Small Intestine Diseases

When food is chewed and swallowed, it goes down the esophagus (food tube) into the stomach, and then into the small intestine. It travels through the three parts of the small intestine—the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The muscles in the walls of the small bowel move the food along while it is digested and vitamins and minerals are absorbed.

Several problems can occur in the small intestine and affect how well it digests food.

Causes

• • In some cases, a problem with the small intestine might not cause any symptoms at all. Signs and symptoms will depend on which disorder is causing the problem, but there are some that may be more common across conditions.These can include:
    • Abdominal bloating
    • Abdominal pain or discomfort
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Gas
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting

Symptoms

In some cases, a problem with the small intestine might not cause any symptoms at all. Signs and symptoms will depend on which disorder is causing the problem, but there are some that may be more common across conditions.

These can include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting