury or disease in a normal length small intestine.
Other explanations include emergency situations related to injury or trauma, perforated bowel, or blocked or restricted blood flow to the bowel.
Adapted from IFFGD publication #290 “What is Short Bowel Syndrome” and #293, “How is SBS Diagnosed? Contributors: Evelin Eichler RD LD, Clinical Dietitian, University Medical Center Texas Tech University; Richard McCallum MD, Professor of Medicine and Founding Chair and Chief of Gastroenterology, Texas Tech University; Harold J. Boutté Jr. MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Patient Perspective on living with SBS
Listen to Swapna Kakani discuss her experience as a patient living with short bowel syndrome
