Intestinal dysbiosis is a common phenomenon that every adult has to one degree or another experienced. This deviation is characterized by a disturbance in the microflora balance, when the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, giving way to a pathogenic flora. As a result, the general condition of the body worsens. Therefore, it is impossible to leave dysbiosis without treatment.
Normal microflora
Microbial colonies live in the human intestines, which are necessary for the full functioning of organs and the immune system. Their number may vary. For example, in the colon there is 2 times more beneficial microflora than in the duodenum and thin.
Normally, the intestinal microflora contains two groups of bacteria. The first includes bifidobacteria (up to 80% of the entire microflora) and lactobacilli, represented by Escherichia coli, enterococci and peptostreptococci. They perform many vital functions:
- synthesize vitamins, enzymes for the breakdown of proteins and sugars;
- support the functioning of the immune system;
- protect the intestinal mucosa from infectious agents, allergens;
- neutralize toxins;
- lower cholesterol;
- interfere with the appearance and development of oncological processes;
- contribute to normal gas exchange in the intestine.
The second group includes facultative or conditionally pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci, peptococci, yeast-like fungi, serrations). Their presence in the intestines is optional, but the number is always constant. They enter the body along with products that have not undergone sufficient heat treatment.
Optional bacteria can be present in the body of a healthy person without causing symptoms and pathologies. However, under the influence of negative factors, their number begins to grow exponentially. As a result, various diseases develop, including dysbiosis.
The concept of dysbiosis
Intestinal dysbiosis is a laboratory-clinical syndrome, which is characterized by shifts in the qualitative and / or quantitative composition of the organ microflora. Imbalance in microbial balance may be accompanied by digestive, immune and metabolic disorders.
The question of the prevalence of pathology still causes controversy among scientists. Some believe that with this diagnosis, approximately 90% of the world's population lives. Others completely deny its existence. Dysbacteriosis is not an independent disease. Most often, it is the result of other ailments. For example, a violation of the digestive tract may indicate the presence of gastritis, pancreatitis, various intestinal infections.
Main reasons
In order to cure intestinal dysbiosis with folk remedies or with the help of medications, you need to know the mechanism of development of the pathology and its causes. There are many factors that can upset the balance between pathogenic microflora and beneficial. Some of them are easy to eliminate, others lie in an unhealthy lifestyle, and long-term therapy is required to eliminate the third.
With its manifestations, dysbiosis may be required:
- taking certain groups of drugs (antibiotics, laxatives, hormones, antitumor drugs);
- infectious diseases of various origins;
- improper nutrition (the presence in the diet of products with preservatives and dyes, fiber deficiency, excess protein, prolonged fasting, alcohol abuse);
- digestive diseases (cholecystitis, cirrhosis, celiac disease, pancreatitis);
- allergies
- immunodeficiency conditions;
- excessive physical exertion;
- prolonged stress;
- bad ecology.
Symptoms and severity of the disease
How long to treat intestinal dysbiosis in adults depends on the severity of the pathology and the severity of the clinical signs. Of course, in this matter a certain role belongs to the root cause of the violation.
The first stage of dysbiosis is almost asymptomatic. A person may experience periodic rumbling in the abdomen and slight discomfort. The ratio of useful and pathogenic microflora varies slightly. The reason for the violation is usually a short course of antibiotics or a change in diet / drinking water, for example on a trip. The syndrome disappears on its own after the disappearance of the cause or completion of the adaptation of the body to new conditions.
In the second stage, the amount of pathogenic flora increases. In the cavity of the digestive tract, fermentation and rotting are activated. There is a deterioration in the absorption of food. Typically, patients complain of a taste of bitterness in the mouth, nausea, lack of appetite, flatulence and bloating. Such symptoms are also characteristic of a number of other diseases. Therefore, you can’t try on your own or look for reviews on how to cure intestinal dysbiosis. Qualified medical assistance is required.
In the third stage, the pathology is characterized by an increase in the severity of symptoms. In the stool, you can notice the remains of undigested food, mucous and foamy inclusions. Active vital activity of pathogenic flora leads to inflammation of the intestinal walls, which is accompanied by severe pain. Home treatment is unacceptable.
