There are a large number of diseases of the digestive system. One of them is colitis. This pathology can occur due to inflammatory processes or under the influence of pathogens. Colitis has an extensive classification, which depends on the cause of the onset of the pathological condition and the accompanying symptoms. In this article, we will consider the manifestations and treatment options for hemorrhagic colitis.
Definition
Hemorrhagic colitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the lining of the colon. This happens under the influence of the vital activity of Escherichia coli, which releases dangerous toxins that can affect the mucous membrane and vessels of the large intestine, forming ulcers. The disease can develop at any age, but is most often diagnosed in the elderly and children under five years of age. Since the signs of hemorrhagic colitis can be confused with otherdiseases, careful diagnosis is needed.
Reasons
Infection can enter the human body in various ways. But most often, hemorrhagic colitis provokes E. coli, located in the intestines of cattle. Under favorable conditions, the bacterium begins to multiply intensively, increasing the poisoning of the body with the toxic waste that it produces. They can disrupt the integrity of blood vessels, causing inflammation. E. coli can enter the human body along with unpasteurized milk or by eating meat without sufficient heat treatment.
There are other causes of hemorrhagic colitis. These include:
- fecal-oral transmission;
- poor hand hygiene;
- eating unwashed food;
- food allergy;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and colon;
- malnutrition;
- parasites;
- long-term use of certain drugs.
Symptomatics
The disease progresses quite quickly. Symptoms of hemorrhagic colitis are very pronounced, especially in the first week after infection. The most common signs are:
- severe pain in the abdomen of a cramping nature (rarely there are pulling pains in the navel);
- body temperature can rise to high levels;
- appearancebloody, watery stools;
- general malaise;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- development of pathological conditions of the kidneys;
- change in blood composition;
- anemia;
- appetite loss and weight loss;
- nausea and vomiting;
- swelling and redness of the rectum;
- in severe cases, seizures may occur.
Usually signs of the disease disappear after 8-10 days, but in young children and in people with reduced immunity and if left untreated, symptoms appear up to two weeks. This condition is fraught with the development of serious complications.
Diagnosis
Despite the fact that the pathology has fairly recognizable signs, it is necessary to carry out a number of diagnostic measures to confirm the diagnosis, as well as clarify the degree of development of the disease and the presence of possible complications. For this, complex diagnostics is used, consisting of laboratory and instrumental studies.
Laboratory include:
- general analysis of urine and blood to confirm the development of the inflammatory process;
- microscopic examination of feces;
- stool culture to determine the causative agent of infection.
Instrumental methods include:
- colonoscopy, which examines the condition of the rectum;
- sigmoidoscopy: the mucosa of the large intestine is examined for hemorrhages and inflammation.
An equally important diagnostic measure is a surveythe doctor at whom the anamnesis of the disease is collected, the approximate time of the onset of the first symptoms and the proposed route of infection are specified. The abdomen is also palpated.
Qualitative diagnosis is very important, as it allows to detect the presence of erosive-hemorrhagic colitis, which is characteristic of the chronic stage of the disease. Left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening and he alth-threatening conditions.
Treatment
Having specified the accompanying symptoms, the treatment of hemorrhagic colitis is prescribed by an infectious disease doctor or proctologist individually in each case. With this disease, only drug therapy is used. Surgical treatment in this case is not provided.
Therapy includes the following categories of drugs.
- Antibiotics. These drugs should be used strictly according to the prescription of the attending physician, as their improper use can aggravate the course of the disease, causing serious complications. This is due to the fact that dead bacteria release an increased amount of toxic substances, which causes deep intoxication of the body.
- Antipyretics to relieve symptomatic manifestations. Children are advised to use Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.
- Anti-diarrheals.
In severe cases, hemodialysis (artificial blood filtration) and plasmapheresis (cleansing the body by filtering the blood with a special device) may be indicated.
In therapyhemorrhagic colitis requires patient isolation and bed rest.
Diet therapy
Of great importance in the treatment of the disease is the observance of a special diet until the moment of complete recovery. The following food categories should be excluded from the diet:
- fatty meals;
- spicy;
- smoked meats;
- spices;
- sweets;
- carbonated drinks;
- alcohol;
- raw vegetables and legumes should be temporarily excluded.
The following products are allowed:
- diet grades of meat and fish;
- protein food;
- fermented milk products.
Special dietary conditions are:
- fractional meals in small portions;
- food should be warm: hot or cold food is not recommended;
- food must be chewed thoroughly;
- prefer boiled or steamed foods.
Folk remedies
In the treatment of hemorrhagic colitis, folk remedies have proven themselves well, which are used in the form of decoctions, infusions and enemas. It is important to remember that any use of medicinal plants should begin after consultation with your doctor. Consider the most common of them:
- yarrow;
- cherry berries;
- ginger;
- plantain;
- shepherd's bag.
Most often they are used in the form of decoctions and tinctures.
For enemas, you can use diluted rosehip oilor sea buckthorn, as well as decoctions of St. John's wort or chamomile.
Complications
In most cases, the disease proceeds without serious complications. But in the absence of treatment and the presence of provoking factors, hemorrhagic ulcerative colitis can develop, which can lead to the following dangerous conditions:
- anemia;
- convulsions;
- toxic damage to neighboring organs;
- thrombocytopenia;
- hemorrhagic nephritis;
- acute renal failure;
- circulatory disorders;
- stroke.
Prevention
Following preventive recommendations can prevent the development of hemorrhagic colitis. Some rules should be followed:
- carefully wash hands after going to the toilet and outside;
- use pasteurized or boiled milk;
- carry out thorough heat treatment of meat;
- do not come into contact with carriers of this disease.
Forecast and conclusion
With hemorrhagic colitis, in most cases, the prognosis is favorable. Diagnosis of complications is rare and is associated with a lack of treatment. Implementation of elementary preventive measures will minimize the risk of disease.
You should listen to your body, and if suspicious symptoms appear, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible and pass the necessary tests.
