Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy Quiz
Check your symptoms and
find possible causes with AI for free
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Diarrhea
My stool has an oily or greasy appearance
Abdominal discomfort
Have wheezing
Diarrhea decreases with lactose-free milk
Fatigued
My poop smells like chemicals
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy?
A condition where the intestines can't absorb or reabsorb protein well, leading to low blood protein levels. This causes symptoms like water retention in the legs, lungs, and abdomen.
Typical Symptoms of Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
- Greasy stools that float, associated with problems with digestion
- Fever that started after cold or stomach symptoms
- Swelling in any body part
- Stool smells sour
- Diarrhea that improved with lactose-free milk
- Mucous in stool
- Diarrhea or loose stools
Diagnostic Questions for Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you experience wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing?
- Are your stools greasy and smelly?
- Did your fever start after having cold or stomach symptoms?
- Is there swelling in any body part?
- Do your stools smell sour?
Treatment of Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy
This is treated by addressing the cause, such as heart failure or bowel inflammation. Meanwhile, dietary changes (more protein, less fat) may help.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Think you might have
Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy?
Try a symptom check testHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Whistling when I breathe
- Respiratory wheeze
- Loud breathing
- Swelling
- Stridor
- Swollen feet
- Swelling face
- Left leg swelling
- Puffy eyes
- Swelling in the arm
- Face is swollen
- Swollen tongue
- Fluid retention in the hands that leaves a dent when pressed
- Edema
- Swelling in the legs
See full list
Symptoms Related to Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy
Diseases Related to Malabsorption Syndrome / Protein Losing Gastroenteropathy
FAQs
Q.
Is It Just IBS? Why It’s EPI & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
If your IBS diagnosis does not explain greasy or floating stools, unintended weight loss, or vitamin deficiencies, consider EPI, a pancreatic enzyme deficiency that causes malabsorption and needs different treatment. There are several factors to consider; see below for the specific red flags that favor EPI over IBS and why timely testing matters. Medically approved next steps include asking your clinician about fecal elastase testing and nutrient labs, and starting prescription pancreatic enzyme replacement if confirmed, with underlying causes addressed; see below for full testing, treatment, and urgent care details.
References:
* Müller, S. P., et al. (2021). Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *Digestive Diseases and Sciences*, *66*(7), 2160–2169.
* Domínguez-Muñoz, J. E. (2017). Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: an update on diagnosis and management. *World Journal of Gastroenterology*, *23*(34), 6210–6218.
* Keller, J., & Layer, P. (2019). Diagnosis and Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Practical Update. *Current Gastroenterology Reports*, *21*(9), 45.
* Stevens, T., et al. (2021). Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy: Updated Recommendations. *Current Gastroenterology Reports*, *23*(10), 20.
* Akkermans, L. M. A., et al. (2019). Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms and its potential link with functional dyspepsia (FD). *United European Gastroenterology Journal*, *7*(8), 1018–1026.
Q.
Is protein in eggs enough? Why your body stalls + Medical next steps
A.
Egg protein is high quality and complete, but for most people eggs alone are not enough to meet daily needs or support muscle if total protein, calories, and per-meal amounts are inadequate; stalls can also come from age-related muscle loss, malabsorption, thyroid or kidney disease, and other issues. There are several factors to consider, and understanding them can change your plan. Next steps include tracking intake, getting basic labs like albumin and thyroid tests, and talking to a clinician about persistent fatigue, weakness, swelling, weight loss, or digestive symptoms; many more crucial details, targets, examples, and warning signs are explained below.
References:
* Phillips SM, Chevalier S, Leidy HJ. Protein "requirements" beyond the RDA: implications for optimizing health. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 May;41(5):565-72. PMID: 27039023.
* Morton RW, Murphy KT, McKellar SR, et al. Dietary Protein Intake and Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Sports Med. 2018 Mar;48(2):473-490. PMID: 28698222.
* Paddon-Jones D, Rasmussen BB. Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Jan;12(1):86-90. PMID: 19050404.
* Layman DK, Evans E, Baum JI, Seyler J, Erickson D, Boileau RA. Dietary protein and exercise have additive effects on body composition during weight loss: a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr. 2005 Oct;135(10):1903-10. PMID: 16177199.
* Gorissen SHM, Witard OC. Protein content and amino acid composition of common foods and their effect on muscle protein synthesis. Eur J Sport Sci. 2018 May;18(5):609-614. PMID: 29089025.
Q.
Parasites? Why Your Gut Is Struggling & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Parasites can be a real cause of diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, and even malabsorption, but they are far less common than many think and should be confirmed with stool-based testing rather than symptoms alone. Medically approved next steps are to track symptoms and exposures, avoid unproven cleanses, and see a clinician for stool O&P, antigen or PCR testing and the right prescription treatment if needed, seeking urgent care for red flags like blood in stool, high fever, severe pain, dehydration, or significant weight loss; there are several factors to consider, so see below for complete guidance that could change which next steps are right for you.
