Intestinal dysbacteriosis is a common phenomenon that every adult once faced to one degree or another. This deviation is characterized by an imbalance of microflora, when the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, giving way to pathogenic flora. As a result, the general condition of the body worsens. Therefore, it is impossible to leave dysbacteriosis without treatment.
Normal microflora
In the human intestine live colonies of microbes necessary for the full functioning of organs and the immune system. Their number may vary. For example, the large intestine contains 2 times more beneficial microflora than the duodenum and small intestine.
Normally, the intestinal microflora contains two groups of bacteria. The first includes bifidobacteria (up to 80% of the total microflora) and lactobacilli, represented by E. coli, enterococci and peptostreptococci. They performmany vital functions:
- synthesize vitamins, enzymes to break down proteins and sugars;
- support the immune system;
- protect the intestinal mucosa from infectious agents, allergens;
- neutralize toxins;
- lower cholesterol;
- prevent the emergence and development of oncological processes;
- contribute to normal gas exchange in the intestines.
The second group includes facultative or conditionally pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, peptococci, yeast-like fungi, serrations). Their presence in the intestines is not mandatory, but the amount is always constant. They enter the body along with products that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment.
Facultative bacteria can be present in a he althy person without causing symptoms or pathologies. However, under the influence of negative factors, their number begins to increase exponentially. As a result, various diseases develop, including dysbacteriosis.
The concept of dysbacteriosis
Intestinal dysbacteriosis is a laboratory and clinical syndrome, which is characterized by changes in the qualitative and/or quantitative composition of the organ microflora. Microbial imbalance can be accompanied by digestive, immune and metabolic disorders.
The question of the prevalence of pathology is still controversial among scientists. Some believe that about 90% of the world's population lives with such a diagnosis. Others deny its existence altogether. Dysbacteriosis is notis an independent disease. Most often, it is the result of other ailments. For example, a violation of the digestive tract may indicate the presence of gastritis, pancreatitis, various intestinal infections.
Main reasons
To cure intestinal dysbacteriosis with folk remedies or with the help of medicines, it is necessary to know the mechanism of development of the pathology and its causes. There are many factors that can upset the balance between pathogenic and beneficial microflora. Some of them are easy to eliminate, others are rooted in an unhe althy lifestyle, and others require long-term therapy to eliminate them.
Dysbacteriosis may be due to its manifestations:
- taking certain groups of drugs (antibiotics, laxatives, hormonal drugs, anticancer drugs);
- infectious diseases of various origins;
- malnutrition (the presence in the diet of foods with preservatives and dyes, fiber deficiency, excess protein, prolonged fasting, alcohol abuse);
- diseases of the digestive system (cholecystitis, cirrhosis, celiac disease, pancreatitis);
- allergies;
- immunodeficiency states;
- excessive physical activity;
- prolonged stress;
- bad ecology.
Symptoms and severity of the disease
How long to treat intestinal dysbacteriosis in adults depends on the severity of the pathology and the severity of clinical signs. Undoubtedly, there is a role to play in this matter.the root cause of the violation.
The first stage of dysbacteriosis is almost asymptomatic. A person may experience occasional rumbling in the abdomen and mild discomfort. The ratio of beneficial and pathogenic microflora varies slightly. The disorder is usually caused by a short course of antibiotics or a change in diet/drinking water, such as when traveling. The syndrome goes away on its own after the disappearance of the cause or the completion of the body's adaptation to new conditions.
At the second stage, the amount of pathogenic flora increases. In the cavity of the digestive tract, the processes of fermentation and decay are activated. There is a deterioration in the absorption of food. Typically, patients complain of a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, lack of appetite, flatulence and bloating. Such symptoms are also characteristic of a number of other diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to try on your own or look for reviews on how to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis. Qualified medical assistance required.
At the third stage, the pathology is characterized by an increase in the severity of symptoms. In the stool, you can notice the remnants of undigested food, mucous and foamy inclusions. The active vital activity of the pathogenic flora leads to inflammation of the intestinal walls, which is accompanied by severe pain. Home treatment is not acceptable.
