Colitis is an inflammation that develops in the large intestine against the background of medical, infectious or ischemic damage to the intestine. It can be acute or chronic. Symptoms in this case are expressed in the form of false urge to defecate, abdominal pain, nausea, as well as the presence of mucus and blood in the feces.
It is often the chronic form of the course of the disease, however, ulcerative nonspecific colitis of the intestine, the origin of which has not yet been fully established, can also be observed. In this case, the intestinal mucosa becomes prone to ulceration.
Causes of disease
The causes of colitis are quite diverse, and in some forms of the disease they have not yet been fully studied. That is why it is impossible to reliably determine why an ulcerative lesion occurs. It is very important to establish a provoking factor, since the peculiarity of the treatment largely depends on this. Among the main reasons why this disease develops, one can distinguish such as:
- acute intestinal infections;
- presence of parasites in the body;
- food allergy;
- impaired blood supply to the intestine;
- individual intolerance to certain types of antibiotics;
- neuroses, unrest, stress;
- anatomical features of the structure of the intestine.
In addition, malnutrition should be highlighted among the provoking factors. An important role is played by genetic predisposition, long-term use of certain medications. Chronic colitis can develop after the removal of the gallbladder, as well as in the presence of other diseases of the stomach and intestines that disrupt the process of digestion.
Classification
Colitis disease is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine. Among the main provoking factors are chronic intestinal inflammation, as well as an infectious lesion, which is provoked by various viruses and bacteria. Inflammation can be acute or chronic.
Acute colitis often occurs when intestinal infections occur, and allergies and poisoning can also provoke it. The small intestine and stomach are often involved in the pathological process. Depending on the nature of the lesion and changes, colitis can be:
- catarrhal;
- ulcerative;
- erosive;
- fibrinous.
The chronic form of the lesion is characterized by pathological changes in the structure of the mucosa, which is observed as a result of prolonged inflammation and dystrophy of the affected tissues. Concerningthere is a violation of the secretory and motor function of the intestine. Often the chronic form occurs during the course of diseases of the digestive system.
Ischemic colitis is a segmental lesion of the colon, caused by impaired blood circulation in this area. Allergic colitis is often seen in people with food allergies and those who have intolerance to certain medications.
Ulcerative colitis is the formation of an ulcerative lesion on the mucosa of the large intestine. Often occurs in a chronic form with periodic relapses.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of intestinal colitis are very different, in particular, such as:
- pain;
- breaking stool;
- false urge to defecate;
- bloating.
In the course of the chronic form of the disease, the pain is mainly dull, aching and is localized in the lower abdomen. In some cases, it can cover a large area, without a clear localization. Increased pain in colitis occurs after fast walking, eating, as well as the use of a cleansing enema. Relief comes after gas or bowel movements.
One of the symptoms of colitis is upset stool. There may be mucus or blood in the stool. There are false urges to defecate, which often end in the release of mucus. Many patients complain of bloating, heaviness and flatulence.
It is worth noting that the symptomscolitis can be different, it all depends on the degree of intestinal damage, the age of the person and the presence of concomitant diseases. Some patients do not experience any discomfort for a long time, and the manifestations of the disease are observed only during the period of exacerbation. In others, the symptoms are quite pronounced, and the inflammation is bright and difficult.
When ulcerative colitis occurs, symptoms may be mild or severe. There are cases that require urgent hospitalization, which is why you need to call an ambulance if there are signs such as severe weakness, fecal incontinence, fever, tachycardia, bloody diarrhea.
Temperature in colitis is observed only during the acute course of the disease. In addition, the patient experiences pain, he has a strong thirst, his appetite disappears. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the focus of inflammation. The most severe pain in colitis occurs when the left side of the colon is affected. Basically, they increase before the defecation process and give to the perineum or sacrum.
Diagnostics
If colitis is observed, what to do, the attending doctor will be able to tell after a comprehensive diagnosis. Required:
- physical examination;
- laboratory research;
- colonoscopy;
- tomography;
- radiography.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history taking. The physical examination includes an examination that focuses primarily on the abdomen todetermine the increase in internal organs. An additional rectal examination may be required, with which the doctor tries to detect swelling or swelling.
