Change in the composition of the intestinal microflora affects the work of the whole organism. Signs of dysbacteriosis can be different. For example, some patients develop severe digestive disorders, while others suffer from impaired immune system activity.
Don't ignore such a disease, because if left untreated, patients develop very dangerous complications. Both adults and children face such a problem, so it is only natural that people look for any available information. Why does the composition of the microflora change and what is it fraught with? What signs of dysbacteriosis in a child at the age of 2 can be considered dangerous? How does the disease progress in adults? Are there effective treatments? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers.
What is a disease?
As you know, the mucous tissues of the intestines are inhabited by beneficial bacteria, which are simply necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Normally functioning microflora is extremely important, as it performs a number offunctions:
- provides the body with nutrients;
- supplies the intestinal epithelium with energy (ATP);
- stimulates intestinal motility;
- takes part in the regeneration of epithelial tissues of the digestive tract;
- maintains water-s alt balance;
- participates in biochemical processes, for example, activates the components of some drugs, ensures the synthesis of biologically active substances, deactivates poisons and toxins;
- provides local immunity;
- takes part in the synthesis of B vitamins;
- maintains the natural physico-chemical environment of the intestine.
Sometimes, for one reason or another, the number of useful bifido- and lactobacilli decreases, which leads to a violation of the composition of the microflora - this is the condition that is called dysbacteriosis. Moreover, against the background of the disease, activation of opportunistic bacteria is observed - their intensive reproduction can lead to inflammation and other disorders.
Manifestations of dysbacteriosis in an adult
In the initial stages, the disease is usually asymptomatic. Patients attribute minor deterioration in well-being to nutritional errors. Signs of intestinal dysbiosis in women, men and children are about the same, and the list of possible violations is quite impressive.
- Due to changes in the composition of the microflora in the human intestine, bile acids begin to accumulate. As a result, water is less adsorbed.the walls of the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea.
- Sometimes the clinical picture looks different - patients suffer from constant constipation. According to statistics, such stool disorders are usually found in patients older than 50 years. Violation of the microflora leads to a violation of the stimulation of peristalsis, which leads to the accumulation of feces.
- The disease is often accompanied by abdominal pain and flatulence. These signs of dysbacteriosis may occur in children of 2 years of age and in adult patients. A change in the microflora leads to an increased formation of gases in the intestines and a violation of their evacuation. Bloating is accompanied by arching, pulling pains.
- A characteristic symptom is also rumbling in the stomach, which intensifies after eating. By the way, such a violation is often accompanied by too rapid movement of the food bolus and its evacuation from the intestine.
- Sometimes, against the background of dysbacteriosis, a syndrome of gastrointestinal dyspepsia develops. Patients complain of a feeling of fullness in the abdomen after each meal. Nausea appears, although the person retains a completely he althy appetite. Intestinal motility is impaired, resulting in intestinal colic (by the way, the pain from spasm disappears after defecation).
- Approximately 25% of patients against the background of dysbacteriosis observed pronounced processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines. In such cases, the composition, color and consistency of the feces of a sick person changes - it often becomes liquid, light, foamy, sometimes it becomes soursmell. If the processes of decay predominate in the intestines, then the feces become fetid. Many people also complain of itching and burning in the anus.
- Change in the composition of the microflora is fraught with food allergies. The reaction from the immune system may be accompanied by the appearance of skin urticaria, stomatitis, esophagitis, gingivitis. By the way, it is sometimes very difficult to identify potentially dangerous products.
- Dysbacteriosis is often accompanied by maldigestion. Against the background of the disease, the amount of enzymes produced decreases, so the food is not completely digested. In especially severe cases, whole pieces of undigested food can be seen in the feces. Patients suffer from diarrhea, abdominal cramps, acute pain in the navel.
- Signs of intestinal dysbacteriosis in an adult include the often developing food intolerance, in particular, whole milk.
- Dysbacteriosis often affects the condition of the integument. The skin and mucous membranes become thinner and dry. Patients suffer from persistent itching and intermittent rashes.
- Against the background of a violation of the microflora, a person loses weight, becomes weak, suffers from fatigue and decreased performance.
- The disease is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of the immune system. Patients become more susceptible to various kinds of infections.
- If we are talking about severe forms of dysbacteriosis (pathogenic bacteria and fungi are activated in the intestinal tissues), then symptoms of intoxication may appear - the body temperature rises to 38 degrees,there is weakness, body aches, muscle pain, migraine, dizziness.
It is worth noting that a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine affects the activity of the microflora of the whole organism. For example, women may experience problems in the reproductive system, inflammation in the vagina and other organs.
