Chronic colitis is manifested by pain in different parts of the abdomen. In the abdominal cavity, it may simply "whine" or painful contractions are felt. As a rule, after eating, the discomfort intensifies, but the location of the pain is not clearly defined. Chronic colitis is accompanied by rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence. Diarrhea usually alternates with constipation. Urges with it often occur - five to six times a day, and with an acute manifestation of the disease - more than 10 times. Chronic spastic colitis, the symptoms of which are often attributed to functional disorders, is also accompanied by bitterness in the mouth, nausea, refusal to eat, and general weakness.
Causes of disease
They can be both infectious and non-infectious in nature. The first reason is due to the ingestion of Escherichia coli (Shigella and Salmonella). The disease develops in the presence of intestinal dysbacteriosis, in which case the conditionally pathogenic microflora in the intestine is activated. Chronic colitis is usually non-infectious in origin. In most cases, the cause is a violation of the quality of nutrition anddiet. In addition, similar symptoms accompany other diseases (for example, pancreatitis or dyspepsia). The gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed after taking certain medications, such as laxatives or antibiotics. The disease sometimes develops due to a food allergy or intolerance to certain foods.
Chronic colitis: diagnosis
The diagnosis is confirmed by the conducted studies (irrigo-, colono- and sigmoidoscopy). Endoscopic examination reveals swelling of the intestinal mucosa, hemorrhage, ulceration and stricture. Chronic colitis is often complicated by acute intestinal profuse bleeding, necrosis of the intestine (peritonitis as a consequence), gradual narrowing of the affected segment, and development of intestinal obstruction.
Treatment of disease
When the infectious nature of colitis primarily affects the microorganisms that caused the disease. Chronic colitis cannot be cured without diet. Nutrition should be fractional and “light”, with diet number 4. It includes low-fat soups, crackers, lean meat and fish, soft-boiled eggs, drinks in the form of green tea, coffee. An important aspect of the fight against this disease is the use of drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora.
If antibiotics were used in the treatment, after such therapy it is necessary to prescribe a course of probiotics or preparations with bifidobacteria forbased on lactic acid sourdough. Chronic colitis responds better to treatment if drugs are taken that normalize bowel function. The doctor prescribes antispasmodics only during an exacerbation with severe pain. Some symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other diseases, including pancreatitis or colon tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will prescribe tests and studies. Self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences.
