Colon diseases are dangerous because they often occur without symptoms and make themselves felt when it becomes much more difficult to treat them. It is important to be aware of the possible signs of the disease in order to start therapy at the most opportune moment.
It is in the large intestine that water, vitamins and other useful elements are absorbed, so diseases of this organ lead to serious disorders in digestion and metabolism.
There are several main signs of a disease of the large intestine, they may or may not be present, depending on the disease itself and the nature of the course.
There are differences in symptoms in the defeat of the small and large intestine. If the disease is in the colon, then there will be no weight jumps and hypovitaminosis inherent in other diseases of the digestive system.
Different diseases have different causes and treatments. Other symptoms may also vary.
Important! When these symptoms appear, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the colon. Unlike ulcerative colitis, this disease affects the entire intestine, stomach, and esophagus. There are several foci of inflammation in the intestine.
There are no obvious causes for the development of Crohn's disease. Antibiotics have a positive effect on this disease, so there is a possibility that it is caused by a virus. However, no traces of the virus were found in this disease. The chronic form develops only when the intestinal immune system is depressed.
Crohn's disease can cause a variety of symptoms. If the small intestine and stomach are affected, they may remind of poisoning or peptic ulcer. There are several symptoms specific to this condition:
Pain in Crohn's disease resembles pain in appendicitis, which, against the background of vomiting and general malaise, sometimes casts doubt on the diagnosis. Diagnosis of this disease in general is quite difficult due to the abundance of possible symptoms.
Patients should follow a diet with a high protein content, dairy products should be excluded. Medicines are the same as for ulcerative colitis:
Important! Treatment of Crohn's disease should be under the guidance of a specialist.
Diverticulosis - the appearance of diverticula, blind saccular protrusions in the large intestine. They are formed due to excess pressure in the intestine and the weakness of the walls.
This disease is associated with constipation. At the moment, most of the sick are residents of megacities of quite prosperous countries who do not consume enough fiber.
The disease itself almost does not manifest itself, the stomach may slightly hurt and constipation may occur. People begin to sound the alarm when more unpleasant complications begin to develop.
The most common complication is inflammation of the diverticula, since the contents of them come out with difficulty. Inflammation manifests itself with a rise in temperature, general malaise, blood clots appear in the feces.
If diverticular disease was detected at the stage without complications, then the treatment consists in preventing the appearance of new diverticula and inflammation of existing ones. The main therapy is diet. The diet should have more fiber, you need an additional intake of wheat bran.
If diverticulitis has developed, inflammation has occurred, then antibiotics are prescribed for 1-2 weeks. Then comes an auxiliary course of bacterial preparations: Colibacterin, Ribolak, Bifokol and others.
If diverticulitis recurs, Mesazalin and polyenzymatic drugs, such as Creon or Pancreatin, may be prescribed.
Important! Do not start diverticular disease, some serious complications are treated only surgically.
Hemorrhoids - pathological changes in hemorrhoids, their increase and inflammation. Ultimately, they may even fall out of the anus. Patients usually complain of the following symptoms:
Hemorrhoids are an extremely common disease. It is caused by a sedentary lifestyle, frequent constipation, bad habits, malnutrition.
The most common chronic hemorrhoids with periods of exacerbation. Acute hemorrhoids are characterized by severe inflammation, thrombosis of hemorrhoids. There are severe pains in the anus, the body temperature rises, itching and swelling appear. The most dangerous stage of acute hemorrhoids - thrombosis is accompanied by inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue.
If you do not immediately consult a doctor, it can threaten with necrosis of hemorrhoids and blood poisoning.
Important! In the acute form, you should not try to set the nodes on your own, this threatens with even more extensive inflammation.
In no case can you treat hemorrhoids on your own, you should immediately contact a specialist. On the initial stage treatment can be local, apply ointments, suppositories to relieve inflammation. Be sure to follow a diet, spicy, spicy dishes, alcoholic beverages are excluded.
In more advanced stages, other methods of treatment are used. These include:
In the case when hemorrhoids are severely neglected, other means cannot be used, there are a number of complications, surgical methods of treatment are used, including the removal of nodes.
Important! Running hemorrhoids is extremely dangerous.
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon. It is chronic and recurs. The obvious causes of this disease are unclear, most often it occurs in people aged 20 to 40 years or after 50 years. Smoking does not provoke the occurrence of colitis, moreover, nicotine is used for treatment. Ulcerative colitis is often referred to as an autoimmune disease.
There are several forms of ulcerative colitis according to the severity of manifestations:
The main symptoms of colitis are similar to the symptoms of other diseases of the large intestine, with a total lesion, more serious signs can be added:
A life-threatening condition most often occurs with a fulminant form, but complications can develop at any stage. Some require immediate surgery.
To make a diagnosis, a number of studies are carried out, including sigmoidoscopy, endoscopy and radiography. When diagnosing, it is important to exclude ischemic colitis and Crohn's disease, they are very similar to ulcerative colitis.
Treatment for colitis depends on the severity and form of the disease. Patients with a total lesion must be treated in a hospital.
Patients with colitis should follow a diet. It is necessary to limit the consumption of animal products, there should be more calories and vegetable protein. Lean fish, potatoes, dried bread, steamed vegetables are suitable. Raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided. Dairy products are introduced into the diet depending on the condition of the patient.
The following drugs are used for treatment:
The treatment program is prescribed exclusively by a doctor.
Important! Treatment of ulcerative colitis should be under the supervision of a specialist.
Crayfish - general concept for a number of malignant tumors and diseases that occur in the large intestine. The main reasons: sedentary lifestyle, frequent constipation, genetic predisposition.
Cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms go unnoticed for a long time. The main thing that should alert is the appearance of blood in the stool. Patients often have an aversion to food, constant nausea, and abdominal pain.
