There are many diseases of the digestive system. One of them is colitis. This pathology can occur due to inflammatory processes or under the influence of pathogens. Colitis has an extensive classification, which depends on the cause of the onset of the pathological condition and associated symptoms. In this article, we consider the manifestations and treatment options for hemorrhagic colitis.
Definition
Hemorrhagic colitis is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of the mucous layer of the colon. This happens under the influence of the activity of Escherichia coli, which releases dangerous toxins that can affect the mucosa and vessels of the large intestine, forming ulcers. The disease can develop at any age, but is most often diagnosed in the elderly and children under five years of age. Since the signs of hemorrhagic colitis can be confused with other diseases, careful diagnosis is necessary.
Causes
Infection can penetrate the human body in various ways. But most often hemorrhagic colitis provokes E. coli, located in the intestines of cattle. Under favorable conditions, the bacterium begins to multiply intensively, increasing the poisoning of the body with the toxic waste that it produces. They can disrupt the integrity of blood vessels, causing inflammation. E. coli can enter the human body along with unpasteurized milk or when eating meat without adequate heat treatment.
There are other causes of hemorrhagic colitis. These include:
- transmission of the infection by fecal-oral route;
- insufficient hand hygiene;
- eating unwashed foods;
- food allergy;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and colon;
- malnutrition;
- parasites;
- prolonged use of certain medications.
Symptomatology
The disease progresses rather quickly. Symptoms of hemorrhagic colitis are very pronounced, especially in the first week after infection. The most common signs are:
- severe pain in the abdomen cramping in nature (less likely there are pulling pains in the navel);
- body temperature can rise to high values;
- the appearance of a watery stool with impurities of blood;
- general malaise;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- development of pathological conditions of the kidneys;
- change in blood composition;
- anemia;
- lack of appetite and weight loss;
- nausea and vomiting;
- swelling and redness of the rectum;
- in severe cases, convulsions may occur.
Usually the symptoms of the disease go away after 8-10 days, but in young children and people with reduced immunity and if untreated, the symptoms appear up to two weeks. This condition is fraught with the development of serious complications.
Diagnostics
Despite the fact that the pathology has fairly recognizable signs, it is necessary to carry out a number of diagnostic measures to confirm the diagnosis, as well as to clarify the degree of development of the disease and the presence of possible complications. For this, a comprehensive diagnosis is used, consisting of laboratory and instrumental studies.
Laboratory include:
- general analysis of urine and blood to confirm the fact of the development of the inflammatory process;
- microscopic examination of feces;
- feces for determination of the causative agent of infection.
Instrumental methods include:
- colonoscopy, with which the condition of the rectum is examined;
- sigmoidoscopy: the colon mucosa is examined for hemorrhages and inflammation.
An equally important diagnostic measure is a doctor’s survey, in which the medical history is collected, the approximate time of the onset of the first symptoms and the estimated route of infection are specified. Palpation of the abdomen is also performed.
Qualitative diagnosis is very important, as it allows you to identify the presence of erosive hemorrhagic colitis, characteristic of the chronic stage of the disease. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Treatment
Having clarified the concomitant symptoms, the treatment of hemorrhagic colitis is prescribed individually by an infectious disease specialist or proctologist individually in each case. With this disease, only medication is used. Surgical treatment in this case is not provided.
Therapy includes the following categories of drugs.
- Antibiotics. These drugs should be used strictly as prescribed by the attending physician, since their improper use can aggravate the course of the disease, causing serious complications. This is due to the fact that dead bacteria secrete an increased amount of toxic substances, which causes deep intoxication of the body.
- Antipyretic drugs to relieve symptomatic symptoms. Children are recommended to use Ibuprofen or Paracetomol.
- Antidiarrheal drugs.
In severe cases, hemodialysis (artificial blood filtration) and plasmapheresis (cleansing the body by filtering the blood with a special device) may be indicated.
In the treatment of hemorrhagic colitis, patient isolation and bed rest are necessary.
Diet therapy
Of great importance in the treatment of the disease is adherence to a special diet until the moment of full recovery. The following product categories should be excluded from the diet:
- fatty dishes;
- sharp
- smoked meats;
- spice;
- sweets;
- carbonated drinks;
- alcohol;
- raw vegetables and legumes should be temporarily excluded.
The following products are allowed:
- dietary varieties of meat and fish;
- protein food;
- dairy products.
Special conditions when following a diet are:
- fractional nutrition in small portions;
- food should be warm: it is not recommended to use hot or cold dishes;
- food must be thoroughly chewed;
- give preference to boiled products or steamed.
Folk remedies
In the treatment of hemorrhagic colitis, folk remedies that are used in the form of decoctions, infusions and enemas have proven themselves well. It is important to remember that any use of medicinal plants should begin after consultation with your doctor. Consider the most common of them:
- yarrow;
- berries of bird cherry;
- ginger;
- plantain;
- shepherd’s bag.
Most often they are used in the form of decoctions and tinctures.
For enemas, you can use diluted rosehip oil or sea buckthorn, as well as decoctions of St. John's wort or chamomile.
Complications
In most cases, the disease proceeds without serious complications. But in the absence of treatment and the presence of provoking factors, hemorrhagic ulcerative colitis can develop, which can lead to the following dangerous conditions:
- anemia;
- cramps
- damage by toxins of neighboring organs;
- thrombocytopenia;
- hemorrhagic nephritis;
- acute renal failure;
- circulatory disturbance;
- stroke.
Prevention
The implementation of preventive recommendations can prevent the development of hemorrhagic colitis. Some rules should be followed:
- wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and the street;
- consume pasteurized or boiled milk;
- carry out thorough heat treatment of meat;
- Do not contact carriers of this disease.
Forecast and Conclusion
With hemorrhagic colitis, in most cases the prognosis is favorable. Diagnosis of complications is rare and is associated with a lack of treatment. The implementation of basic preventive measures will minimize the risk of disease.
You should listen to your body, and if suspicious symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible and pass the necessary tests.