What causes Small Intestinal Diseases?
The causes vary depending on the specific condition but can include:
- Autoimmune reactions – as in celiac disease, where the immune system attacks the small intestine in response to gluten.
- Chronic inflammation – Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract but most commonly the small intestine
- Infections – bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that inflame or damage the intestinal lining.
- Obstructions – due to scar tissue (adhesions), hernias, tumors, or twisted intestines.
- Overgrowth of bacteria – as in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where excess bacteria disrupt digestion and absorption.
- Medications – such as NSAIDs or chemotherapy drugs that irritate the intestinal lining.
- Cancer or benign growths – that block or invade the small intestine.
- Vascular problems – like mesenteric ischemia, where reduced blood flow damages the small intestine.
What are the risk factors?
You may be more likely to develop small intestinal disease if you:
- Have a family history of celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or IBD
- Have autoimmune conditions
- Take long-term NSAIDs or chemotherapy
- Have a history of abdominal surgery or radiation
- Have poor diet or low fiber intake
- Are older, which increases risk for obstructions or tumors
- Have weakened immunity due to illness or medications
