The stomach is a complex internal organ, the walls of which are composed of smooth muscles. Inside they are covered with a mucous membrane. The stomach has the property of peristalsis, which is typical for most parts of the digestive system. It can alternately contract, thereby pushing food to other organs of the digestive tract.
When the muscles of the stomach lose their usual tone, they talk about the development of a serious disease - atony. And each person should know the main causes and first symptoms of this pathology in order to avoid complications.
Description of the disease
Atony of the stomach is a serious disease, which is accompanied by a gradual loss of muscle tone in this organ. Usually, its development is preceded by asthenia or damage to the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract. The moment one begins to consume food, the stomach relaxes.
When a food bolus enters an organ, its walls contract. This function is otherwise called peristalsis. If under the influence of any reasons it is oppressed, food stagnates in the system and is not digested. This phenomenon is accompanied by discomfort, and sometimes there are severe pains instomach.
Causes and treatment of pathology - these two questions still attract the attention of doctors from all over the world. It is known that the development of the disease may be preceded by a previous operation. In medicine, cases are also described when severe stress acted as a trigger.
There is no universal cure for the disease. Therapy is selected individually. For some patients, a change in diet is sufficient, while for others, long-term drug treatment is required. We will dwell on these issues in more detail below.
Main reasons
Violation of the full functioning of the stomach can be due to various factors. The main cause of the disease is considered to be damage to the nervous system. At the same time, pneumonia, myocardial infarction or peritonitis can also have a negative effect on the central nervous system apparatus. It is very difficult to establish the true cause of the decrease in the muscle tone of the stomach. Sometimes even an infectious disease (typhoid fever or botulism) acts as a trigger factor.
Among other causes of gastric atony, doctors distinguish:
- exhaustion of the body due to anorexia;
- thrombosis of organ vessels;
- overeating;
- endocrine pathology;
- mechanical damage to the stomach as a result of surgery.
First signs of pathology
Due to the rapidly growing symptoms, gastric atony is classified as a dangerous disease. Therefore, whenthe first signs of it, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.
Distinguish between mild and severe forms of the disease. In the first case, patients usually complain of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach after eating. Through the flabby muscles of the abdominal wall, the contours of the organ are often visible. You may also experience the following symptoms:
- sour belching air;
- frequent hiccups;
- bad breath;
- pallor of the skin;
- poor appetite;
- quick saturation;
- dull pain in the stomach.
Severe form of the disease is accompanied by chronic obstruction of the stomach. After eating fatty foods, there is usually a deterioration in overall well-being.
Diagnostic Methods
You can not ignore such a disease as atony of the stomach. The characteristic symptoms of the pathological process, which were listed just above, should be the reason for going to the doctor. After a comprehensive examination, the specialist will be able to choose an effective therapy.
One of the most informative diagnostic methods is fluoroscopy. During the procedure, the digestive organ is filled with a contrast agent. Against the background of a violation of peristalsis, it quickly enters, without holding, into the lowest part of the stomach. At this moment, at least 6 pictures of the stomach are taken in different projections, which allows you to assess the severity of the disease.
Principles of Therapy
Treatment for this disease is usuallyIt is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease and restoring the full motility of the organ. Surgical intervention is extremely rare, as gastric atony often recurs after surgery.
Patients are usually treated by nutritionists, psychotherapists, gastroenterologists and specialized specialists. The latter are engaged in the elimination of the underlying pathology. Immediately after the diagnosis is confirmed, patients are assigned to evacuate the gastric contents using a probe to prevent organ rupture.
Treatment of the disease involves taking medications, changing the usual diet, using a special bandage. Some patients are recommended exercise therapy and point self-massage. With atony of the stomach, an integrated therapeutic approach helps. Treatment is not limited to one pill intake.
Medicated treatment
An obligatory element of therapy is taking medications. The list of medicines usually includes the following:
- vitamins;
- antiemetics;
- medicines containing calcium and potassium;
- tablets to stimulate the recovery of cellular elements;
- pills and syrups to improve gastric motility.
All drugs, as well as the duration of the course of treatment, are selected individually.
Diet for stomach atony
Complex therapy also includes diet. Patients are recommended fractional meals. Preference should be given to liquid foods,which is easily digestible. Any dishes that can cause irritation of the gastric mucosa are prohibited. We are talking about fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, semi-finished products.
The following products are considered obligatory for consumption: prunes, curdled milk, black bread and honey. All of them stimulate the stomach. You can also eat lean fish for a couple, oatmeal on the water, milk soups and boiled eggs. An approximate diet and the duration of the diet must be discussed with the attending physician individually.
Using a special brace
It is often the weakening of muscle structures that provokes the development of such a problem as atony of the stomach. Treatment of the disease therefore involves not only taking medicines, but also wearing a special bandage.
It is put on strictly in the prone position. And the first positive results are noticeable within a few days after the start of use.
Prognosis and prevention of disease
Timely detected atony of the stomach has a favorable prognosis. However, the disease is characterized by a long course, often requiring drug therapy. In the absence of competent treatment, the likelihood of complications increases. Among them, gastritis is considered the most common, and rupture of the stomach is considered dangerous.
Specific prevention of the disease has not been developed. To prevent the occurrence of such an unpleasant disease, the following rules must be observed:
- stick to an active lifestyle to maintain muscle tone throughoutorganism;
- eat right, refuse fast food and excessively fatty foods;
- eliminate bad habits;
- avoid stressful situations;
- timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Atonia is a fairly common pathology that occurs in people of all ages. It should not be left unattended. First of all, it is necessary to determine what causes pain in the stomach. Both treatment and prevention of recurrence of atony are carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
It is not recommended to try to diagnose yourself, to engage in therapy. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to avoid complications of the pathological process.
