Colitis is an inflammation that develops in the colon against the background of a drug, infectious or ischemic lesion of the intestine. It can be acute or chronic. Symptoms in this case are expressed in the form of false urge to defecate, abdominal pain, nausea, as well as the presence of mucus and blood in the stool.
Often, a chronic form of the course of the disease is observed, however, ulcerative nonspecific colitis of the intestine can also be observed, the origin of which has not yet been fully established. In this case, the intestinal mucosa becomes prone to ulceration.
Causes of the disease
The causes of colitis are quite diverse, and in some forms of the disease they are not yet fully understood. That is why it is impossible to reliably determine why ulcerative lesion occurs. It is very important to establish the provoking factor, since the feature of the treatment largely depends on this. Among the main reasons why this disease develops, we can distinguish such as:
- acute intestinal infections;
- the presence of parasites in the body;
- food allergy;
- impaired blood supply to the intestine ;
- individual intolerance to certain types of antibiotics;
- neurosis, excitement, stress;
- anatomical features of the structure of the intestine.
In addition, among the triggering factors, it is necessary to highlight malnutrition. A large role is played by a genetic predisposition, prolonged use of certain medications. Chronic colitis can develop after removal of the gallbladder, as well as in the presence of other diseases of the stomach and intestines that interfere with the digestion of food.
Classification
Colitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon. Among the main provoking factors, chronic inflammation of the intestine is distinguished, as well as an infectious lesion that provokes various viruses and bacteria. Inflammation can occur in acute and chronic form.
Acute colitis often occurs with intestinal infections, and allergies and poisoning can also provoke it. The small intestine and stomach are often involved in the pathological process. Depending on the nature of the lesion and changes, colitis can be:
- catarrhal;
- ulcerative;
- erosive;
- fibrinous.
The chronic form of the lesion is characterized by the occurrence of pathological changes in the structure of the mucosa, which is observed as a result of prolonged inflammation and dystrophy of the affected tissues. In this regard, there is a violation of the secretory and motor function of the intestine. Often the chronic form occurs during the course of digestive diseases.
Ischemic colitis is a segmental lesion of the colon due to circulatory disorders in this area. An allergic form of colitis is often observed in people suffering from food allergies, as well as in those who are intolerant to certain medications.
Ulcerative colitis - the formation of ulcerative lesions on the mucosa of the large intestine. It often proceeds in a chronic form with periodic relapses.
The main symptoms
Symptoms of intestinal colitis are very different, in particular, such as:
- painful sensations;
- violation of the stool;
- false urge to defecate;
- bloating.
When a chronic form of the disease occurs, the pain is mostly dull, aching and localized in the lower abdomen. In some cases, it can cover a large area, without a clear localization. The intensification of pain with colitis occurs after a quick walk, eating, and also using a cleansing enema. Relief occurs after the passage of gases or bowel movements.
One symptom of colitis is stool disorder. In this case, mucus or blood in the feces can be observed. False urge to defecate is observed, which often results in mucus secretion. Many patients complain of bloating, heaviness, and flatulence.
It is worth noting that the symptoms of colitis may be different, it all depends on the degree of intestinal damage, the age of the person and the presence of concomitant diseases. Some patients for a long time do not experience absolutely any discomfort, and the manifestations of the disease are observed only during the period of exacerbation. In others, the symptoms are quite pronounced, and the inflammation is bright and complex.
When ulcerative colitis occurs, the symptoms may be mild or well-defined. There are cases requiring urgent hospitalization, which is why you need to call an ambulance if there are signs such as severe weakness, fecal incontinence, fever, tachycardia, bloody diarrhea.
Temperature for colitis is observed only during the acute course of the disease. In addition, the patient experiences pain, he develops a strong thirst, and appetite disappears. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the focus of inflammation. The most severe pain in colitis occurs when the left part of the colon is affected. Basically, they intensify before the bowel movement and give to the perineum or sacrum.
Diagnostics
If there is colitis, what to do, the attending doctor will be able to tell after a comprehensive diagnosis. Necessarily required:
- physical examination;
- laboratory research;
- colonoscopy;
- tomography;
- radiography.
