HGH Treatment for Growth Problems Caused by Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome forms when a portion of the short bowel is missing or does not function correctly. Sometimes, the short bowel does not form in the womb; sometimes, it is removed with surgery. Usually, short bowel syndrome occurs when 75% or more of the intestinal track is either missing or not functioning.
Symptoms of short bowel syndrome include diarrhea, improper weight gain, fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting. Adults with untreated short bowel syndrome will lose weight and muscle mass. They have vitamin deficiencies and often have kidney or gallstones due to the body's poor absorption of vitamins and minerals. To an extreme extent, if untreated, short bowel syndrome can cause liver disease.
Short bowel syndrome can be diagnosed with blood tests, stool samples, or breath hydrogen tests in order to determine if your body is absorbing and producing normal levels of nutrients. Additionally, it can be diagnosed with abdominal x-rays and ultrasounds, or an endoscopy or colonoscopy.
There are several forms of treatment for short bowel syndrome. First, you are put on a special diet of pre-digested foods. Foods that do not require digestion allow your body to absorb the necessary nutrients. Second, you will be put on a waiting list for a short bowel transplant. A transplant will allow your body to return to normal functioning.
Another common treatment for weight and muscle loss in patients with short bowel syndrome is human growth hormone. Human growth hormone promotes an increase in muscle mass. While adults with short bowel syndrome take HGH, they may be able to retain a healthy weight level and muscle density.
