Atonic colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine. It is common among the elderly. Pathology is accompanied by inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and difficulty in defecation. Persistent constipation can lead to serious intoxication of the body. Therefore, it is important for each person to know about the symptoms and treatment of atonic colitis in order to prevent serious complications in time. Next, we will consider in detail the causes and methods of treatment of this disease.
Forms of colitis
Colitis is called inflammation of the large intestine. There are several forms of this disease:
- atonic;
- spastic;
- hemorrhagic;
- ulcerative.
Most often, spastic and atonic colitis occurs. What is the difference between these two forms of pathology?
Both types of disease are accompanied by severe constipation. Their symptoms are largely similar. However, with atonic colitis of the intestine, defecation delay occurs due to weak peristalsis. The muscles of the digestive tract are in a relaxed state. Because of this, feces move very slowly through the intestines.
With a spastic form of colitis, the muscles of the intestines are very tense, which leads to spasms. For this reason, feces are retained and do not leave the body. This can lead to the formation of hard fecal stones.
Causes
Why does atonic colitis occur? This disease always begins with an inflammatory process that can be triggered by the following factors:
- age-related changes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- transferred by dysentery or salmonellosis;
- food allergies;
- abuse of spicy and flour foods, as well as alcohol;
- foodborne toxic infections;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- taking medications (antibiotics, analgesics, drugs for heartburn).
At a young age, the cause of atony is most often a lack of motor activity. As a result of physical inactivity, blood supply to the intestine worsens , and further inflammation occurs.
In older people, a chronic inflammatory process in the intestine leads to the death of mucosal cells. Due to impaired tissue innervation, intestinal motility worsens and constipation occurs.
Symptomatology
The main symptom of atonic colitis is problems with bowel movements. Patients suffer from persistent constipation. This is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the abdominal cavity, flatulence, pain.
Patients may be absent for 3 days or more. At the same time, patients do not feel the urge to defecate. In severe cases, fecal stones are formed, which have to be removed mechanically.
Complications
Atony of the intestine can be complicated by intoxication of the body. A long delay in bowel movements leads to fecal poisoning. This is accompanied by a deterioration in skin color, nausea, and vomiting. Patients begin to lose weight dramatically.
Obstruction of the intestine with feces can cause chronic obstruction of the digestive tract. This leads to severe pain and requires immediate surgical treatment.
With prolonged constipation, hemorrhoids can occur. Due to severe straining, a hemorrhoid is often lost.
Diagnostics
At the initial examination, the doctor examines the anamnesis and palpates the patient’s abdomen. In the abdominal region, compaction due to intestinal overcrowding is determined. If the patient is diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal blockage, then he is urgently referred to the treatment room for treatment with water enemas.
Additional studies are also prescribed:
- Colonoscopy The large intestine is examined by the endoscopic method. In this case, a small piece of tissue is taken for microscopic examination.
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. This examination reveals structural changes and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Blood analysis. An increase in ESR and white blood cell counts indicates an inflammatory process.
- Fecal analysis. Helps determine the causative agent of inflammation (with infectious etiology of colitis).
Treatment methods
Treatment of atonic colitis begins with a cleansing of the lower gastrointestinal tract. It is necessary to free the intestines from feces and cleanse the body. For this purpose, therapy with water enemas and the drug "Microlax" (microclysters) are prescribed.
Next, you need to soften the stool and facilitate their discharge. However, such drugs should not be abused. Long-term use of laxative drugs leads to the fact that the bowel eventually weaned to work. In addition, tolerance is developed for the drugs, and the previous doses soon cease to act.
Therefore, laxatives can be taken only occasionally when it is urgent to cleanse the body. Prescribe drugs of mild action on an oil and vegetable basis:
- Senade;
- Kafiol;
- Mukofalk;
- "Castor oil";
- candles with petroleum jelly, glycerin or fennel oil.
Prokinetics are prescribed to stimulate motility. This medication interacts with choline receptors and enhances peristalsis. Such drugs include:
- Neostigmine.
- Proserin.
- Loperamide.
- Cisapride.
- Metoclopramide.
- "Betanehol."
In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed:
- massage of the abdomen;
- warming the abdominal cavity;
- gymnastics for the abdominal muscles.
These activities help to cleanse the intestines. In severe blockage, fecal stones are removed surgically.
Diet
Patients with atonic colitis are prescribed a special diet. It is recommended to adhere to the following nutritional rules:
- Spicy foods, smoked meats and preservatives must be excluded from the diet.
- Food needs to be boiled or steamed. Eating fried foods should be avoided.
- You need to try to eat as many dairy products as possible. They enhance intestinal motility and have a positive effect on microflora.
- It is necessary to limit the use of bakery products. Floury foods can cause constipation.
- Black tea, coffee and carbonated sweet water are excluded from the diet. These drinks can cause constipation.
- Gastroenterologists recommend eating dried fruits. Such food can swell in the intestinal lumen and increase the contraction of its walls.
- Fiber-rich vegetables should be included on a daily basis. These include zucchini, cabbage, carrots, beets.
You need to eat at least 5-6 times a day. Food should be taken in small portions. In no case should you overeat. Excessive food intake can cause persistent constipation.
It is very important to observe the correct drinking regimen. It is necessary to consume at least 2 - 2.5 liters of fluid per day.
It is useful to periodically use a remedy from wheat bran. You need to take 2 tablespoons of the product and place in a glass of warm milk. The composition is insisted for half an hour. This mixture must be eaten every day before breakfast. This tool improves intestinal motility.
Prevention
How to prevent the occurrence of atonic colitis? To avoid problems with bowel movement, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- To live an active lifestyle. Low mobility leads to a serious deterioration in intestinal motility.
- Do gymnastics regularly to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
- Do not abuse flour. spicy and fried dishes.
- At the age of over 55, regularly visit a gastroenterologist.
Compliance with these measures will help to avoid problems with the intestines.