The main treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor and all tissues affected by metastases. In the last stages of the disease, when therapy is aimed at alleviating the patient's condition, a colostomy is done, since the intestines can no longer fully function.
In chemotherapy, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, ftorafur are used. Chemotherapy for colon cancer shows nice results. In general, the prognosis for cancer is favorable if treatment is started in a timely manner.
Important! Prevention and regular medical examinations will help to avoid oncology and other unpleasant diseases.
Infectious disease of the large intestine - colitis. It often occurs after other past diseases of the digestive system, most often after dysentery. The acute form of colitis against the background of an infection is easily treatable, but can become chronic if no action is taken in time.
In the acute form, the following symptoms occur:
In the acute form, which has arisen as a result of past illnesses or intestinal infections, antibiotics are prescribed. It is required to follow a diet until complete recovery, otherwise a chronic form may occur, which can lead to other diseases even more serious.
Important! The main thing in the treatment of colitis and infectious diseases is to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, otherwise they will become chronic.
Children have intestinal diseases no less than adults. At the same time, the child often cannot clearly articulate what exactly worries him. It is important for parents to be aware of possible troubles in order to start treatment on time in such a situation.
This condition often occurs in newborns, it indicates possible developmental anomalies, for example, Hirschsprung's disease. This condition is characterized by meconium retention, sometimes it can be released in small quantities. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction develop - vomiting, severe bloating.
This condition is treated surgically, the problem area is removed, formed anew. If possible, conservative therapy is tried before surgery - a special diet aimed at relaxing, cleansing enemas.
Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the intestinal microflora, often found in infants. There can be many reasons, often it occurs when weaning too early, general weakness, reduced immunity of the newborn.
There are many manifestations of dysbacteriosis, the main symptoms are:
The diagnosis is made after collecting tests: coprograms, sowing feces for dysbacteriosis. Next, treatment should begin immediately.
During treatment, the negative microflora that provokes diseases is first removed. For this, a number of drugs are used, for example, Enterol or Bactisubtil. To combat the effects of intoxication, Smecta, Enterosgel are used.
Important! The main thing is to pay attention to the indisposition of your child in a timely manner.
There are a number of diseases of the colon that are exclusively faced by women due to their anatomical features.
Endometriosis is an overgrowth of endometrial cells, in advanced stages it can reach the colon, when the peritoneum and ovaries are already affected.
Endometriosis has many causes, the main ones are associated with hormonal imbalances in the body due to stress, diabetes, other gynecological diseases.
The main symptoms of endometriosis of the large intestine:
To make a diagnosis, a gynecologist's examination, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, x-rays are required, in some cases a biopsy of the tissues of the colon is performed.
Conservative treatment is aimed at restoring hormonal balance, you need to take drugs containing estrogen and progesterone, antiestrogen that inhibit the growth of the endometrium. Surgical intervention is required if the result of conservative treatment is not observed within six months. Then do the excision of the area of the rectum affected by endometriosis.
Important! Preventive examinations by a doctor can detect endometriosis at an early stage, when it is easier to treat, it has not yet reached other organs.
In general, there are no gender differences between most diseases of the colon. However, men are more likely to suffer from proctalgia. This is a sharp spasm of the muscles, causing pain and other unpleasant sensations, although no organic cause is revealed during the examination. It is believed that this is a consequence of stress and malnutrition, sometimes it is a concomitant condition with other diseases of the pelvic organs that are not directly related to the intestines.
The pain appears mainly at night, the intensity and length of the attack varies. When diagnosing, it is important to exclude all other conditions in which such a symptom is possible. If nothing is found, treatment consists of:
Not all problems with the large intestine will be saved by prevention, but it will help to avoid most diseases and complications.
It is necessary to observe personal hygiene, you need to wash yourself at least 1-2 times a day. You should use plain water or special gels for intimate hygiene, do not just take soap. You should not save on toilet paper, it should be comfortable for the skin, not injure it.
Constipation must be avoided. There should be at least one act of defecation per day. If there is no urge during constipation, this is a reason to be wary, sometimes it is a sign of a serious illness. To avoid constipation, you need a varied diet, the diet should have enough fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, bran. From spicy foods, an abundance of spices, alcohol abuse should be abandoned.
You should be careful with taking antibiotics that can disrupt the usual intestinal microflora and cause dysbacteriosis or acute colitis. Therefore, you should not independently prescribe potent drugs for yourself without the recommendation of a specialist.
We need to normalize our daily routine. Stress and overwork also lead to problems with the intestines and the digestive system as a whole. Healthy sleep and nutrition will save you from many disorders.
Should be completely abandoned seated image life leading to hemorrhoids and other problems. At least once a week, you need to take an active walk, take short breaks for light exercises during work.
Preventive examinations by doctors are also important. It is recommended to visit a proctologist at least once a year. Most diseases of the large intestine do not manifest themselves for a long time; only a doctor can notice their development during the examination. At the same time, at the “invisible” stages, you can do without serious treatment, medications or operations, you just need to adjust your diet and lifestyle in accordance with the recommendations of a specialist.
Compliance with preventive rules will save you from many problems associated with the work of the large intestine and the digestive system as a whole.
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The intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract, providing digestion of food, assimilation of necessary substances and vitamins. It also participates in the processes of removing metabolic products from the body, the production of hormones, and ensuring the patient's immunity. Therefore, many diseases in women are accompanied by intestinal damage, and at the same time, pathologies of the digestive system can lead to the development of diseases of other organs.
Important! The small and large intestines are located close to the female reproductive organs - the uterus and ovaries. Therefore, inflammatory processes that are not treated in time can switch to them. As a result, a difficult situation arises, which often ends in surgery and infertility.
Bowel disease usually develops gradually. Usually, several causative factors are involved in this. The more of them, the more severe the disease is and the more parts of the intestine are involved in the pathological process. This condition is more difficult drug therapy, there is a high probability of transition to a chronic incurable form of the disease.
