These include:
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Fullness after a meal
Fatty stools (steatorrhea)
Unintentional weight loss
Generalised weaknessAs a result of the concomitant vitamin and mineral deficiencies that occur as a result of the malabsorption associated with BLS patients with advanced cases should be investigated for:
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folate deficiency
Iron deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency

Causes
Blind loop syndrome is a complication of surgical operations of the abdomen, as well as inflammatory bowel disease or scleroderma. Another cause is jejunoileal diverticula. Pathophysiology
The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine is prevented by various mechanical and chemical factors which include the constant peristaltic movement of contents along the length of the gastrointestinal tract and the antibacterial properties of gastric secretions, pancreatic secretions and bile.It follows that a disruption of any of these factors could lead to bacterial overgrowth and indeed BLS has been found to occur in persons with anatomical anomalies that result in stagnation. BLS has also been associated with achlorhydria, dysmotility, fistulae, and strictures. Chronic or high dose opioid therapy may contribute to BLS by reducing gastric motility.Due to the disruption of digestive processes by the overgrowth of intestinal bacteria; malabsorption of bile salts, fat and fat-soluble vitamins, protein and carbohydrates results in damage to the mucosal lining of the intestine by bacteria or via the production of toxic metabolites. Diagnosis
A physical examination may reveal a mass or distention of the abdomen.Tests which may be useful for diagnosis include:
Abdominal x-ray
Abdominal CT scan
Contrast enema study

Treatment
The treatment of BLS follows two basic principles.
Tredree
The Mottled Lizard, a 1962 memoir of Kenya by Elspeth Huxley
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, referenced by Wesley (Agent One) near the beginning of the game

See also
Malarial nephropathy


== References ==