Inflammatory processes in the intestines are known to many. Symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and flatulence occur in almost every person. However, there are bowel diseases that are chronic and progressive. One of these pathologies is terminal ileitis. The main symptom of this disease is inflammation of the final sections of the small intestine. Despite the fact that the pathology is not considered rare, the reasons for its occurrence are not fully known. Given the progressive nature of the disease, ongoing supportive care is needed.
Description of terminal ileitis
The disease "terminal ileitis" is characterized by inflammation in the small intestine. Most often, the distal region is affected. Another name for the pathology is Crohn's disease. In addition to the terminal ileum, other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may be involved. Usually the inflammatory process proceeds fragmentarily. That is, only certain parts of the digestive tract are affected, which alternate with he althy tissue. This is the difference between Crohn's disease andanother chronic pathology of the intestine - nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Terminal ileitis is also called uncharacteristic granuloma and lymphadenitis. In addition to the inflammatory process, the pathology is characterized by the formation of ulcers and scars in the intestinal lumen.
Terminal ileitis: causes of the disease
The etiology of this disease is not exactly known. There are several theories for the development of this pathology. Each of them has confirmation, but, nevertheless, does not give a complete answer to the question of etiology. It is known that Crohn's disease (terminal ileitis) develops under the influence of provoking factors. Among them:
- Autoimmune aggression. Occurs when the body's defense mechanisms are disrupted.
- Chronic inflammatory process caused by bacterial or viral flora against the background of weakened immunity.
- Failure of the Bauginian damper. This formation consists of muscle tissue and acts as a valve between the small and large intestines.
- Wrong diet. Most often, the disease develops in people who eat dry food, chew food poorly.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Burdened hereditary history. The risk of developing ileitis increases with the incidence among relatives.
- Bad habits, in particular smoking.
How does ileitis develop?
In most cases, terminal ileitis develops suddenly. Usually people learn aboutthe presence of the disease only when symptoms appear. By this time, pronounced changes can already occur in the intestinal lumen. First of all, the mucous membrane is exposed to inflammation. The lesion is 10 to 20 cm long. With the progression of ileitis, deeper layers are also involved in the inflammatory process, granulomas (tubercles) appear. In the intestinal wall, erosions form first, then ulcers. Also, inflammation can spread to other areas. Most often it is the large intestine and duodenum. The affected areas are clearly demarcated from he althy tissue. Another link in the pathogenesis is inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes located along the intestine. The long course of the pathology can lead to the formation of scar tissue and stenosis.
Crohn's disease: symptoms and treatment of pathology
It should be remembered that pathology refers to chronic relapsing processes of a progressive nature. This is one of the features by which other colitis and Crohn's disease are distinguished. Symptoms and treatment of pathology also have specific features. Usually the disease first makes itself felt at the age of 15-25. It is more common in the male population. The main symptoms of ileitis are abdominal pain (at the level of the navel and below), fever and stool disorder. Some patients have dyspepsia. These include nausea and vomiting. In addition, flatulence, rumbling of the intestines are common signs of the disease.
Later symptoms include anemia, asthenia(weight loss), general weakness. In addition to the characteristic clinical picture, other manifestations may also occur. Among them: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oral or nasal cavity, dermatological disorders, joint pain. It should be remembered that the disease can spread to any part of the digestive tract. Therefore, new symptoms may appear, depending on the localization of the process. This may be a violation of swallowing, epigastric pain, heartburn, a tendency to constipation, or, conversely, diarrhea.
Diagnosis of terminal ileitis
To make a diagnosis of "terminal ileitis" is quite difficult. This is due to the fact that there are many pathologies similar in clinical picture. Therefore, it is so important to identify the disease in time and start adequate therapy. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations of pathology, laboratory and instrumental examinations. Crohn's disease can be suspected according to the anamnesis (age of the patient, the presence of a hereditary burden, concomitant inflammatory phenomena).
Also the main feature is the progressive and recurrent nature of the pathology. Changes in laboratory parameters are observed during coprological examination and in the KLA. A blood test indicates the presence of anemia, an increase in the number of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR are also observed. The study of feces is also very important. In the coprogram, you can detect the appearance of bacteria, leukocytes, as well as blood. The main method of diagnosis is x-ray examination with the introduction of contrast. On thethe pictures show large granulomatous formations in the intestinal lumen. Such changes are called "cobblestone pavement". An endoscopic examination is also carried out - a colonoscopy. It gives an idea of the size of the inflammatory process, the presence of ulceration, cicatricial changes.
Treatment with folk remedies
Crohn's disease treatment is usually long and complex. First of all, it is important to normalize the nature of nutrition and lifestyle. The diet for terminal ileitis should include the introduction of fiber-rich foods into the diet. Food should be fractional. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of fatty foods, as well as exclude extractive substances that irritate the mucous membrane (sweet, bitter and sour). If the patient has anemia, then it is important to introduce food rich in B vitamins and iron into the diet. Treatment of terminal ileitis with folk remedies is often effective. It is recommended to use a decoction of herbs (peppermint, sage, chamomile and valerian) 3-4 times a day, add boiled onion peel to food. You can also prepare an infusion of yarrow, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. To get rid of intestinal colic, use infusions of mint and sage. Lily of the valley alcohol tincture is also effective.
Drug therapy for terminal ileitis
Drug treatment includes taking anti-inflammatory drugs (drugs "Sulfasalazine", "Prednisolone"), antibiotics. Besides,it is important to carry out symptomatic therapy. For pain in the intestines, antispasmodic drugs are needed (No-shpa tablets). During the period of exacerbation, antipyretics, anticholinergics, enveloping medicines are used. If the disease has reached a severe stage, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Complications of Crohn's disease
It should be remembered that Crohn's disease is a severe pathology, the treatment of which can last for years. With the progression of destructive processes and the lack of adequate therapy, complications often develop. These include: bleeding, intestinal obstruction, cicatricial strictures and peritonitis. All these processes require urgent surgical intervention (resection of the affected area).