The risk of developing intestinal diseases in women increases due to:
Non-compliance with the diet is a common cause of intestinal diseases
Some of the factors listed above are unavoidable, such as hereditary predisposition. However, most of the reasons that can lead to intestinal disease, you can get rid of it if you want. At the same time, it is believed that modifiable factors play a large role in the development of the disease - the contribution of lifestyle to the formation of pathology is at least 80%.
The highest incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in women is noted in developed countries. Approximately 90% of the adult population suffer from such pathologies. The incidence does not depend much on the gender of patients - according to the statistics of the disease, they occur equally often in men and women.
Some types of intestinal pathology are widespread, others are more rare. For example, at least a quarter of the population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. And Crohn's disease is diagnosed no more than 200 patients per 100,000 population.
All pathologies of the intestine are manifested by approximately the same symptoms. The differences lie in the predominance of some manifestations over others and their severity. There are several groups of clinical signs:
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of bowel disease.
Depending on the cause, localization of the pathological process, as well as its severity, the patient may experience one or another combination of symptoms. Consider the common manifestations of intestinal pathologies in more detail.
The nature of the appearance of pain in diseases of the digestive system can be varied. The symptom can be localized in different parts of the abdomen, have a different character and intensity. When making a diagnosis, it is important to pay attention to the relationship of pain with eating or defecation.
Pathological processes of the small intestine are characterized by the localization of pain in the navel. It is possible that it will have a pulling character, constantly disturbing the patient, only occasionally subsiding and intensifying again. On the contrary, the acute, stabbing nature of the pain syndrome is noted with spasms of the intestine, a violation of the passage of contents through it.
Diseases of the colon are characterized by a lesser severity of pain. Often the patient cannot accurately localize it, complains of diffuse pain on the right or left, depending on the source of anxiety. After passing gases, emptying the intestines, the severity of the clinical picture decreases. At the same time, food intake does not affect the manifestations of the disease.
According to modern concepts, the presence of this symptom is said in cases where the frequency of defecation is at least four times a day. Diarrhea accompanies any inflammatory bowel disease, regardless of location.
The level of organ damage can be determined by the nature of the feces. If they are plentiful, watery, then most likely the cause of the disease is localized in the small intestine. In this case, particles of undigested food, foam and other impurities may be present in the stool.
Colon diseases are less commonly accompanied by diarrhea. Usually this symptom is determined only during exacerbations. At the same time, it is distinguished by a small amount of feces, but the presence of such pathological impurities as mucus or blood is possible.
The reverse situation, when there is no bowel movement for several days, is more often characteristic of diseases of the colon. This symptom may occur in cases where the pathological process is caused by functional disorders of the intestine (for example, in the case of irritable bowel syndrome).
Important! The appearance of constipation does not always indicate the presence of intestinal diseases. Quite often they are associated with malnutrition. An increase in bowel movements and a change in the nature of the stool can occur with the use of a large amount of laxative foods, foods rich in fiber, milk, etc. Sometimes this condition develops with disorders of the endocrine and nervous systems.
Many pathological conditions in which the large or small intestine is affected are accompanied by flatulence. This symptom is characterized by increased gas formation, bloating. The reason for it is often a violation of the digestion of food, which is why fermentation processes occur in the intestines.
In women, flatulence often occurs with diseases of the biliary tract, when a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes does not enter the duodenum. A common cause of functional bloating in patients is irritable bowel syndrome. At the same time, there is an increase in symptoms in the evening hours. But at night, the manifestations of the disease disappear.
With the development of malabsorption syndrome, when the process of absorption of nutrients and vitamins is disturbed, the patients develop signs of metabolic disorders. Usually they are manifested by weight loss, dry skin, small hemorrhages, cracks in the corners of the mouth.
Important! In women, this syndrome may be manifested by a change in the duration menstrual cycle, reducing the amount of blood loss during menstruation. In this case, reproductive dysfunction is also possible, such patients cannot become pregnant.
According to statistics, in female patients, functional disorders of the digestive system are most often noted. The most important among them is irritable bowel syndrome. A characteristic feature of IBS is the variety of manifestations, as well as the absence of inflammatory changes in the digestive system.
Etiology
The reasons for the development of the disorder are not exactly known. The occurrence of IBS is associated with emotional stress, unhealthy diet. An important role is also played by the patient's predisposition and the state of the intestinal microflora.
Symptoms
IBS can manifest itself in the following ways:
Important! The presence of irritable bowel syndrome can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. This is especially true in the case of chronic diarrhea.
Unlike inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal discomfort disappears after a bowel movement. Another important feature of the diarrheal syndrome in IBS is that it usually appears in the morning immediately after breakfast. Strengthening of expressiveness clinical manifestations noted also after psycho-emotional experiences.
Treatment
Therapy for IBS is long-term and requires the patient to make significant lifestyle changes. It is necessary to correct the diet, consult a psychotherapist. In cases of the psychogenic nature of the disease, sedatives are prescribed.
Another common intestinal pathology in women is dysbacteriosis. This condition is associated with a change in the normal microflora of the digestive tract, which leads to the growth of unwanted microbes. Like IBS, this disease is not often diagnosed and treated, as many patients simply do not see a doctor with this problem.
The reasons
Dysbacteriosis is not considered an independent disease. More often it is considered as a syndrome associated with other pathologies of the digestive and other systems. It can occur with the development of allergic reactions, immunodeficiency, vitamin deficiency, intoxication and other pathologies. However, in most cases, dysbacteriosis is the result of improper use of antibacterial agents, non-compliance with the recommended dosage and duration of antibiotic use.
Symptoms
The imbalance of microflora is manifested by a variety of non-specific symptoms. Most often, patients complain:
With a long course, manifestations are added neurological disorders. Patients become irritable, their performance decreases, headaches appear, sleep is disturbed.