In the case of the fourth stage, only the pathogenic flora occupies the entire intestinal volume. Digestion and the process of assimilation of food are so disturbed that there are signs of vitamin deficiency, anemia. Patients complain of increased fatigue, apathy, asthenia, and insomnia. If untreated, dysbiosis can lead to a serious infectious disease.
Features of pathology in children
While the baby is inside the mother’s womb, his intestines are completely sterile. At the moment of birth and at the first application in the chest, it is populated by microflora. Colostrum is the most valuable source of all trace elements, vitamins and beneficial intestinal bacteria. Microflora of the baby is actively formed during the first 3-7 days of life. Refusal of breastfeeding and the transition to artificial nutrition can lead to dysbiosis. Other causes of pathology are:
- taking antibiotics by mom during lactation;
- immaturity of the intestine (in premature babies);
- early introduction of complementary foods;
- unsanitary living conditions of the child;
- staph infection in the hospital;
- congenital pathology of the digestive tract.
The main sign of dysbiosis is a violation of the structure of feces. At the first stage of the pathological process, it is white or colorless. Then it turns greenish, in it you can notice particles of undigested food. In addition, the baby can suffer from colic, flatulence, diathesis. Against the backdrop of these problems, sleep quality is deteriorating. The child is often sick, poorly gaining weight. The fourth stage is characterized by a decrease in all vitality, which requires urgent hospitalization. How to cure intestinal dysbiosis in a child will be described below.
Diagnostic Methods
The normal balance of pathogenic and healthy intestinal microflora is difficult to fit into a clearly defined framework. For each person, these indicators are individual. They depend on age, food intake, and even season. Therefore, the diagnosis of dysbiosis requires laboratory tests. The main analysis is the coprogram.
In order to identify the root cause, which changed the composition of the intestinal microflora, additionally appoint:
- blood and urine tests;
- FGDS;
- colonoscopy;
- biopsy.
Also in medical practice today, another analysis is used - fecal bacterial inoculation for intestinal dysbiosis. This is a very expensive study, which has several disadvantages. It estimates a limited number of microflora species (only 15 units when more than 500 exist in the intestine). The analysis itself is performed within 10 days. Material collection should be carried out with a sterile instrument and subsequently stored in a sterile container. Feces must be sent to the laboratory within 2 hours. If this is not possible, the container can be refrigerated, but only for 6 hours.
4 stages of treatment
How to effectively cure intestinal dysbiosis? The development of this pathology can be caused by many reasons, often accompanied by concomitant health problems and psycho-emotional disorders. Therefore, therapy is always comprehensive. She pursues the following goals:
- changing the lifestyle and nutrition of the patient;
- elimination of pathogenic microorganisms;
- implantation of healthy intestinal microflora;
- increased immunity to stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora.
More details about each treatment option will be described later in the article.
Stage one: lifestyle correction and nutritional recommendations
To cure chronic intestinal dysbiosis, as a rule, they begin with the correction of the patient’s nutrition and lifestyle. For the duration of the course of therapy, it is better to abandon work requiring intense physical exertion. It is also recommended to avoid stressful situations, psycho-emotional shocks.
The main principle of the diet is to protect the intestines from the mechanical, chemical and thermal effects of products. At the same time, nutrition should be balanced and complete, rich in vitamins and minerals. Doctors recommend taking food on schedule, at strictly set hours. The last dose should be no later than 3 hours before bedtime. You need to eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly.
The diet should primarily consist of baked / steamed vegetables, lean meats and fish. Allowed white wheat and rye bread, fruits and berries in the form of compotes, jelly. Soups are best prepared on lean meat or vegetable broth. You have to give up legumes, mushrooms and butter products. Sweets, honey, milk, spicy seasonings and alcoholic beverages also fall under the ban.
