Chronic colitis: symptoms and treatment

Chronic colitis is manifested by pain in different parts of the abdomen. In the abdominal cavity, it can simply “whine” or painful contractions are felt. As a rule, after eating, the discomfort intensifies, but the location of the pain is not clearly defined. Chronic colitis is accompanied by rumbling in the abdomen, flatulence. Diarrhea usually alternates with constipation. Desires with her often occur - five to six times a day, and with an acute manifestation of the disease - more than 10 times. Chronic spastic colitis, the symptoms of which are often referred to as functional disorders, is also accompanied by bitterness in the mouth, nausea, refusal to eat, and general weakness.

Causes of the disease

They can have both infectious and non-infectious nature. The first reason is due to the ingestion of Escherichia coli (Shigella and Salmonella). The disease develops in the presence of intestinal dysbiosis, in which case conditionally pathogenic microflora in the intestine are activated. Chronic colitis usually has a non-infectious origin. In most cases, the reason is a violation of the quality of food and diet. In addition, similar symptoms accompany other diseases (such as pancreatitis or dyspepsia). The gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed after taking certain medications, such as laxatives or antibiotics. The disease sometimes develops due to food allergies or intolerance to certain foods.

Chronic Colitis: Diagnosis

The diagnosis is confirmed by studies (irrigo-, colono- and sigmoidoscopy). An endoscopic examination reveals swelling of the intestinal mucosa, hemorrhage, ulceration and stricture. Chronic colitis is often complicated by acute intestinal profuse bleeding, intestinal necrosis (peritonitis as a result), a gradual narrowing of the affected segment, and the development of intestinal obstruction.

Disease treatment

With the infectious nature of colitis, it primarily affects the microorganisms that caused the disease. Chronic colitis cannot be cured without diet. Food should be fractional and “light”, in accordance with diet No. 4. It includes low-fat soups, crackers, lean meat and fish, soft-boiled eggs, drinks in the form of green tea, coffee. An important aspect of the fight against this disease is the use of drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora.

If antibiotics were used in the treatment, after such therapy it is necessary to prescribe a course of probiotics or drugs with bifidobacteria based on lactic acid starter culture. Chronic colitis is better treated if medications are taken that normalize the bowel. The doctor prescribes antispasmodics only during an exacerbation of severe pain. Some symptoms of the disease are similar to manifestations of other diseases, including pancreatitis or colon tumors. Therefore, you must consult a doctor who will prescribe tests and studies. Self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences.