Intestinal dysbiosis is a fairly common phenomenon, which is primarily associated with a violation of the microflora. The fact is that with normal functioning 98% of the microflora is beneficial bacteria, which are simply necessary for the processes of digestion and absorption of beneficial substances, as well as for the destruction of toxins and other harmful compounds. But 2% are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that cannot be damaged.
Intestinal dysbiosis is accompanied by a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria, as a result of which not only metabolic processes are disrupted, but also the active reproduction of pathogenic microbes begins. Most people do not consider dysbiosis an important problem, which is fundamentally wrong. Especially dangerous is intestinal dysbiosis in children.
Intestinal dysbiosis: causes
The most common cause of dysbiosis is the misuse of antibiotics, since such drugs destroy not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms. In the second place are bad habits: malnutrition, alcohol abuse, smoking. In addition, this condition can be a symptom of more serious diseases - gastritis, pancreatitis, hepatitis and cancers, as well as HIV infection. Very often, dysbiosis is diagnosed among people who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation.
Intestinal dysbiosis: symptoms
Signs of such a disease are directly related to disruption of the digestive tract. A person complains of constant bloating, increased gas formation, heaviness in the stomach. In addition, about an hour after eating, abdominal pain cramps begin.
Such people very often burp, and an acid smell can appear from the mouth. Problems arise with stools - frequent diarrhea gives way to lingering constipation.
It is worth paying attention to the signs of dysbacteriosis in a child - he becomes moody when he starts to eat, immediately repels food, often spits up, he is constantly tormented by colic, which only intensifies after eating.
Due to the increase in the number of pathogenic microorganisms, immunity also weakens. A rash may appear on the skin, and small sores may appear on the corners of the mouth.
Adult dysbiosis: treatment and prevention methods
Do not try to get rid of such a problem yourself, because sometimes dysbiosis is just a symptom, and only a doctor can determine the real disease. For an accurate diagnosis, you will need to take a blood test and feces, in some cases, additional studies may be prescribed.
The methods of treatment depend on the stage of development of the disease. If pathogenic bacteria have already managed to spread throughout the body with a blood stream, then the doctor will prescribe a course of taking antibiotics. After completing this step, you need to restore balance.
For this purpose, patients are prescribed lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. For this, a number of special preparations containing live microorganisms have been created - Linex, Bifiform, etc. Along with this, the doctor prescribes prebiotics - substances that create the most suitable conditions for life and the further reproduction of beneficial microflora.
As for prevention, then everything is not so complicated. Firstly, you need to monitor your diet - empty it will be full and balanced. On your menu regularly should appear first courses, as well as yoghurts and kefir. Secondly, it is necessary to abandon alcohol and cigarettes.
A separate situation with taking antibiotics. Despite the harm from them, sometimes only these drugs can stop the disease. In this case, it is necessary to take medicines in parallel to protect microflora - these are the same lactobacilli. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, immediately ask for medications to prevent dysbiosis. So you protect yourself from the occurrence of such problems.