Treatment
First of all, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease, to correct the pathology that caused dysbacteriosis. To restore normal microflora, probiotics are prescribed, for example, Bifiform or Linex.
Among all intestinal pathologies that can disturb women, inflammatory diseases also occupy an important place. They are classified according to the level of intestinal damage (enteritis, colitis, enterocolitis), as well as according to the course (acute and chronic).
This term refers to a large group of pathologies that are associated with the presence of inflammation in the small intestine. Often, enteritis develops along with other inflammatory processes of the digestive system - doctors often make diagnoses such as enterocolitis, gastroenteritis, etc.
Etiology
The disease can occur in the form of an acute and chronic process. The first usually occurs as a result of food poisoning, acute infectious diseases - salmonellosis, cholera, etc. It is also possible the appearance of signs of enteritis when using a large amount of irritating mucous products (spicy foods, alcohol).
Chronic enteritis is often the result of insufficiently effective treatment of the acute form of the disease. In some cases, it develops in the presence of chronic gastritis and other inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
Acute enteritis begins with the appearance of the following symptoms:
Over time, it is possible to add common features:
In severe cases, diarrhea can occur up to 15 times a day. The chair is liquid with inclusions of insufficiently digested food, gas bubbles. If the patient is without treatment for a long time, there are signs of general exhaustion, malabsorption syndrome. Also characteristic is a general deterioration in well-being, the presence of symptoms of hypovitaminosis.
The chronic form of enteritis is characterized by a lesser severity of symptoms, a long course, alternating periods of remissions and exacerbations. With timely treatment of acute pathology, recovery occurs quite quickly.
Treatment
Therapy for enteritis depends on the cause of the disease. If the pathology is associated with an infectious process, antibiotic therapy is necessary (for example, Ciprofloxacin), after which probiotics are prescribed to restore normal intestinal microflora.
If the disease is caused by other causes, for example, irritation of the mucous membrane by certain types of food, a sparing diet should be followed. In cases where enteritis develops as a complication of other inflammatory bowel pathologies, complex therapy is carried out, which is aimed at eliminating the initial source of inflammation.
Inflammation in the colon can be a separate pathology or a complication of other bowel diseases. More often the cause is associated with dysentery or another infection. In some cases, colitis may develop when food poisoning, violation of the diet, the use of spicy food.
Chronic colitis can be the result of other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, non-compliance with a healthy diet.
Symptoms
Signs of an acute form of colitis:
Manifestations of chronic colitis are less pronounced compared to the acute form of the disease. During exacerbations, there are aching pain in the abdomen, flatulence, diarrhea. With a long course, the patient's body weight decreases, menstruation is disturbed and infertility develops.
Treatment
Therapy for colitis does not differ from that shown for enteritis. It is important to determine the true cause of the disease in order to choose the most effective drug.
These two pathologies have much in common and are associated with autoimmune inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The differences between these two pathologies are presented in the following table.
Important! With a long illness, the walls of the intestine ulcerate and scar. This leads to a narrowing of their lumen, a decrease in motility. Therefore, patients who do not receive the required treatment in a timely manner are more likely to develop intestinal obstruction.
Treatment regimens for Crohn's disease
The treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is carried out by a gastroenterologist. The most effective treatment for these pathologies is Sulfasalazine. It is taken for life orally or administered rectally.
Intestinal diseases, as a rule, are characterized by low specificity of symptoms. Therefore, if signs of indigestion appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo the required examination. This will help establish the diagnosis and begin the correct treatment.
The intestines are close to the uterus and ovaries of a woman, because of this, the abnormal processes occurring in this organ can go into them. Therefore, bowel diseases and their symptoms in women must be known and treated in time to avoid serious consequences in the form of operations and infertility.
Intestinal diseases develop gradually, this is facilitated by several factors at once. The greater their number, the more severe the disease, and the more organ departments are involved in the pathological process. Such a condition of the patient is more difficult to treat, there is a high risk of transition to the chronic form of the disease.
The prevalence of the disease itself does not depend much on gender - the number is the same in men and women, and this kind of disease is also found in children ( Small child more prone to intestinal diseases due to insufficient development of immunity). Some types of the disease are widespread, others are rarer. About a quarter of the population has irritable bowel syndrome and vice versa, Crohn's disease is diagnosed in only two hundred patients per one hundred thousand of the population.
According to medical statistics, most often bowel disease occurs in women in developed countries. Almost 90% of the adult population have such pathologies.
Non-compliance with the diet proper nutrition- quite common causes of diseases. The risk of intestinal diseases from some external causes can be reduced to zero, since it is believed that it is modifiable factors that contribute to the development of the disease in 80% of cases.
Diseases of this digestive organ in women appear due to adhesive processes that occur against the background of inflammatory diseases of a gynecological nature. Malfunctions in the digestive system occur during pregnancy due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the intestines. Such an anomaly occurs when a woman previously had the prerequisites for the onset of the disease. In this case, pregnancy acts as a catalyst.
Differences may lie in the dominance of some manifestations of the disease over others and in their greater severity. Some types of clinical signs can be distinguished:
Depending on the cause, the exact location of the pathological process and the severity of the disease, the patient may experience a different combination of symptoms.
An increase in the volume of the abdomen is possible, but this symptom can occur not only with intestinal edema, but also during ovulation in women, in the presence of gynecological diseases. If the inflammation is acute, then it may be accompanied by vomiting or up to 38-39 degrees.
Flatulence can occur if there are diseases of the large or small intestine. In women, flatulence often occurs with diseases of the biliary tract, if the required amount of digestive enzymes does not enter the duodenum. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common cause. Strengthening of symptoms is more in the evening hours. At night, the manifestations of the disease disappear.