The diagnosis begins with a thorough history taking. A physical examination includes an examination that focuses mainly on the abdomen to determine an increase in internal organs. A rectal examination may also be required, with which the doctor tries to detect swelling or swelling.
A blood test can help you evaluate patient stability and identify potential problems with colitis. A fecal test is also needed to help detect the infection. If the cause of the disease is not fully established, then a colonoscopy may be required. A rectal examination will suffice. In some cases, a biopsy is required.
To obtain an image of the colon and the rest of the abdomen, computed tomography is required, since it additionally allows you to determine the type of pathology, which is very important for making a diagnosis. An x-ray with a barium enema is used to visualize the colon.
Treatment features
Colitis treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. The basis of the therapy is to follow a diet, as well as the consumption of a large amount of fluid, which allows the intestines to relax and restore normal functioning.
Often prescribed antibiotics for colitis, which help eliminate the infection that provokes diarrhea and inflammation. An ulcerative lesion requires combination therapy with medications. Initially prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that suppress the immune system. In especially severe cases, surgery may be indicated.
With the occurrence of ischemic colitis, treatment begins with intravenous infusions, which will help calm the intestines somewhat and prevent dehydration, especially if the patient is not able to consume enough fluid on his own. If normal blood supply to the intestine is not restored with conservative therapy, removal of part of the intestine at the place where the bleeding occurred may be necessary.
Drug treatment
Treatment of colitis with medications largely depends on what kind of reason provoked it. In any case, the patient is prescribed drugs to normalize the digestive function, and in the presence of pain, antispasmodics. The use of antibiotics is indicated only if the cause of the disease is an acute intestinal infection. Generally prescribed broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs that can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
In addition to antibiotics, antimicrobials are prescribed, in particular, such as Nifuroxazide or Metronidazole, which help eliminate pathogens. Only a doctor must prescribe medicines, since uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the fact that bacteria develop resistance to them.
Since antibacterial agents can disrupt the normal intestinal microflora, they must be combined with a course of bifid preparations. In the presence of a severe pain syndrome, the use of antispasmodics is indicated, in particular, such as "Papaverine" or "No-shpa", and if the cramps are very strong, the doctor may prescribe anticholinergics.
If parasites are present in the patient's body, then anthelmintic drugs are additionally used for treatment. Astringents are required to stop diarrhea.
After the main course of therapy is completed, you need to take enterosorbents, in particular, such as Polysorb, Polyphepan, Enterosgel, as well as probiotics, to restore the normal intestinal microflora. Enzymatic agents are used only in the case of enzymatic deficiency.
Folk techniques
In addition to drug therapy, colitis is widely treated with folk remedies, however, before this, a gastroenterologist should be consulted, since some of them can provoke a deterioration in well-being. Aspen ash will help reduce pain. To do this, you need to fill it with hot water, and leave it in a dark place for 10 days. You need to apply 3 times a day for 5 tsp. At the same time, acute and salty should be excluded from your diet.
Treatment of colitis with folk remedies implies the use of fish oil, as well as some medicinal herbs, in particular, such as chamomile, St. John's wort, plantain. A good prophylactic is considered to be an infusion prepared on the basis of strawberry leaves. It also helps to get rid of many digestive problems.
Surgical intervention
The treatment of colitis is mainly carried out using conservative methods, however, there are cases when surgery is required. In particular, the following can be attributed to the main indications:
- severe bleeding;
- peritonitis;
- acute bowel obstruction;
- pinching or inflammation of the intestinal wall;
- the formation of ulcers;
- acute intestinal ischemia.
The operation can also be carried out with ulcerative lesions of the intestine, since its prolonged course can lead to malignant neoplasms. In this case, a section of the colon is removed.
Dieting
Diet is important during treatment. The basic rule of good nutrition is the exclusion of foods that can have a mechanical effect on the intestinal mucosa. That is why coarse fiber must be excluded from your usual diet, it is forbidden to eat raw vegetables, legumes, nuts, bran, seeds. In addition, it is important to eliminate chemical irritants, which include acute, sour, salty, smoked.
