-
DE
K90.9 – Intestinal Malabsorption Unspecified
K90.9 is the ICD-10 code for intestinal malabsorption, unspecified. It describes impaired nutrient absorption in the small intestine, which can lead to deficiencies and a range of symptoms.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "K90.9"
K90.9 is the ICD-10 code for intestinal malabsorption, unspecified. It describes impaired nutrient absorption in the small intestine, which can lead to deficiencies and a range of symptoms.
What is K90.9?
The ICD-10 code K90.9 stands for intestinal malabsorption, unspecified. This diagnostic code is used when a patient suffers from impaired nutrient absorption in the intestine that cannot be assigned to a more specific category. Malabsorption means that the small intestine is unable to adequately absorb essential nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals from food.
Causes
Intestinal malabsorption can have many different underlying causes. Common conditions that can lead to malabsorption include:
- Coeliac disease: An intolerance to gluten that damages the intestinal lining.
- Crohn's disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that reduces the production of digestive enzymes.
- Short bowel syndrome: Insufficient functional intestinal surface following surgery.
- Lactase deficiency: Absence of the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): Excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine.
- Tropical sprue: An infection-related malabsorption disorder occurring in tropical regions.
Symptoms
Symptoms of intestinal malabsorption can vary considerably depending on the severity and the nutrients affected. Typical symptoms include:
- Chronic diarrhoea or steatorrhoea (fatty, foul-smelling stools)
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Signs of nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia, bone loss (osteoporosis), vitamin D deficiency, or zinc deficiency
- Oedema due to protein deficiency
Diagnosis
Diagnosing intestinal malabsorption requires careful investigation. Typical diagnostic measures include:
- Blood tests: Measurement of vitamins, minerals, albumin, complete blood count, and inflammatory markers.
- Stool tests: Detection of elevated fat content in stools (steatorrhoea).
- Breath tests: For example, lactose breath test or hydrogen breath test to detect bacterial overgrowth.
- Endoscopy with biopsy: Examination of the small intestine and tissue sampling to evaluate the intestinal lining.
- Imaging: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan of the abdomen to detect intestinal abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment primarily targets the underlying cause. General treatment approaches include:
- Dietary adjustments: For example, a gluten-free diet for coeliac disease or a low-lactose diet for lactase deficiency.
- Enzyme supplements: Replacement of missing digestive enzymes, e.g. pancreatic enzymes for pancreatic insufficiency.
- Nutrient supplementation: Targeted supplementation of vitamins and minerals (e.g. iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium).
- Antibiotics: For small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
- Immunosuppressants or biologics: For inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.
- Parenteral nutrition: In severe cases of malabsorption, nutrients may be administered intravenously.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Version 2019, Code K90.9 – Intestinal malabsorption, unspecified. who.int
- Kasper, D.L. et al. (eds.): Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.
- Makharia, G.K.: Understanding and managing malabsorption in adults. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2018; PubMed PMID: 29024038.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
22,90 €
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
50,00 €
Regular price:
59,90 €
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Regular price:
29,90 €
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
35,90 €