Pain in intestinal diseases has a different character and severity. It is important to pay attention to the relationship of pain and defecation or food intake. If the pain prevails in the navel, then pathological processes take place in the area of the rectum. This kind of pain has a pulling character, it will constantly disturb the patient, either subsiding or growing again.
If the pain is acute, cutting in nature, then these are intestinal spasms, impaired patency. When pathological processes take place in the area of the large intestine, the pain syndrome will not be so pronounced. The patient will not be able to accurately indicate the place of pain, there is a "diffuse" pain on the right or left.
The absence of bowel movements for several days is characteristic of diseases of the colon. This symptom occurs when there are functional disorders of the intestines or there are diseases of the colon. Often constipation is associated with malnutrition.
Diarrhea can be with any inflammatory processes of the intestine, regardless of their location. The degree of damage to the organ is determined by the nature of the feces: abundant fecal excretion of watery masses makes it clear that the disease is localized in the small intestine (pieces of undigested food, foam, and other impurities may be present in the stool).
Diseases of the large intestine are accompanied by diarrhea is not so common. Usually, such a symptom appears only during exacerbations, and it is distinguished by a small amount of feces, but it contains impurities of mucus or blood.
There may be signs of metabolic disorders during the formation of malabsorption syndrome (malfunctions in the absorption of nutrients and vitamins). This is usually manifested by a decrease in body weight, small hemorrhages, dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth. Also in women, this syndrome can be manifested by a change in the duration of the menstrual cycle, a decrease in the volume of blood loss during menstruation and a violation of reproductive function (patients cannot become pregnant).
If we consider bowel diseases by groups, they can be divided into:
The symptoms of this kind of disease are as follows:
In chronic forms of diseases of the small intestine, vegetative symptoms may occur: apathy, dizziness, a feeling of weakness before emptying the intestine or immediately after it.
This is an inflammatory disease of a specific nature. Symptoms: paroxysmal acute pain in the navel, vomiting, flatulence accompanied by diarrhea, rapid weight loss. There may be damage to the nails, dry skin, and there may be seizures in the corners of the mouth. Over time, anemia, arthritis, cracks in the anus, and signs of eye damage (iritis, episcleritis) may develop.
Complications arising from Crohn's disease - adhesive disease, perforation of the intestinal wall, peritonitis and others. In such cases, the disease is treated only by surgical intervention. In the absence of complications, drug treatment is prescribed, which is based on taking 5-aminosalicylic acid and glucocorticoids, when an infection is added to the disease, antibiotics are included here (Tetracycline, Levomycetin).
Duodenitis is an inflammatory disease of the duodenum. It is a consequence of an infectious disease, irritation of the mucosa with an increased volume of secreted bile, gastritis (Helicobacter-associated). Symptoms: pain in the upper abdomen, belching, heartburn, nausea, weight loss. If left untreated, duodenitis develops into a peptic ulcer.
This disease is characterized by inflammation of the entire small intestine or only a separate area. In the acute form, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is increased in the body, the chronic form usually has a non-infectious nature. Signs of enteritis in the small intestine: diarrhea, severe bloating, pain that decreases after passing gases.
Dysbacteriosis appears due to an imbalance in the microflora that occurs after an acute infection, due to malnutrition, antibiotics, and chronic inflammation. With dysbacteriosis of the small intestine, therapy is carried out with the help of the use of antibacterial and probiotic drugs and diet.
Refers to congenital pathologies associated with the inability to digest foods that contain gluten. It usually manifests itself in childhood, when complementary foods are introduced. Symptoms are - dull skin color, loose stools, exhaustion, lack of appetite. Malfunctions in the digestive tract in this case are permanent, so you need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Whipple's disease is a fairly rare pathology. This disease is caused by corynebacteria that have entered the small intestine. In the process of development, they form cells - microphages, which seal the lymphatic vessels with a substance resembling fat, and the absorption process is disturbed. Treatment is with antibiotics and antimicrobials.
Small intestine cancer occurs infrequently - in only 2% of cases of gastrointestinal cancers, and more often in men than in women. Tumors can appear on the background of chronic poisoning, unhealthy diet, chronic inflammation of the intestines and due to the presence of polyps. In many ways, the manifestation of symptoms also depends on the type of malignant tumor.
With an exophytic tumor, these neoplasms close the lumen of a hollow organ, and signs of intestinal obstruction appear - this is one of the frequent problems with such a diagnosis (in this case, surgery is needed). Endophytic tumors are the most dangerous because they can grow into nearby organs. In women, in the tissue of the vagina. In this case, duodenectomy and chemotherapy are performed.
Signs of diseases of the colon are as follows:
Most often, the following diseases can develop in the colon:
It is characterized by the formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane. May serve as a precursor to cancer. Symptoms: pain to the right or left of the navel, bleeding from the intestines, loose stools, weakness. There are several types of recurrent colitis, when it is not possible to determine the exact type, the diagnosis is "unspecified". The severity is determined according to the Truelove and Witts classification.
Another name for the disease is irritable bowel syndrome. characteristic features the disease does not have, but a person is disturbed by stool disorders, rumbling, bloating, spasms. The disease is mostly of a nervous nature. Usually the patient herself notices that the symptoms appear after stress or serious experiences.
The disease occurs in adults, more often in women, because they are more emotional and more responsive to stressful situations. Recognize several types of disease: spastic and atonic dyskinesia. For therapy, sedatives are used, as well as medications that relieve other symptoms.
This is an acute, purulent inflammation of the caecum. The main pain is localized to the right of the navel, with pressure it radiates throughout the abdomen and even into the thigh. The disease is accompanied by vomiting, fever. Without surgery, acute appendicitis cannot be cured. But operations are often performed erroneously, due to inaccurate diagnosis, since such symptoms may indicate inflammation in the ovaries in women and acute prostatitis in men.
This pathology is a process of stretching the wall of a hollow organ, when such a deformation results in the so-called "diverticular sac". Usually, pathologies of the sigmoid colon are revealed, diverticula are formed on the part of the descending colon. In itself, such an anomaly is not terrible, but it is complicated by the ingress of fecal masses into the diverticulum, this clogging of the “bag” can cause inflammation and suppuration.
Colon cancer is diagnosed more often than small intestine cancer. The main reasons for the development of colon cancer are a diet with a large amount of light carbohydrates (sugar, flour dishes), fried foods, alcohol consumption, undertreated inflammation, chronic poisoning, allergies (food), stress. Diagnosis of cancer in the early stages is difficult, as the symptoms resemble chronic colitis. Unlike most intestinal diseases, constipation often occurs with cancer.
Diagnosis of diseases is carried out by several methods, which can be divided into two groups:
Infectious diseases can be identified by:
The choice of one or another method of diagnosing depends on the condition of the patient and the alleged disease.
For problems with the intestines, the treatment method depends on the type of disease. With any type of disease, diet is supposed to be followed. It also serves to prevent this type of disease. If the nature of the disease is psychogenic, then sedatives are prescribed.
In other cases, it is possible to prescribe drugs of various directions:
The large intestine is the final section of the digestive tract responsible for the absorption of liquid, glucose, electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids from processed food. Here, a fecal lump is formed from the digested mass and transported out through the rectum. The large intestine is a segment of the gastrointestinal tract that is most susceptible to numerous diseases: inflammation, tumor formation, and absorption of nutrients.
Diseases in the colon often mature unnoticed by a person. When the first symptoms appear, expressed in uncomfortable sensations in the abdomen, they are not particularly paid attention to, taking them for a common disorder:
Over time, the signs of problems progress. Intestinal discomfort is accompanied by discharge from the anus of a mucous, purulent, bloody nature, there are sensations of constant pressure in the anus, unproductive urge to go to the toilet, "embarrassment" with involuntary discharge of gases and feces. As a rule, such phenomena are observed when the disease has already reached a mature stage.
A number of diseases cause poor absorption of nutrients in the large intestine, as a result of which the patient begins to lose weight, experience weakness, beriberi, and development and growth are disturbed in children. Diseases such as tumors are often discovered when a patient comes into surgery with an intestinal obstruction. Consider some diseases of the large intestine in more detail.
With severe symptoms of inflammation, drugs are prescribed to destroy clostridia - Vancomycin or Metronidazole. In a severe course of the disease, the patient is hospitalized, since the most severe consequences are possible: toxic expansion of the intestine, peritonitis, heart attack, up to death. In any form of clostridial dysbacteriosis, it is forbidden to stop diarrhea with antidiarrheal drugs.
Intestinal tumors – one of the most common neoplasms in the human body. occupies an "honorable" first place among oncological diseases. Malignant neoplasms with localization in the colon and rectum significantly prevail over benign tumors.
According to the statistics of intestinal oncology, people over 40 years of age are most susceptible, and the risks increase with age. The main factor that acts as a reason for the rapid spread of colon cancer is malnutrition. This is a diet poor in insoluble fiber and vitamins, consisting mainly of refined foods, containing a large number of animal and trans fats, artificial additives.
Doctors also warn of an increased risk of those who have a hereditary predisposition to the growth of polyps, there are cases of bowel cancer in the family, chronic mucosal inflammations, especially ulcerative colitis, are diagnosed.
The insidiousness of polyps and tumors growing in the intestinal lumen is that they are practically asymptomatic for a long time. It is very difficult to suspect cancer in the early stages. As a rule, neoplasms are found by chance during endoscopic studies or x-rays. And if this did not happen, the patient begins to feel the signs of the disease when it has already gone far.
Common symptoms of a neoplasm in the colon are constipation, soreness, blood elements in the stool. The severity of the symptoms largely depends on the location of the cancer. In 75% of cases, the tumor grows in the left side of the colon, and in this case, complaints arise quickly and rapidly increase: excruciating "toilet" problems, pain attacks, indicating the development of intestinal obstruction. The location of the formation in the right half is 5 times less common, and it provides a long latent period of oncology. The patient begins to worry when, in addition to frequent diarrhea, he notices weakness, fever, and weight loss.
Since all intestinal problems are similar in their symptoms, a tumor process can never be ruled out. If there are complaints about the work of the intestines, it is better to consult a doctor and undergo an examination: donate feces for occult blood, do a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, if there are polyps, check them for oncogenicity through a biopsy.
Treatment for bowel cancer is radical. The operation is combined with chemotherapy, radiation. With a favorable outcome, in order to avoid recurrence, regular monitoring of the intestine for neoplasms of any nature and a lifelong healthy diet, physical activity, and the rejection of bad habits are mandatory.
This disease has several names: dyskinesia, mucous colitis, spastic bowel. is an intestinal disorder associated with impaired motility of the colon. This pathology may be due to concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, that is, to be secondary. Irritable bowel, caused directly by motor dysfunction, is an independent disease.
Various factors can influence the motor activity of the intestine:
The mechanism of peristalsis failure in IBS is not fully understood, but it has been accurately established that it is due to impaired nervous regulation and hormonal production of the intestine itself.
Irritable bowel differs from other diseases in the vagueness of its symptoms. Discomfort in the abdomen is present almost constantly, however, it is not possible to unequivocally determine the localization of pain, their nature, and the alleged provoking factor. The patient's stomach hurts and growls, he suffers from diarrhea, constipation, which replace each other, and all this regardless of changes in nutrition, that is, no diet helps in this case. IBS can cause discomfort in the back, joints, and radiate to the heart, despite the fact that no signs of pathology are found in these organs.
When diagnosing a spastic intestine, the doctor must first rule out oncology and other dangerous intestinal diseases. And only after a comprehensive examination of the gastrointestinal tract and the removal of suspicion of other diseases, the patient can receive a diagnosis of IBS. Often it is based on the subjective complaints of the patient and a thorough history taking, which allows you to establish the cause of this condition. This is very important, since effective treatment of IBS is impossible without determining the cause that provoked dyskinesia.
During treatment, emphasis should be placed on measures aimed at eliminating adverse factors: in case of psychosomatics - on sedative therapy, in case of allergies - on desensitization of the body, etc. The general principles for the treatment of irritable bowel are as follows:
A diverticulum is a stretching of the intestinal wall with the formation of a "pocket" protruding into the abdominal cavity. The main risk factors for this pathology are a weak tone of the intestinal walls. The favorite localization of diverticula is the sigmoid and descending sections of the large intestine.
Uncomplicated diverticula may not cause any discomfort to the patient, except for the usual constipation and heaviness in the abdomen. But against the background of dysbacteriosis and stagnation of the contents in the cavity of the diverticulum, inflammation can occur - diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis manifests itself acutely: abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucus and blood, heat. With multiple diverticula and the inability to restore the tone of the intestinal wall, diverticulitis can become chronic. The diagnosis is established after endoscopic examination of the colon and x-ray.
Diverticulitis is treated with antibacterial drugs, and after the acute form is removed, beneficial microflora is introduced. Patients with uncomplicated diverticula are shown proper nutrition, which establishes normal bowel movement and prevents constipation.
If persistent multiple diverticula have formed, long-term therapy with sulfasalisin and enzymatic agents is recommended to prevent their inflammation. In the event of complications with signs of an "acute" abdomen, surgical intervention is performed.
Anomalies in the structure of the large intestine include:
An elongated sigmoid colon may exist asymptomatically, but is more often manifested by chronic constipation and flatulence. Due to the large length of the intestine, the passage of feces is difficult, stagnation, accumulation of gases is formed. This condition can only be recognized on an x-ray showing a sigma anomaly.
Treatment of dolichosigma is to normalize the stool. A laxative diet, bran, laxatives are recommended. If these measures do not bring results, a prompt solution to the problem is possible. Surgical intervention is indicated if the lengthening of the intestine is significant, with the formation of an additional loop that prevents the normal evacuation of food masses.
Suspect megacolon allow persistent constipation, accompanied by severe pain and bloating. The chair may be absent for a long time - from 3 days to several weeks, since the feces linger in the dilated intestine and do not move further. Externally, megacolon can be manifested by an increase in the volume of the abdomen, stretching of the anterior abdominal wall, signs of fecal intoxication of the body, bilious vomiting.
The cause of megacolon is congenital or acquired innervation of the large intestine due to embryonic disorders, toxic effects, injuries, tumors, and certain diseases. If a narrowed segment of the intestine occurs due to a mechanical obstacle or obstruction, an enlarged area is formed above it. In the innervated walls, muscle tissue is replaced by connective tissue, as a result of which peristalsis completely stops.
Most often, megacolon is located in the sigmoid area (megasigma). Expansion of the large intestine can be detected by x-ray. This diagnosis must be differentiated from true intestinal obstruction requiring immediate surgical intervention. - eliminated radically in childhood.
With a mild course of pathology, conservative treatment is carried out:
Megacolon, complicated by poisoning of the body with fecal toxins, acute intestinal obstruction, fecal peritonitis, tumor and other dangerous conditions, requires excision of the affected part of the intestine.
Most diseases of the large intestine have a similar clinical picture, so a timely visit to a doctor greatly facilitates the diagnosis and avoids irreparable consequences for the life and health of the patient. Be sure to visit a specialist for the following complaints:
The human intestine, located in the abdominal cavity, during the life of its owner (due to tonic tension) has a length equal to 4-5 meters; after death - with the disappearance of tension - it increases three times.
The intestine looks like a soft tube with thin walls, consisting of smooth muscle, externally covered with a dense network of nerve fibers and blood vessels.
In its anatomical structure, two intestines are distinguished: large and small. The small intestine, which occupies an intermediate position between the stomach and the large intestine, got its name because of the smaller (in comparison with the large) diameter of the internal lumen and the smaller thickness and strength of the walls.
The small intestine is made up of three intestines:
The large intestine, which is the lower part of the digestive tract, also consists of three intestines.:
The main digestive process takes place in the small intestine, which is lined from the inside with a large number of tiny protrusions - villi, which are engaged in the absorption of substances useful for the body from digested food.
From the stomach (in the form of crushed and partially digested gruel), it enters the duodenum, connected to the liver and pancreas. The liver secretes bile, a substance that breaks down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.
Its accumulation occurs in the gallbladder attached to the liver. Simultaneously with the entry of food into the duodenum, bile is automatically ejected into the bile duct leading to the small intestine. The pancreas is responsible for the production of pancreatic juice, designed to process carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The final digestion of food occurs in the structures of the jejunum and ileum. Here, through the intestinal walls, nutrients are absorbed and enter the blood, delivering them to every cell of the body.
The work of the large intestine consists in the absorption of water, the formation of feces from undigested food gruel and their removal from the body, accompanied by the release of intestinal gases.
The human intestine is a haven for many bacteria: both beneficial, involved in the digestive process, and pathogenic, capable of activating the processes of fermentation and putrefaction. With a deficiency of beneficial microflora, a condition called dysbacteriosis occurs.
Numerous bowel diseases can be: infectious, drug-induced, toxic, congenital, traumatic, radiological - depending on the etiology of a particular disease.
So, the group of infectious intestinal diseases is represented by:
Among the ailments of the large intestine, the most common are:
The most common diseases of the small intestine are:
A patient with bowel pain should immediately undergo a full medical examination in order to begin treatment of the developed disease as soon as possible. Endoscopic techniques are used to examine the intestines:
In addition to endoscopic examinations, the patient can be referred to:
In the mandatory block laboratory research delivery included:
Bowel diseases can be treated both medically and surgically: it depends on the data obtained during the diagnostic study. Having subjected them to a thorough analysis, the treating specialist will make an accurate diagnosis and begin to develop an individual treatment strategy.
