Inflammatory processes in the intestines are known to many. Symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating and flatulence are found in almost every person. Nevertheless, there are intestinal 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 pathology is not considered rare, the causes of its appearance 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 section is affected. Another name for the pathology is Crohn's disease. In addition to the terminal section (ileum), other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may also be involved. Usually, the inflammatory process proceeds fragmentarily. That is, only certain sections of the digestive tract are affected, which alternate with healthy tissue. This is the difference between Crohn's disease and other chronic intestinal pathology - ulcerative colitis. Terminal ileitis is also called uncharacteristic granuloma and lymphadenitis. In addition to the inflammatory process, 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. It occurs when the protective mechanisms of the body are disrupted.
- Chronic inflammatory process caused by a bacterial or viral flora against a background of weakened immunity.
- The failure of the bauginium damper. This formation consists of muscle tissue and acts as a valve between the small and large intestines.
- Improper nutrition. Most often, the disease develops in people who eat dry food, chewing food poorly.
- Genetic predisposition.
- A burdened hereditary history. The risk of developing ileitis increases with morbidity among relatives.
- Bad habits, in particular smoking.
How does ileitis develop?
In most cases, terminal ileitis develops suddenly. Usually, people only become aware of a disease when symptoms appear. At this point, pronounced changes can already occur in the lumen of the intestine. First of all, the mucous membrane is exposed to inflammation. The lesion is 10 to 20 cm long. With the progression of ileitis, the deeper layers are also involved in the inflammatory process, granulomas (tubercles) arise. In the intestinal wall, erosion is formed first, then ulcers. Also, inflammation can spread to other areas. Most often it is the large intestine and duodenum. Affected areas are clearly demarcated from healthy tissue. Another link in pathogenesis is inflammation and swollen lymph nodes along the intestines. A prolonged course of 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 recurring processes that are progressive in nature. This is one of the features that distinguish other colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms and treatment of pathology also have specific features. Usually the disease first makes itself felt in 15-25 years. More often it occurs in the male population. The main symptoms of ileitis are abdominal pain (at the navel level and below), fever and upset stool. Some patients have dyspeptic symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting. In addition, frequent signs of the disease are flatulence, rumbling of the intestine.
Later symptoms include anemia, asthenia (weight loss), and general weakness. In addition to the characteristic clinical picture, other manifestations may take place. 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, the appearance of new symptoms, depending on the localization of the process. This can be a violation of swallowing, epigastric pain, heartburn, a tendency to constipation, or, conversely, diarrhea.
Diagnosis of terminal ileitis
It is quite difficult to diagnose terminal ileitis. This is due to the fact that there are many similar pathologies in the clinical picture. Therefore, it is so important to identify the disease in time and begin adequate therapy. Diagnosis is based on the clinical manifestations of pathology, laboratory and instrumental examinations. Crohn's disease can be suspected according to the anamnesis (patient's age, presence of hereditary burden, concomitant inflammatory phenomena).
Also, the main feature is the progressive and relapsing nature of the pathology. Changes in laboratory parameters are observed during a coprological study and in the KLA. A blood test indicates the presence of anemia, there is also an increase in the number of white blood cells and an acceleration of ESR. Examination of feces is also very important. In the coprogram, you can detect the appearance of bacteria, white blood cells, as well as blood. The main diagnostic method is an X-ray study with the introduction of contrast. Large granulomatous lesions in the intestinal lumen are visible in the images. Such changes are called "cobblestone pavement." An endoscopic examination is also performed - colonoscopy. It gives an idea of the size of the inflammatory process, the presence of ulcerations, cicatricial changes.
Treatment with folk remedies
The treatment of Crohn's disease is usually long and complex. First of all, it is important to normalize the nature of food and lifestyle. A 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 to exclude extractive substances that irritate the mucous membrane (sweet, bitter and sour). If the patient has anemia, it is important to introduce into the diet food rich in B vitamins, iron. Treatment of terminal ileitis with folk remedies is often quite effective. It is recommended to use a decoction of herbs (peppermint, sage, chamomile and valerian) 3-4 times a day, add boiled onion husk 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. Effective and alcohol
tincture of lily of the valley.Drug therapy for terminal ileitis
Medication includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine, prednisolone), antibiotics. In addition, symptomatic therapy is important. For intestinal pain, antispasmodic drugs (No-Shpa tablets) are required. In the period of exacerbation, antipyretic drugs, 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 serious 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).