Colitis is called inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the colon. This condition is caused by infections or chronic disorders. In the first case, we can talk about the occurrence of an acute form of the disease. As a rule, it passes quite quickly. But in the second case, treatment of chronic intestinal colitis is required , which may require months of effort. What is this condition and how does it arise?
Causes of Colitis
The acute form develops under the influence of bacterial infections, prolonged use of certain medications or poisoning with mushrooms or chemicals. If it has not been cured thoroughly enough, chronic colitis may develop. Symptoms, treatment of this disease greatly affect the daily life of the patient. Other causes of the chronic condition are impaired metabolic processes of the body, diseases of other organs, as well as infection with intestinal parasites, primarily giardia or pinworms. With a reduced overall body resistance, such factors very quickly lead to disruption of the colon.
Symptoms of chronic intestinal colitis
The acute form manifests itself much brighter. It is characterized by stool disorders, nausea, fever and all signs of intoxication. Chronic is less pronounced. Violation of the motor function of the intestine, constant pain and flatulence in the abdomen, worsening of general well-being with low working capacity and irritability, intolerance to some products, most often dairy, cabbage or brown bread - all this reflects chronic colitis.
Symptoms, the treatment of which is not carried out, constantly poison the patient's life. The chronic form leads to frequent bowel movements, which are accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen and in the lateral areas. All this markedly worsens the standard of living.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
If you suspect that you have chronic colitis, symptoms, treatment and prevention should be discussed with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. The specialist will conduct diagnostics that rely both on the study of the clinical picture and medical history, as well as on laboratory tests, rectoscopy, colonoscopy and irrigoscopy, and prescribe the necessary treatment. During the examination, it will be possible to exclude diseases of the large intestine such as proctitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal tuberculosis and enterocolitis, which may well accompany or resemble symptoms of inflammation of the intestinal mucous membranes.
Based on the data received, medicines will be prescribed. For example, sulfonamides, such as the drug "Phthalazole", to alleviate dyspepsia, eubiotics (medicines "Enteroseptol", "Intestoptan", "Mexaza") to normalize stool, polyenzyme preparations "Polizim" or "Festal" to solve the problem with enzymatic disorders . In addition, adsorbents are recommended, for example, Lactofiltrum. If an intestinal disorder is accompanied by diarrhea, Loperamide or Imodium preparations are used.
In severe cases, glucocorticoid hormones are needed. It is not worth prescribing medications yourself. If long-term use of a medicine leads to addiction or exacerbation, they are replaced by others or, if possible, canceled.
In parallel with taking medication, therapy is carried out using a specialized diet, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, which involves heat exposure, as well as spa treatment, with which not only good bowel health, but also the condition of the patient as a whole improves.
How to prevent chronic colitis?
Symptoms, treatment of the disease as a whole are clear. And what is needed to prevent relapse? Most importantly, follow a special diet. It is necessary to limit grapes, brown bread, prunes, beets, cabbage, not to eat spicy and salty dishes.
For the recovery period, antihistamines and salt laxatives are prescribed for allergic forms, antibacterial for infectious, anticholinergic and antispasmodic for spastic. Irrigation and enemas are also very useful.