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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffBecause blind loop syndrome affects digestion and absorption of nutrients, signs and symptoms of the disorder often include:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fatty stools (steatorrhea) — frothy, foul-smelling stools indicating poor fat absorption
- Bloating
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
- Diarrhea
- Unintentional weight loss
When to see a doctor
Bloating, nausea and diarrhea are signs and symptoms of many intestinal problems, ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to stomach flu (gastroenteritis). For most people, they aren't an indication of blind loop syndrome. But see your doctor for a full evaluation — especially if you've had abdominal surgery — if you have:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rapid, unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal pain lasting more than a few days
If you have severe abdominal pain, get immediate medical care.
- Turnage RH, et al. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164856770-3/902155171/1565/469.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3675-3..50052-6--cesec137_2746. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Vanderhoof JA, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Bacterial overgrowth syndrome: Malabsorption syndromes. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec02/ch017/ch017b.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Vanderhoof JA, et al. Treatment of bacterial overgrowth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Kahn E, et al. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164856770-5/902188062/1389/733.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50104-9--cesec7_4663. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 21, 2009.
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