In the case of the fourth stage, the entire volume of the intestine is occupied only by pathogenic flora. Digestion and the process of assimilation of food are so disturbed that signs of beriberi, anemia appear. Patients complain of increased fatigue, apathy, asthenia, insomnia. In the absence of treatmentdysbacteriosis can lead to severe infectious disease.
Features of pathology in children
While the child is inside the mother's womb, his intestines are absolutely sterile. At the moment of birth and at the first application in the chest, it is populated by microflora. Colostrum is a valuable source of all trace elements, vitamins and beneficial intestinal bacteria. The microflora of the baby is actively formed during the first 3-7 days of life. Refusal of breastfeeding and the transition to artificial nutrition can lead to dysbacteriosis. Other causes of pathology are:
- mother taking antibiotics during lactation;
- intestinal immaturity (in premature babies);
- early introduction of complementary foods;
- unsanitary living conditions for a child;
- staphylococcus infection in the maternity hospital;
- congenital pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
The main sign of dysbacteriosis is a violation of the structure of feces. At the first stage of the pathological process, it is white or colorless. Then it becomes greenish, you can see particles of undigested food in it. In addition, the baby can be tormented by colic, flatulence, diathesis. Against the background of these problems, the quality of sleep worsens. The child is often sick, poorly gaining weight. The fourth stage is characterized by a decrease in all vitality, which requires urgent hospitalization. How to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis in a child will be discussed below.
Diagnostic Methods
Normal balancepathogenic and he althy intestinal microflora is difficult to fit into a well-established framework. For each person, these indicators are individual. They depend on age, food consumed and even the time of year. Therefore, the diagnosis of dysbacteriosis requires laboratory tests. The main analysis is the coprogram.
In order to identify the root cause that has changed the composition of the intestinal microflora, additionally appoint:
- blood and urine tests;
- FGDS;
- colonoscopy;
- biopsy.
Also in medical practice today, another analysis is used - bakposev feces for intestinal dysbacteriosis. This is a very expensive study, which has several disadvantages. It evaluates a limited number of microflora species (only 15 units, when there are more than 500 of them in the intestine). The analysis itself is performed within 10 days. The collection of material should be carried out with a sterile instrument and subsequently stored in a sterile container. Feces must be sent to the laboratory within 2 hours. If this is not possible, the container can be refrigerated, but only for 6 hours.
4 stages of treatment
How to effectively cure intestinal dysbacteriosis? The development of this pathology can be due to many reasons, often accompanied by concomitant he alth problems and psycho-emotional disorders. Therefore, therapy is always complex. It has the following goals:
- lifestyle and dietary changessick;
- pathogen elimination;
- implantation of he althy intestinal microflora;
- increasing immunity to stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora.
More on each treatment option later in the article.
First step: lifestyle modifications and nutritional advice
To cure chronic intestinal dysbacteriosis, as a rule, they begin with the correction of the patient's diet and lifestyle. For the duration of the course of therapy, it is better to abandon work that requires intense physical exertion. It is also recommended to avoid stressful situations, psycho-emotional upheavals.
The main principle of the diet is to protect the intestines from the mechanical, chemical and thermal effects of products. At the same time, nutrition should be balanced and complete, rich in vitamins and microelements. Doctors recommend taking food according to the schedule, at strictly fixed hours. The last dose should be no later than 3 hours before bedtime. Eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly.
Meals should be predominantly baked/steamed vegetables, lean meats and fish. Allowed white wheat and rye bread, fruits and berries in the form of compotes, jelly. Soups are best cooked in low-fat meat or vegetable broth. You will have to give up legumes, mushrooms and rich products. The ban also includes sweets, honey, milk, spicy spices and alcoholic beverages.
Second stage: elimination of pathogenicmicroorganisms
Antibacterial agents for the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis are used exclusively according to indications. They are prescribed only with the threat of penetration of bacteria from the intestine into the blood, the development of sepsis. In such cases, blood cultures are first performed for sterility, and then specific antibiotics are selected based on the results of the tests.