References:
* D'Angelo C, Mele L, Calcinotto D, Di Michele A, Virdis G, Sferra R, Mancinelli R, D'Amato L. Intestinal parasite infections and the gut microbiome: a systematic review. Microorganisms. 2020 Jan 29;8(2):189. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8020189. PMID: 32014459; PMCID: PMC7073286.
* Ryan ET, Leder K. Diagnosis and management of common intestinal parasitic infections. BMJ. 2017 Sep 11;358:j2954. doi: 10.1136/bmj.j2954. PMID: 28892147.
* Wintringer J, Joffin JM, Delerce J, Dumenil G. The Role of Human Intestinal Parasites in Shaping the Gut Microbiome and Immune System. Cells. 2022 Aug 9;11(15):2440. doi: 10.3390/cells11152440. PMID: 35957675; PMCID: PMC9367375.
* Loo E, Sio YY, Tye GJ, Lee PY, Lim YAL, Wong SY, Tan KKS, Hassan M. Parasitic diseases and human gut microbiota: an update. Gut Microbes. 2020 Jan 1;11(1):15-32. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2019.1673857. Epub 2020 Mar 17. PMID: 32183210; PMCID: PMC7080824.
* Palanisamy K, Kumar S, Arumugam R, Thangaraj K, Narayanasamy A, Jeyaraj S, Jayaswamy V, Ramanathan T, Muthuraja R. Current and future treatment of gastrointestinal parasitic infections: A comprehensive review. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2022 May 26;13(3):18-36. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v13.i3.18. PMID: 35799307; PMCID: PMC9187321.
Q.
Always Hungry? Why Your Body is Starving for Protein & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent hunger often points to inadequate protein or poor absorption; aim for about 1.0 to 1.2 g per kg daily and include 20 to 30 g at each meal to steady appetite and energy. There are several factors to consider, and the full breakdown is below. Medically approved next steps include raising protein evenly across meals and snacks, pairing it with fiber, and adding strength training, while seeking prompt care for red flags like unintended weight loss, chronic diarrhea, swelling, or severe fatigue, and talking to a clinician first if you have kidney disease. For specific food ideas, personalized ranges, and when to use a symptom checker or see your doctor, see below.
References:
* Simmonds, S. J., Raubenheimer, D., & Simpson, S. J. (2022). The Protein Leverage Hypothesis: Dietary protein intake and human health. *Annual Review of Nutrition*, *42*, 269–292.
* Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, R. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Mattes, R. D., & Paddon-Jones, D. (2020). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, *112*(4), 1139–1149.
* Moon, J., & Koh, G. (2017). The impact of protein on satiety, appetite control, and weight loss. *Obesity Reviews*, *18*(9), 984–998.
* Paddon-Jones, D., Leidy, H., & Campbell, B. (2014). Protein and satiety: new insights into the mechanism of action and practical applications. *Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care*, *17*(4), 369–373.
* Bauer, J., Biolo, G., Cederholm, T., Cesari, M., Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Cuesta, F. C., ... & Working Group on Sarcopenia and Cachexia in Chronic Illness. (2020). Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia. *Journal of the American Medical Directors Association*, *21*(3), 304–308.
Q.
Internal Storm? Why Your Body Attacks Every Bite: Celiac Disease Next Steps
A.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten provokes immune damage to the small intestine; if you suspect it, keep eating gluten for accurate testing, get celiac blood tests such as tTG-IgA, and confirm with biopsy when advised. The only proven treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet with vigilant avoidance of hidden gluten and cross-contamination to allow healing and prevent complications. There are several factors to consider, from non-digestive symptoms and nutrient deficiencies to healing timelines and when to seek urgent care; see below for detailed steps, practical food safety tips, and guidance that could change your next moves.
References:
* Lebwohl, B., Sanders, D. S., & Green, P. H. (2018). Coeliac disease. *The Lancet*, *391*(10139), 2525-2538.
* Ludvigsson, J. F., & Sollid, L. M. (2018). Celiac disease. *Nature Reviews Disease Primers*, *4*(1), 1-18.
* Rubio-Tapia, A., & Murray, J. A. (2019). Celiac Disease. *Annals of Internal Medicine*, *171*(1), ITC1-ITC16.
* Singh, P., Arora, A., & Sharma, P. (2020). Long-term complications of celiac disease. *Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology*, *13*, 611–623.
* Ciacci, C., Iovino, P., Cirillo, M., De Palma, G. D., D'Angelo, S., & Pica, L. (2020). Emerging treatments for celiac disease. *Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs*, *29*(12), 1431-1440.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Ozen, A., & Lenardo, M. J. (2023). Protein-losing enteropathy. New England Journal of Medicine.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2301594Levitt, D. G., & Levitt, M. D. (2017). Protein losing enteropathy: comprehensive review of the mechanistic association with clinical and subclinical disease states. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2147/CEG.S136803Elli, L., Topa, M., & Rimondi, A. (2020). Protein-losing enteropathy. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology.
https://journals.lww.com/co-gastroenterology/fulltext/2020/05000/Protein_losing_enteropathy.15.aspx?context=FeaturedArticles&collectionId=2