Blood testing will help evaluate the patient's stability and detect potential problems associated with colitis. A stool test is also required to help detect infection. If the causes of the disease are not fully established, then a colonoscopy may be required. It will be enough to examine the rectum. In some cases, a biopsy is required.
Computed tomography is required to obtain an image of the colon and the rest of the abdomen, as it additionally allows you to determine the type of pathology, which is very important for making a diagnosis. An x-ray with a barium enema is used to visualize the colon.
Features of treatment
Treatment of colitis is primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. The basis of therapy is diet, as well as the consumption of plenty of fluids, which allows the intestines to rest and restore normal functioning.
Antibiotics are often prescribed for colitis to help eliminate the infection that causes diarrhea and inflammation. Ulcerative lesions require combination therapy with medications. Initially, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, as well as drugs that suppress the immune system. In severe cases, surgery may be indicated.
When ischemic colitis occurs, treatment begins with intravenousinfusions to help soothe the bowels somewhat and prevent dehydration, especially if the patient is unable to drink enough fluids on their own. If normal blood supply to the intestine is not restored with conservative therapy, it may be necessary to remove part of the intestine at the site of bleeding.
Medicated treatment
Treatment of colitis with medicines largely depends on what kind of cause provoked it. In any case, the patient is prescribed drugs to normalize the digestive function, and in the presence of pain - antispasmodics. The use of antibiotics is indicated only if the cause of the disease is an acute intestinal infection. Basically, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are prescribed that can suppress the reproduction of bacteria.
In addition to antibiotics, antimicrobial agents are prescribed, in particular, such as Nifuroxazide or Metronidazole, which help eliminate pathogens. Only a doctor must prescribe medicines, since uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the fact that bacteria develop resistance to them.
Since antibacterial agents can disrupt the normal intestinal microflora, they must be combined with a course of bifido drugs. In the presence of a severe pain syndrome, the use of antispasmodics is indicated, in particular, such as "Papaverine" or "No-shpa", and if the spasms are very strong, then the doctor mayprescribe anticholinergics.
If parasites are present in the patient's body, then anthelmintic drugs are additionally used for treatment. Astringents are required to stop diarrhea.
After the main course of therapy is completed, you need to take enterosorbents, in particular, such as Polysorb, Polyphepan, Enterosgel, as well as probiotics to restore the normal intestinal microflora. Enzyme agents are used only in case of enzyme deficiency.
Folk techniques
In addition to drug therapy, colitis is widely treated with folk remedies, however, before this, a consultation with a gastroenterologist is required, as some of them can provoke a deterioration in well-being. Aspen ash will help reduce pain. To do this, it must be poured with hot water, and left in a dark place for 10 days. You need to apply 3 times a day for 5 tsp. At the same time, you need to exclude spicy and s alty from your diet.
Treatment of colitis with folk remedies involves the use of fish oil, as well as some medicinal herbs, in particular, such as chamomile, St. John's wort, plantain. A good prophylactic is an infusion prepared on the basis of strawberry leaves. It also helps to get rid of many problems of the digestive system.
Surgery
Colitis is mostly treated with conservative techniques, however, there are times when surgery is required. In particular, tothe main indications can be attributed to such as:
- heavy bleeding;
- peritonitis;
- acute intestinal obstruction;
- pinching or inflammation of the intestinal wall;
- abscess formation;
- acute intestinal ischemia.
The operation can also be performed with ulcerative lesions of the intestine, since its prolonged course can lead to malignant neoplasms. In this case, a section of the colon is removed.
Dieting
Diet is important during treatment. The main rule of proper nutrition is the exclusion of products that can have a mechanical effect on the intestinal mucosa. That is why coarse fiber must be excluded from your usual diet, it is forbidden to eat raw vegetables, legumes, nuts, bran, seeds. In addition, it is important to eliminate chemical irritants, which include spicy, sour, s alty, smoked.