Food intake should be distributed 4-5 times a day. All products are steamed and grinded. It is not recommended to consume milk and cabbage, regardless of its type and method of preparation. It is important to properly observe the drinking regime. During the acute course of the disease, it is recommended to completely refuse food and consume only one water. The last meal should be no later than 7 pm.
Colitis in pregnant women
Colitis in women during pregnancy can be an exacerbation of the chronic process or occurs for the first time. The main reason for this is a decrease in immunity, and sometimes the need to take certain drugs that adversely affect the condition of the stomach and intestines. At the same time, patients begin to complain of pain, bloating, and stool disorder.
Treatment of colitis during pregnancy is carried out only with those drugs that will not harm the health of the woman and the fetus. Basically prescribed drugs that envelop the mucosa and remove harmful substances, in particular such as Smecta, activated carbon, Pepidol. To normalize the intestinal microflora, the use of bifid preparations, for example, "Bifiform", "Linex" is indicated.
If strong painful sensations are observed, then the use of antispasmodics is allowed, and when the disease has led to the formation of anal lesions, drugs based on sodium alginate are good.
It is important that all the required vitamins enter the body during colitis, so special vitamin complexes can be prescribed, and a special diet is also required.
Colitis in the elderly
In the elderly, a chronic form of intestinal colitis is very common. This is due to the fact that over time, a person may develop atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries that feed the intestines. If they are completely clogged, then blood does not enter the large intestine, resulting in tissue death.
This condition provokes the occurrence of severe abdominal pain, and then intestinal obstruction develops and rectal bleeding may even occur. The disease can be complicated by peritonitis. If the blockage of the arteries is not complete, then the colitis manifests itself mainly in the form of bloating and pain in the abdomen, as well as soreness when palpating the intestines. Bulges may also occur on the surface of the intestine.
Illness in children
Colitis in a child is characterized by the occurrence of pain, impaired stool, nausea, bloating, rumbling, as well as a sharp deterioration in well-being. It can occur in acute and chronic form. Acute arises as a result of the presence of intestinal infection and affects not only the large intestine, but also the stomach. Chronic is the result of acute lesions.
Often they provoke colitis in a child's worms, a violation of the diet and diet, a lack of required enzymes for the normal digestion process. The cause of the spastic form of the disease is often vegetative-vascular dystonia and neurosis. You can diagnose a violation using:
- laboratory research;
- examination and palpation;
- X-ray examination;
- endoscopic examination;
- biopsies.
Treatment largely depends on what reason the disease arose. The main goal of therapy is to restore bowel function, as well as the measures required to prevent relapse. Antibiotics are prescribed only in case of infectious bowel disease. Sometimes children are prescribed abdominal massage, enzymes, electrophoresis, compresses. It is important to exclude harmful foods from your diet.
Possible complications
Among the main complications of colitis can be distinguished such as:
- peritonitis;
- bowel obstruction;
- intestinal bleeding.
Colitis can be a very dangerous disease, as it causes many serious complications, among which peritonitis must be distinguished. This is an inflammation of the abdominal cavity, as a result of which its contents exit into the formed hole in the intestine. The prognosis is rather unfavorable, since if timely assistance is not provided, then the person may die.
One of the common complications is intestinal bleeding. It occurs with significant damage to the surface of the intestine. The prognosis for the patient depends on the amount of blood lost and the area of damage. Treatment is carried out conservatively or surgically.
In the absence of the required treatment, colitis can be complicated by intestinal obstruction when its contents clog the lumen. The patient complains of nausea, pain, constipation, bloating. It is important to conduct timely treatment in order to prevent a significant deterioration in well-being.
Prophylaxis
Inflammatory bowel disease is very difficult to prevent. The probable reasons for this are heredity, environmental factors, as well as autoimmune reactions. To carry out prophylaxis, it is very important to organize proper and nutritious nutrition, prevent uncontrolled medication, lead a healthy lifestyle, and avoid stress. In addition, it is important to pay enough attention to sports and recreation.
Since colitis is a fairly dangerous disease, it is necessary to periodically undergo an examination with a gastroenterologist.