In health, BAM stands for Bile Acid Malabsorption. It is a gastrointestinal disease that commonly leads to chronic diarrhea.
Understanding Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM)
Bile acids are essential substances produced by the liver that help in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Normally, after they have served their purpose, these bile acids are reabsorbed in the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and returned to the liver for reuse.
How BAM Develops
With Bile Acid Malabsorption, this reabsorption process is disrupted. When bile acids are not properly absorbed in the intestines, they build up in the digestive system. This accumulation upsets the delicate chemical balance within the intestines. The excess bile acids then travel into the colon, where they act as irritants, triggering the colon to secrete extra water. This increased water secretion is what leads to the characteristic watery stools associated with chronic diarrhea in individuals with BAM.
Key Characteristics of BAM
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Full Name | Bile Acid Malabsorption |
Nature | A gastrointestinal disease |
Primary Symptom | Chronic diarrhea, often watery in nature |
Underlying Mechanism | Impaired reabsorption of bile acids in the intestines, leading to their buildup and subsequent irritation of the colon, which triggers excessive water secretion. |
BAM is a significant cause of ongoing digestive discomfort and can greatly impact quality of life due to persistent diarrhea.