Food intake should be distributed 4-5 times a day. All products are steamed and also ground. It is not recommended to consume milk and cabbage, regardless of its type and method of preparation. It is important to observe the drinking regimen correctly. During the acute course of the disease, it is recommended to completely refuse food and consume only one water. The last meal should be no later than 7 pm.
Colitis in pregnancy
Colitis in women during pregnancy can be an exacerbation of a chronic process or occursfor the first time. The main reason for this is a decrease in immunity, and sometimes the need to take certain drugs that have a bad effect on the condition of the stomach and intestines. Patients at the same time begin to complain of pain, bloating, and impaired stool.
Treatment of colitis during pregnancy is carried out only with those drugs that will not harm the he alth of the woman and the fetus. Basically, funds are prescribed that envelop the mucous membrane and remove harmful substances, in particular, such as Smecta, activated charcoal, Pepidol. To normalize the intestinal microflora, the use of bifid preparations is shown, for example, "Bifiform", "Linex".
If severe pain is observed, then the use of antispasmodics is allowed, and when the disease has led to the formation of anal lesions, medicines based on sodium alginate help well.
It is important that the body receives all the required vitamins for colitis, so special vitamin complexes can be prescribed, and a special diet is also required.
Colitis in the elderly
In the elderly, a chronic form of intestinal colitis is very common. This is due to the fact that over time, a person may develop atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries that feed the intestines. If they are completely clogged, then blood does not flow to the large intestine, resulting in tissue death.
This condition causes severe pain in the abdomen, and then intestinal obstruction develops and may even occurrectal bleeding. The disease can be complicated by peritonitis. If the blockage of the arteries is not complete, then colitis is mainly manifested in the form of bloating and pain in the abdomen, as well as pain when probing the intestines. There may also be protrusions on the surface of the intestine.
Disease in children
Colitis in a child is characterized by the occurrence of pain, impaired stool, nausea, bloating, rumbling, and a sharp deterioration in well-being. It can occur in acute and chronic form. Acute occurs as a result of the presence of an intestinal infection and affects not only the large intestine, but also the stomach. Chronic is the result of an acute lesion.
Often provoke colitis in a child with worms, a violation of the diet and diet, a lack of required enzymes for the normal process of digestion. The cause of the spastic form of the disease is often vegetative-vascular dystonia and neurosis. You can diagnose the presence of a violation using:
- laboratory research;
- examination and palpation;
- x-ray examination;
- endoscopic examination;
- biopsy.
Treatment largely depends on the cause of the disease. The main goal of therapy is the restoration of bowel function, as well as the implementation of measures required to prevent the occurrence of relapse. Antibiotics are prescribed only in case of an infectious lesion of the intestine. Sometimes children are prescribed abdominal massage, enzymes, electrophoresis, compresses. It is important to excludeunhe althy foods in your diet.
Possible Complications
Among the main complications of colitis are the following:
- peritonitis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- intestinal bleeding.
Colitis can be a very dangerous disease, as it causes many severe complications, among which peritonitis must be distinguished. This is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity, as a result of which its contents come out into the hole in the intestine. The prognosis is rather unfavorable, because if timely assistance is not provided, the person may die.
One of the frequent complications is intestinal bleeding. It occurs when there is significant damage to the surface of the intestine. The prognosis for the patient depends on the amount of blood lost and the area of damage. Treatment is conservative or surgical.
In the absence of the required treatment, colitis can be complicated by intestinal obstruction, when its contents clog the lumen. The patient complains of nausea, pain, constipation, bloating. It is important to carry out treatment in a timely manner in order to prevent a significant deterioration in well-being.
Prophylaxis
Inflammatory bowel disease is very difficult to prevent. The probable reasons for this are heredity, environmental factors, as well as autoimmune reactions. For prevention, it is very important to organize proper and nutritious nutrition, prevent uncontrolled medication, lead a he althy lifestyle, and avoid stress. In addition, it is important to giveenough attention to sports and good rest.
Since colitis is a fairly dangerous disease, you need to periodically undergo an examination by a gastroenterologist.