Second stage: elimination of pathogenic microorganisms
Antibacterial agents for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis are used exclusively according to indications. They are prescribed only when there is a threat of the penetration of bacteria from the intestine into the blood, the development of sepsis. In such cases, blood is first sown for sterility, and then specific antibiotics are selected according to the results of the analyzes.
In other situations, treatment of dysbiosis begins with intestinal antiseptics. For example, Nitroxoline or Furazolidone. They act gently, do not cause damage to healthy microflora, but at the same time destroy pathogens. Antiseptics are usually prescribed for 10-14 days. In the absence of effectiveness from the therapy, antibiotics are recommended. If in the analysis of feces there are signs of dysbiosis, and the external manifestations of the pathology are absent, antiseptics are strictly contraindicated, and then antibiotics. How to treat intestinal dysbiosis in this case, the doctor decides. Therapy is usually aimed at maintaining a healthy microflora. For this purpose, drugs that stimulate its growth are used.
The third stage: implantation of a healthy intestinal microflora
This stage of treatment is the most difficult. To restore the microflora, combined drugs are prescribed for intestinal dysbiosis. These are preparations containing representatives of normal microflora (probiotics), products to facilitate its survival and reproduction (prebiotics).
The best studied and most beneficial microorganisms for the intestines are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. However, no more than 10% of the total amount of flora survives in the organ cavity. Therefore, probiotics are recommended to be taken regularly and for a long time, but strictly in the selected dosage. The following drugs are most effective: Linex, Bifiform, Enterol. The course of treatment is up to 2 months.
As for prebiotics, the most famous is Hilak forte. This is a widely used remedy for intestinal dysbiosis. The drug is a sterile solution of waste products of beneficial microorganisms. Its action is aimed at restoring comfortable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic flora.
Fourth stage: increasing immunity to stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora
According to reviews, the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis with folk remedies can be used in the fourth stage of therapy. However, it is better to resort to this method after consulting a doctor.
Traditional medicine is used for this purpose “Taktivin”, “Tomigen”, “Timalin” and other immunostimulants. Various vitamin complexes are also shown.
Separately, mention should be made of adsorbents - drugs that have an astringent and enveloping effect. They absorb particles of toxins, can be recommended for the complex treatment of dysbiosis. The most famous drugs are Smecta, Enterodes. Adsorbents are also used to stop diarrhea, which often accompanies pathology.
Symptomatic therapy
To eliminate the clinical manifestations of dysbiosis, symptomatic therapy is used in addition to the main course of treatment. Usually prescribed drugs from the following groups:
- Enzymatic agents (Mezim Forte, Pancreatin, Festal, Polizim). They allow you to normalize the digestion and assimilation of foods.
- Sorbents. They are used to stop dyspeptic disorders. These include nausea, discomfort, and a feeling of full stomach.
- Antispasmodics (Duspatalin, Meteospasmil). They help relieve cramping and pain in the abdomen.
- Antidiarrheal drugs (Imodium, Loperamide, Eubicor).
- Antihistamines (Claritin). They are used in case of severe allergic reactions.
- Sedatives (Persen). They are prescribed for neurasthenic conditions.
Symptomatic therapy, like the general course of treatment, is prescribed by the doctor. Do not try to independently choose the drugs, their dosage. Such an approach can harm the body, as some drugs do not combine and can cause unwanted side reactions.
Herbal medicine for dysbiosis
It is usually very difficult to treat intestinal dysbiosis with folk remedies. Such therapy requires patience and regularity, since natural remedies affect the body very gently. In addition, you must consult your doctor in advance.
Herbal medicine is considered the basis of traditional medicine. There is a wide variety of medicinal herbs that affect certain manifestations of pathology. For example, chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect, and flax seeds envelop the intestines well. St. John's wort has long been known for its analgesic properties.
Various herbal preparations are no less effective. Ready-made options can be purchased at the pharmacy or made independently. The following are popular recipes using folk remedies in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis:
- Herbal infusion. You will need to take a teaspoon of chamomile, sage and hypericum flowers. Pour the mixture with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour in a thermos, and then strain it. Half a glass of the resulting product should be diluted with warm water. It is recommended to take twice a day, after eating.