Choosing one or the other medicinal product, the doctor focuses on the severity of clinical manifestations, the nature and localization of the pathological process and the inadmissibility of its recurrence. In some cases, it is advisable to combine the means of traditional and traditional medicine.
Intestinal diseases of inflammatory and infectious etiology are treated:
The duration of taking certain medications in the treatment of chronic ailments can be at least six months.
When indicated, some bowel diseases are treated surgically. The most common method of surgical intervention is resection, aimed at removing the affected parts of the intestine.
Discomfort, pain and burning during defecation - all these symptoms can occur due to rupture of the mucous membrane in the rectum. This problem is very common and requires treatment. Candles from cracks in the anus will help to cope with it.
Normally, a person should empty the intestines no more than 3 times a day. This is with good nutrition and normal physical activity. If the frequency of urges increases, there is reason to suspect intestinal pathology. A symptom that characterizes disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract is diarrhea.
The appendix is a vermiform appendix of the caecum. The inflammatory process in it is accompanied by numerous symptoms. A characteristic feature of these signs are significant differences in their manifestation in persons of different age categories, men and women, pregnant women.
The digestive system of the baby after birth is in the formation stage. His intestines are populated with beneficial bacteria that enter the body with mother's milk. Diarrhea in a newborn baby during breastfeeding is not always a sign of the disease. To find out the cause of this condition, you need to know the symptoms of childhood gastrointestinal diseases.
Difficulties with defecation periodically occur in every person. At the same time, the usual rhythm of life is disturbed, discomfort appears in the abdomen, and general malaise is observed. Various medications can correct the situation. No less effective are folk remedies from constipation.
In medical practice, the use of cleansing procedures is often necessary. These manipulations are considered harmless and painless. But is everything so simple in this matter - are there any contraindications, how often can an enema be given to an adult, child or pregnant woman.
Diarrhea in a nursing mother is a fairly common occurrence, since there are many reasons for its occurrence. Intestinal upset may not be long-term and quickly passing. Sometimes the problem is considered a sign of a dangerous disease that provokes the development of severe complications.
Diarrhea after removal of the gallbladder is observed in all patients in the postoperative period. The reason is the liver secret, which directly enters the intestine. It will take time to restore the body and normalize the stool in the new conditions.
There are a huge number of folk remedies to help get rid of diarrhea. Often used vodka with salt. Thanks to its use, it is possible to quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The main thing is not to abuse the unusual medicine and prepare the remedy strictly according to certain rules.
The appearance of any inclusions in the feces is almost always a symptom of the pathology of the digestive system. Bloody diarrhea indicates possible problems with intestines, hemorrhoids, oncological diseases. In each case, it is necessary to look for the cause of such a condition. Such highlights cannot be ignored.
Violation of the gastrointestinal tract and diarrhea is a common problem that both adults and children have to face. In order to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, medications are often used. Traditional medicine recipes will also help. Rice decoction for diarrhea is effective. It can be used by people of all ages. The main thing is to follow certain rules.
Diarrhea can cause many inconveniences. Often, its appearance is due to disturbances in the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea with mucus in this case may indicate the development of a serious illness. Even if such symptoms are noted once, it is necessary to determine the causes of its occurrence and take measures aimed at eliminating the problem.
Complementary foods are introduced into the diet baby new food products. Experts recommend starting to give your baby such food after six months. At the same time, it is important to adhere to the basic rules of complementary foods, which pediatricians pay attention to. Usually, “acquaintance” with a new food goes well for children.
Dysentery in children develops when infected with shigella. The disease affects the intestines, causes intoxication, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea. In the feces, impurities of mucus and blood can be detected. You can confirm the diagnosis with the help of tests: PCR, RNGA, ELISA, as well as sigmoidoscopy, coprogram.
An anal fissure is a defect in the mucous membrane of the anal canal. Pathology can appear regardless of age and gender. Nevertheless, the disease is most often diagnosed in the female half of the population, this is mostly due to the consequences of labor.
The appearance of diarrhea early dates Pregnancy is a problem faced by almost all women. There are several reasons for the problem, from a viral infection to poisoning with dangerous chemicals. During the period of expectation of the child, diarrhea contributes to the violation of water-salt metabolism, which is dangerous for the developing fetus.
Yellow diarrhea in a child is a sign of the development of a disease in the intestines. Diarrhea can be caused by improper digestion of food, poisoning, or taking medications. Loose stools in children require immediate treatment.
Laxative herbs have a beneficial effect on the intestines with constipation, activating its activity. By improving the process of digestion, they contribute to the regularity of its emptying, while acting gently and practically without provoking the manifestation of side effects.
Antibiotics are powerful, broad-spectrum drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. They inhibit the development of pathogenic microflora, but also affect beneficial microorganisms that help the process of digestion in the intestines. Therefore, it is not uncommon for patients to experience diarrhea after antibiotics.
Many adults and children experience digestive disorders. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed in the summer, when the rules of personal hygiene are observed to a lesser extent, as well as the storage conditions for dairy and meat products.
Siphon enema refers to effective means bowel cleansing. Due to its traumatic nature, it is used only in extreme cases, when there is no effect from conventional enema. To reduce the risk of infection and serious damage to health, the manipulation should be done by an experienced doctor. When performed correctly, the procedure relieves the patient of toxins, fecal stones, gases, food debris, fermentation and decay products.
When diarrhea becomes protracted and folk remedies are no longer able to stop loose stools, one has to look for drastic measures of influence. In severe forms, it is difficult to do without antibiotics. For some patients, doctors prescribe Levomycetin for diarrhea, the use of which has its own characteristics.
