Symptoms of short bowel syndrome depend on how much of your child’s small intestine is missing or damaged. Since specific nutrients are absorbed in different parts of the small intestine, the location of the missing or damaged intestine also affects the symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Cramping
- Heartburn
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Foul-smelling stool
- Excessive gas
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Swelling in the legs
Diarrhea is the most common symptom of short bowel syndrome, and it can eventually lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Short bowel syndrome can also cause complications such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, kidney stones and ulcers. In addition, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can make symptoms worse.
