How to diagnose Malabsorbtion Syndrome

Malabsorption Syndrome is the inability of the body to absorb certain nutrients from food. The symptoms of Malabsorption Syndrome, including diarrhea, gas and bloating, mimic several other digestive disorders, so diagnosis can be difficult. It often takes a series of tests performed by a qualified doctor to diagnose.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment for a complete physical with your family doctor. The visit should include a complete medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will then determine any necessary lab or blood tests.

• 2

  When Malabsorption Syndrome is suspected, a 72-hour stool collection is one of the first test ordered. You will be given a clean container where all stool passed over a predetermined 72-hour period must be collected and returned to a medical lab for analysis. Increased fat in the stool is a sign of Malabsorption Syndrome. If increased fecal fat is found, additional tests may be ordered.

• 3

  If increased fat in the stool is noted, it may be necessary for your physician to schedule any number of imaging studies, such as a CT scan, an ultrasound, an x-ray or a barium enema. These tests will allow your physician to take note of any structural abnormalities.

• 4

  After your imaging studies have been read, you many need a small bowel biopsy to rule out other types of intestinal disease. A biopsy will usually be performed under general anesthesia in a surgery suite.