Bowel dysfunction is an upsetting and embarrassing problem for many patients. The small bowel is the part of the gut that absorbs nutrients from food. Lack of muscle tone leads to stagnation of food, bacterial overgrowth, diarrhoea which in severe cases can mean malabsorption of vital nutrients, weight loss and blood and bone changes. Specialist advice is important and treatment is with motility drugs and/or cyclical antibiotics. High calorie drinks are available to help with weight loss and in very severe cases of bowel dysfunction feeding via a small tube placed directly into the stomach may be necessary.
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