- Infusion against flatulence. A teaspoon of dill seeds must be ground in a coffee grinder and mixed with a small amount of olive oil. Take a folk remedy for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis should be 20 minutes before each meal.
- Decoction with diarrhea. You will need to mix half a tablespoon of chopped oak bark with a spoon of St. John's wort grass. The mixture is placed in an enameled bowl, pour a liter of water. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat, leave for an hour to infuse, strain. Take a folk remedy should be twice a day, about 1.5 hours before a meal.
- A decoction for constipation. Mix half a tablespoon of chamomile with a spoon of dandelion grass. The mixture should be placed in a pan, pour a liter of water, boil for 5 minutes. Insist the broth for about 30 minutes, and then you need to strain it. It is recommended to use the product in a warm form in a glass three times a day.
It is worth noting that most herbs are highly allergenic. Therefore, it is better to start treatment with minimal dosages. With a tendency to allergic reactions, phytotherapy should be completely abandoned.
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The natural antibiotic garlic is also well established in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in adults. An anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect can be expected from a folk remedy. It is enough to swallow one clove daily and drink it with a glass of kefir or fermented baked milk. However, garlic is a fairly aggressive remedy. Therefore, people with peptic ulcer or erosion on the gastric mucosa should better refuse such therapy.
Strawberries are rightfully recognized as not only effective, but also a tasty medicine. Berries contribute to the normalization of intestinal microflora, accelerate the process of reproduction of healthy bacteria. For treatment, it is necessary to consume a glass of strawberries daily on an empty stomach.
Treating children
How to cure intestinal dysbiosis in an infant, because most drugs at this age are contraindicated? It is such thoughts that appear in parents whose children have been given a disappointing diagnosis.
In fact, the treatment regimen is practically no different from that for adults. Begin treatment with the destruction of pathogenic flora through bacteriophages ("Diflucan"). Then remove toxins from the body using sorbents. Enterosgel is considered one of the most effective drugs in this group. At the final stage, beneficial microorganisms are colonized with the help of probiotics, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (Bifikol, Laktobakterin).
You can supplement the course of therapy after agreement with the doctor with traditional medicine recipes. For example, use kefir. The product in the amount of 80 ml must be heated in a water bath. It should be used in the form of an enema, which is best done at night. It is recommended to boil the syringe first, and lubricate the end of the enema with a baby cream. This treatment method is also applicable to adults. However, the amount of kefir will need to be increased to 150-180 ml.
It is possible to cure intestinal dysbacteriosis in a child both with the use of medicines and folk remedies provided that timely medical attention is sought.
Possible complications
Intestinal dysbiosis is a dangerous condition. If it is not timely to identify its root cause and not to carry out treatment, it begins to progress. As a result, the patient has the following health problems:
- Enterocolitis (a chronic inflammatory process leading to changes in the intestinal mucosa).
- Iron-deficiency anemia.
- Peritonitis (due to inflammation and thinning of the intestinal walls, the contents of the organ can penetrate into the abdominal cavity).
- Sepsis (blood poisoning).
- Gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis (diseases occur against a background of reduced immunity).
If, after a course of therapy, the symptoms of the pathology do not disappear, then the means for treating intestinal dysbiosis were chosen incorrectly. You should re-see your doctor for therapeutic advice. If necessary, the patient in this case is assigned another diagnostic examination of the body.
Prevention Methods
The best option for the prevention of dysbiosis is considered to be a proper and balanced diet. In addition, doctors advise to adhere to the following recommendations:
- avoid unauthorized treatment, especially the use of antibacterial and hormonal drugs;
- observe the regime of work and rest;
- try to minimize the number of stressful situations;
- avoid hypothermia;
- give up addictions.
Symptoms of any gastrointestinal disease cannot be ignored. It is necessary to immediately consult a doctor, and after identifying an ailment, undergo a course of therapy. Otherwise, the disease can be complicated by intestinal dysbiosis. It is difficult to cure it quickly. Therefore, it is not worth risking the health and proper functioning of the body.