In other situations, the treatment of dysbacteriosis begins with intestinal antiseptics. For example, Nitroxoline or Furazolidone. They act gently, do not cause damage to he althy microflora, but at the same time destroy pathogens. Antiseptics are usually prescribed in a course of 10-14 days. In the absence of effectiveness from ongoing therapy, antibiotics are recommended. If signs of dysbacteriosis are revealed in the analysis of feces, and there are no external manifestations of pathology, antiseptics are strictly contraindicated, and then antibiotics. How to treat intestinal dysbacteriosis in this case, the doctor decides. Therapy is usually aimed at maintaining a he althy microflora. For this purpose, drugs that stimulate its growth are used.
Third stage: implantation of he althy intestinal microflora
This stage of treatment is the most difficult. To restore the microflora, combined remedies for intestinal dysbacteriosis are prescribed. These are preparations containing representatives of the normal microflora (probiotics), products to facilitate its survival and reproduction (prebiotics).
Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are the well-studied and most useful microorganisms for the intestines. However, notmore than 10% of the total amount of incoming flora. Therefore, it is recommended to take probiotics regularly and for a long time, but strictly in the selected dosage. The following drugs are characterized by the greatest efficiency: "Linex", "Bifiform", "Enterol". The course of treatment is up to 2 months.
As for prebiotics, the most famous is Hilak Forte. This is a widely used remedy for intestinal dysbiosis. The drug is a sterile solution of waste products of beneficial microorganisms. Its action is aimed at restoring comfortable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic flora.
Fourth stage: boosting immunity to stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora
According to reviews, the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis with folk remedies can be used at the fourth stage of therapy. However, it is better to resort to this method after consulting a doctor.
Traditional medicine is used for this purpose "Taktivin", "Tomigen", "Timalin" and other immunostimulants. Various vitamin complexes are also shown.
Separate mention should be made of adsorbents - preparations with astringent and enveloping action. They absorb particles of toxins, can be recommended for the complex treatment of dysbacteriosis. The most famous drugs are Smekta, Enterodez. Adsorbents are also used to relieve diarrhea, which often accompanies pathology.
Symptomatic therapy
To eliminate clinicalmanifestations of dysbacteriosis, symptomatic therapy is used in addition to the main course of treatment. Usually prescribed drugs from the following groups:
- Enzymatic agents ("Mezim forte", "Pancreatin", "Festal", "Polysim"). They allow you to normalize the process of digestion and assimilation of products.
- Sorbents. Used to relieve dyspeptic disorders. These include nausea, discomfort, and a feeling of full stomach.
- Anspasmodics ("Duspatalin", "Meteospasmil"). Help relieve spasms and pain in the abdomen.
- Antidiarrheal drugs (Imodium, Loperamide, Eubicor).
- Antihistamines ("Claritin"). Used in case of severe allergic reactions.
- Sedative drugs ("Persen"). They are prescribed for neurasthenic conditions.
Symptomatic therapy, as well as the general course of treatment, is prescribed by a doctor. Do not try to independently choose drugs, their dosage. This approach can harm the body, as some drugs do not work together and may cause unwanted side effects.
Phytotherapy for dysbacteriosis
It is usually very difficult to treat intestinal dysbacteriosis with folk remedies. Such therapy requires patience and regularity, since natural remedies act on the body very gently. In addition, it is necessary to consult a doctor in advance.
Phytotherapy is considered the basis of traditional medicine. There is a wide variety of medicinal herbs that affect certainmanifestations of pathology. For example, chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, and flax seeds well envelop the intestines. St. John's wort has long been known for its pain-relieving properties.
Various herbal preparations are no less effective. Ready-made options can be purchased at a pharmacy or made independently. Below are popular recipes using folk remedies in the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis:
- Herbal infusion. You will need to take a teaspoon of chamomile flowers, sage and St. John's wort. Pour the mixture with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour in a thermos, and then be sure to strain. Half a glass of the resulting product should be diluted with warm water. It is recommended to take twice a day, after meals.
- Infusion against flatulence. A teaspoon of dill seeds must be ground in a coffee grinder and mixed with a small amount of olive oil. Take a folk remedy for the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis should be 20 minutes before each meal.
- Decoction for diarrhea. You will need to mix half a tablespoon of crushed oak bark with a spoonful of St. John's wort. Place the mixture in an enamel bowl, pour a liter of water. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat, leave to infuse for an hour, strain. Take a folk remedy should be twice a day, about 1.5 hours before meals.
- Decoction for constipation. Mix half a tablespoon of chamomile with a spoonful of dandelion herb. The mixture should be placed in a saucepan, pour a liter of water, boil for 5 minutes. It is necessary to insist the broth for about 30 minutes, and after that it must be filtered. It is recommended to use the product warm in a glass three times a day.
It's worth noting that most herbs are highly allergenic. Therefore, it is better to start treatment with minimal dosages. If you are prone to allergic reactions, you should completely abandon herbal medicine.
How to defeat intestinal dysbacteriosis with folk remedies?
With this pathology, serum helps a lot. To obtain it, it is necessary to heat a liter of kefir in a saucepan before the process of delamination begins. Then the contents should be filtered through cheesecloth or colander. The whey will drain, and the curd suitable for consumption will remain in the container. Serum is recommended to drink in the morning, on an empty stomach, one glass each. This tool allows you to get rid of the disease, stop its main manifestations and improve the overall functioning of the body.
Bee honey is another option on how to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis with folk remedies. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, has regenerating properties. In addition, it contains a large number of useful trace elements. Honey can not only destroy pathogenic microflora, but also nourish the beneficial one. The simplest recipe with its use is an infusion. You will need to dissolve a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water, drink immediately. Best taken before meals and daily.
The natural antibiotic garlic is also well established in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in adults. From a folk remedy, you can expect an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. Enoughjust swallow one clove daily and drink it with a glass of kefir or fermented baked milk. However, garlic is a rather aggressive remedy. Therefore, people with peptic ulcers or erosions on the gastric mucosa should refuse such therapy.
Strawberries are rightfully recognized as not only effective, but also tasty medicine. Berries contribute to the normalization of intestinal microflora, accelerating the process of reproduction of he althy bacteria. For treatment, it is necessary to consume a glass of strawberries daily on an empty stomach.
Treatment of children
How to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis in an infant, because most drugs at this age are contraindicated? These are the thoughts of parents whose children have been given a disappointing diagnosis.
In fact, the therapy regimen is practically the same as that for adults. Treatment begins with the destruction of pathogenic flora by means of bacteriophages ("Diflucan"). Then toxins are removed from the body with the help of sorbents. One of the most effective drugs in this group is Enterosgel. At the final stage, beneficial microorganisms are colonized with the help of probiotics, lacto- and bifidobacteria (Bifikol, Lactobacterin).
You can supplement the course of therapy after agreement with the doctor with traditional medicine recipes. For example, use kefir. The product in the amount of 80 ml should be heated in a water bath. It should be used in the form of an enema, which is best done at night. It is recommended to pre-boil the syringe, and grease the end of the enema with children'scream. This method of treatment is also applicable to adults. However, the amount of kefir will need to be increased to 150-180 ml.
It is possible to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis in a child both with the use of medicines and folk remedies, provided that you seek medical help in a timely manner.
Possible Complications
Intestinal dysbacteriosis is a dangerous condition. If its root cause is not identified in a timely manner and treatment is not carried out, it begins to progress. As a result, the patient has the following he alth problems:
- Enterocolitis (a chronic inflammatory process leading to changes in the intestinal mucosa).
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Peritonitis (due to inflammation and thinning of the intestinal walls, the contents of the organ can enter the abdominal cavity).
- Sepsis (blood poisoning).
- Gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis (diseases occur against the background of reduced immunity).
If after a course of therapy the symptoms of the pathology do not disappear, it means that the means for the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis were chosen incorrectly. You should re-consult your doctor for therapeutic advice. If necessary, the patient in this case is assigned another diagnostic examination of the body.
Prevention Methods
The best way to prevent dysbacteriosis is a proper and balanced diet. In addition, doctors advise to adhere to the following recommendations:
- avoid unauthorized treatment, especially the use of antibacterial and hormonaldrugs;
- observe the regime of work and rest;
- try to minimize stressful situations;
- avoid hypothermia;
- give up bad habits.
Symptoms of any gastrointestinal disease should not be ignored. You should immediately consult a doctor, and after identifying the disease, undergo a course of therapy. Otherwise, the disease may be complicated by intestinal dysbacteriosis. It is quite difficult to cure it quickly. Therefore, it is not worth risking he alth and proper functioning of the body.