Dysbacteriosis in men is also dangerous. The signs of the disease may not be so obvious, but the violation of the microflora affects the functioning of the immune system. Representatives of the stronger sex become more susceptible to various inflammatory and infectious diseases, often suffer from balanoposthitis, thrush and other pathologies of the reproductive organs.
Signs of dysbacteriosis in an artificial/breastfed baby
According to statistics, most often such a disease is diagnosed in children, because their microflora is still being formed.
Such disorders of the digestive system in most cases appear after the transition to artificial feeding. Signs of dysbacteriosis in infants are as follows:
- after each feeding, the baby has colic;
- baby's appetite worsens - after the first few sips, the baby starts crying and refuses to eat, resulting in slow weight gain;
- baby's skin becomes pale, often dry;
- baby suffers from constant nausea, frequent and profuse regurgitation;
- appearsdiarrhea, with stools becoming thinner, having an uncharacteristic color and an unpleasant odor;
- sometimes lumps of mucus appear in the feces;
- felt bad breath, which only confirms the presence of eating disorders;
- the child becomes lethargic, inhibited.
The baby does not sleep well, constantly cries, becomes irritable, cannot eat normally, which, of course, affects the development of his body.
The appearance of signs of dysbacteriosis in breastfed infants is also possible, but in such cases, the development of the disease is usually associated with some other pathologies, reduced immunity, or taking certain drugs.
Clinical picture of polyhypovitaminosis on the background of dysbacteriosis
Violation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora leads to a violation of the synthesis and assimilation of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. If there is hypovitaminosis (deficiency in the body of one or another vitamin), then the signs of dysbacteriosis may be different.
- Deficiency of vitamin B6 and thiamine leads to various disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Patients complain of frequent and severe headaches.
- But the lack of nicotinic acid, which also develops against the background of dysbacteriosis, is accompanied by increased irritability, frequent mood changes, depression. Also, the patient can observe an increase in the amount of saliva secreted, reddening of the tissues on the tongue, theirinflammation.
- Riboflavin deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as hair loss, dryness and redness of the skin in the nasolabial folds. The patient's tongue is often covered with small, painful cracks. Possible development of stomatitis.
- Reducing the amount of folic acid affects the formation of blood cells and sometimes leads to the development of hyperchromic anemia.
- Lack of vitamin P can be accompanied by frequent gum bleeding.
It is extremely important to tell the doctor about all the symptoms you have - this will help the specialist make the most accurate diagnosis and draw up an appropriate treatment regimen.
Stages of development of dysbacteriosis and features of their symptoms
Signs of dysbacteriosis in adults, as well as in children, directly depend on the stage of development of the disease and the degree of spread of the pathological process. To date, there are several forms of the disease.
- The first stage of the development of the disease is considered latent. At this stage, the composition of the lacto- and bifidoflora is not disturbed, but an increase in the number of Escherichia coli can already be noticed. There are no clinical signs of intestinal dysbacteriosis at this stage.
- At the second stage, there is a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria. At the same time, representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora begin to actively multiply. In some parts of the intestinal mucosa, small foci of inflammation form, but the patient's well-being does not worsen from this.
- The third stage is characterized byvery pronounced disturbances in the composition of the microflora. On the mucous membranes of the intestines, staphylococci, proteus, streptococci begin to actively multiply. At this stage, various disorders of the digestive system already appear. Patients suffer from abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms.
- At the fourth stage, the number of bifidus and lactobacilli decreases sharply. Symptoms of intoxication become more pronounced. Destructive changes begin in the tissues of the intestine. The risk of developing sepsis is increased. Patients suffer from severe disorders of the digestive tract. Loss of appetite, constant nausea, vomiting and diarrhea leads to weight loss.
The disease is constantly progressing, and the patient's condition worsens. You can not ignore the signs of dysbacteriosis - you need to urgently consult a doctor.
Complications against the background of dysbacteriosis and their signs
You already know what signs of dysbacteriosis indicate the presence of serious disorders. But it should be understood that in the absence of timely treatment, the disease leads to complications, and very dangerous ones.
- Prolonged exposure to pathogenic microflora sometimes leads to the development of chronic enterocolitis. This disease is accompanied by sluggish, but constant inflammation of the intestinal membranes. Such a pathology entails serious metabolic disorders, as well as constant digestive problems.
- A dangerous complication of dysbacteriosis is peritonitis - inflammation of the abdominal wall, which is associated with a partial release of the contentintestines into the abdominal cavity. This is an acute condition requiring immediate treatment. The disease is accompanied by severe pain in the abdomen and an increase in body temperature.
- Decreased immune defense increases the body's susceptibility to various types of infections.
- If the pathogenic microflora spreads to the upper parts of the digestive tract, then the development of pancreatitis, gastroduodenitis is possible. Such diseases are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever.
- One of the most dangerous complications is sepsis. Pathogenic microorganisms from the intestine enter the blood of the patient and spread throughout the body.
Of course, each of the above diseases requires medical attention. Lack of treatment in this case can lead to the death of the patient.
Violation of the vaginal microflora
You have already considered the main signs of intestinal dysbacteriosis. In women, however, a violation of the microflora is possible not only in the organs of the digestive system. The fact is that the patient's vagina is also inhabited by bacteria - there are both beneficial strains and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.
Signs of dysbacteriosis in women may be different. In most cases, the appearance of uncharacteristic whitish secretions, sometimes with a yellowish tint, indicates a violation of the microflora. The volume of secretions is quite large and, as a rule, increases after intercourse or during arousal.
As the disease develops, other signs of dysbacteriosis appear. Women experience itching andburning in the perineum. Unpleasant sensations intensify during urination, sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dysbacteriosis is dangerous. A decrease in the number of beneficial microorganisms leads to the development of vaginosis. The disease can be complicated by cystitis, damage to the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system. For treatment, the same pre- and probiotics are used, however, in the form of vaginal suppositories.
Diagnostic measures
The appearance of any signs of dysbacteriosis is a good reason to see a doctor. Of course, the specialist may suspect the presence of certain intestinal disorders even during the collection of anamnesis. Primary diagnosis includes examination of the skin and mucous membranes, palpation of the abdomen, collection of information about the symptoms that have appeared, etc.
A blood test is mandatory, which helps diagnose anemia, inflammation and other pathological conditions. One of the most informative is the microbiological analysis of feces. Such a study helps to accurately determine the composition of the intestinal microflora. Bakposev allows you to grow a culture of pathogenic bacteria, determine the presence of certain pathogens, and test their sensitivity to drugs.
How to treat the disease? Drug List
Be sure to tell the doctor about all the signs of dysbacteriosis that you have. Treatment directly depends on both the causes of the pathology and the stage of development of the disease. The treatment regimen is drawn upindividually and may include different drugs.
- Eubiotics are drugs that contain live bacteria of beneficial strains. Microorganisms colonize the intestines, normalizing the composition of the microflora. Such drugs as Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform, Enterolo, Bicofol are considered effective.
- Prebiotics are a must. These medicines supply the body with useful substances that are necessary for the normal functioning of microflora bacteria. In modern medical practice, "Duphalac" and "Hilak" are most often used.
- An alternative is symbiotics, which ensure the simultaneous settlement of the intestines with beneficial bacteria and the creation of conditions in this organ for their further life and reproduction. Patients may be prescribed drugs such as Bifidobac, M altodophilus.
- If there are serious digestive disorders, then drugs containing enzymes ("Pancreatin", "Mezim") may be introduced into the therapy regimen.
- Vitamin complexes are often introduced into the therapy regimen, especially if the patient has hypovitaminosis.
- When severe symptoms of intoxication appear, patients are recommended to take sorbents, for example, activated or white charcoal, Enterosgel.
- As already mentioned, in severe cases, dysbacteriosis is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria, but the activation of pathogenic microorganisms. If bacterial inflammation occurs, then patients are prescribed antibiotics. For fungal infectionsantimycotic drugs are used.
Therapy lasts several weeks - during this time, as a rule, it is possible to restore the natural composition of the microflora. Signs of dysbacteriosis gradually disappear, digestion processes are normalized. After completion of treatment, laboratory studies of stool masses and bacteriological culture are repeated.
Prevention measures
Signs of intestinal dysbacteriosis can hardly be considered pleasant. Disturbances in the digestive system, weakened immunity - all this is extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, many people go to the doctor already with severe symptoms.
It's much easier to keep your bowel he althy - all you have to do is follow simple rules.
When it comes to newborns, the best preventive measure is breast milk. Such nutrition helps to improve the functioning of the intestines, populate it with much-needed beneficial microorganisms. However, signs of dysbacteriosis in breastfed babies still sometimes appear. In most cases, this is due either to diseases of other organ systems, or to improper nutrition of the mother, or to taking certain medications.
For example, antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) cause the death of not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria. That is why such therapy should include the intake of pre- and probiotics, which will protect the microflora.
If we are talking about dysbacteriosis in adults, then proper nutrition will be an excellent prevention. The human diet should bediverse, include fermented milk products and fiber, saturate the body with minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Don't forget to support the immune system.
