Symptoms and treatment of intestinal dysbiosis

Many are pessimistic about the treatment of dysbiosis, not considering this condition dangerous. Partly they are right - there is no need to panic. Intestinal dysbiosis, which is being cried out by advertisements from television screens today, is not an independent disease, although it is observed in almost every adult person to varying degrees. As a rule, this problem often becomes a consequence of gastrointestinal pathologies, often very serious.

Illness or not?

With dysbiosis, the composition of the intestinal microflora is disrupted: the number of beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) is reduced, and pathogenic, on the contrary, increases. It is interesting that at least 2 kg of various microbes, represented by 300 species, live in the intestines of an adult. The role of these bacteria cannot be overestimated: they help digest food, participate in the synthesis of useful trace elements, vitamins, and remove toxins and carcinogens from the body. Three groups of microbes take part in the digestive processes:

• Useful (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli). They are necessary to maintain a normal numerical ratio of microflora in the stomach, prevent allergies, strengthen immune defense. Useful microbes do not allow pathogenic microflora to multiply.
• Neutral They live only in a certain section of the gastrointestinal tract. They do not carry in themselves either particular benefit or harm.
• Pathogenic (staphylococcus, streptococcus, candida). With an increase in the colony of conditionally pathogenic microflora, serious violations occur in the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

With intestinal dysbiosis in adults and children, the digestive system suffers. Food entering this organ first undergoes a process of digestion by bacteria and only after that it is absorbed into the blood. Without the full participation of microbes, the body is not able to absorb the incoming trace elements and vitamins.

What causes dysbiosis

It is necessary to speak about the need for the treatment of dysbiosis in adults when specific symptoms occur. The number of each type of bacteria that live in the intestine is governed by the rule of natural selection: representatives of the predominant species lack food, so the weakest ones die. In this case, there are situations in which the advantage is not beneficial bacteria, but harmful microbes. The causes of inhibition of healthy microflora can be hidden in a number of circumstances:

• Long-term use of medications from groups of antibacterial, laxative drugs. Immunosuppressants, steroids, psychotropic drugs, adsorbents, antitumor drugs, etc. can also affect the quantitative composition of the intestinal flora.
• Unbalanced diet. This concept means a deficiency of necessary components and an overabundance of various kinds of chemical additives that suppress healthy flora. Dysbacteriosis in adults can provoke (it may take several months to treat this condition) disruptions in the diet can occur, as well as a sudden change in diet.
• Chronic diseases of the digestive system (cholecystitis, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, celiac disease and other pathologies).
• Damage to the intestines with helminths, the vital products of which are toxic. Worms destroy a healthy intestinal flora.
• Past surgery on the intestines.
• Stressful situations, psycho-emotional stress and other neurogenic factors that impede normal peristalsis.

Often, completely healthy people suffer from dysbiosis (dysbiosis) of the intestine. In this case, the reason is to look for seasonal food preferences, features of professional activities, hobbies, etc.

Varieties

Features of the manifestation of symptoms and treatment of dysbiosis are largely determined by the causes of its occurrence. In modern medicine, pathology is classified on several grounds, highlighting dysbiosis:

• Professional - Failures occur due to harmful work.
• Age - an imbalance of bacteria occurs due to the natural processes of aging.
• Nutritional - caused by malnutrition.
• Seasonal - the composition of microbes in the intestine varies depending on the season. Dysbacteriosis requiring treatment develops mainly in the fall and winter.

The severity of the course distinguishes mild, moderate and severe dysbiosis. This violation can take a chronic form with continuous or recurring clinical manifestations, acute (for a duration of not more than a month) or prolonged (from 1 to 4 months).

The treatment of dysbacteriosis of the small and large intestine is different. In the first case, the problem arises with excessive seeding of the small intestine, which leads to a change in the microbial composition and, as a result, a disturbance in the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The pain is most often localized in the umbilical region. A more common pathology is dysbiosis of the large intestine, which is often accompanied by flora disturbances in the stomach, duodenum. Pathology can take a severe form and a prolonged nature of the course, negatively affecting the well-being and lifestyle of a person.

Symptoms in adults

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis depends not only on the severity of the clinical picture and stage of the pathology, but also on the microbiological variant of the disorder. However, there are a number of signs indicating a change in the composition of microflora. First of all, these are stool disorders. Diarrhea is the most common symptom of intestinal dysbiosis in adults. Patients who suffer from regular constipation also need treatment. Especially often this problem, caused by a decrease in peristalsis, worries older people.

In addition, with dysbiosis, problems in the design of feces are often observed. Due to the ongoing processes of decay and fermentation that occur in every fourth patient, not only the composition of excrement changes, but their shape, color, smell. Feces can become liquid, foamy, acquire a light shade. Other symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach, are possible:

• burning in the anus, intensifying after acts of bowel movement;
• change in the smell of feces (putrefactive, rotten, sour);
• increased gas formation (the stench of gases is important);
• bloating;
• nausea, vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• the impossibility of complete bowel movement;
• belching with a rotten aftertaste in the mouth.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of dysbiosis can manifest themselves differently in each patient. Approximately half of those suffering from this disorder observe only loose stools or regular constipation.

Signs of the disease in childhood

Pathology is found not only in adults, but also in babies, including newborns and infants of the first year of life. At the same time, one can not help but say about some differences between the course of the disease in adults and childhood symptoms. The treatment of dysbiosis in children of the first months of life is resorted to with the stability of the following clinical manifestations:

• frequent rumbling in the abdomen;
• bloating and flatulence;
• constant crying due to pain and discomfort in the abdomen;
• regurgitation "fountain";
• intestinal colic, attacks of which intensify at a late time of the day;
• repeated bowel movements with copious foam and white lumps (undigested breast milk or infant formula) every 1.5-2 hours.

In babies older than a year, the symptoms can be supplemented by alternating constipation and diarrhea. The longer the dysbiosis lasts, the weaker the child’s immunity becomes.

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in children often begins with the elimination of lactose - it is intolerance to milk sugar that often causes various disorders in the digestive system. Against the background of dysbiosis, the baby can gain weight poorly or even lose it.

How does pathology develop?

• At the first stage, intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by a slight decrease in the number of protective bacteria, which does not affect the patient’s general well-being. In general, bifidobacteria and lactoflora remain unchanged, there are no characteristic symptoms. The first stage refers to the latent period of dysbiosis.
• For the next stage of the development of the disease, a significant reduction in the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is characteristic; they become insufficient for the complete splitting of incoming substances. However, pathogenic microflora is activated and begins to multiply rapidly. In the second stage, there is a need for drug treatment of intestinal dysbiosis, as evidenced by more severe symptoms.
• Without therapeutic correction, the intestinal walls are affected against the background of the inflammatory process, which exacerbates the chronic disorder. In the third stage of pathology, only the right diet and medications in combination can help the patient.
• The fourth stage of intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by the active suppression of beneficial bacteria, which leads to the development of vitamin deficiency, peptic ulcer disease and other pathological conditions that can be dangerous not only for health but also for the patient's life.

In addition to the previously indicated symptoms, other signs of the disease are often observed, but it would be more correct to attribute them not to the clinical manifestations of dysbiosis, but to the likely complications or exacerbations of concomitant diseases. So, for example, with dysbiosis, symptoms of hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency may occur. Deficiency of beneficial microelements is caused by poor digestibility of digested food intestines.

Establishing diagnosis

With serious intestinal pathologies, the same symptoms can be observed as with dysbiosis. In order to make a correct diagnosis and not to confuse dysbiosis with colitis, enterocolitis, gastritis, bulbitis, the patient will have to undergo a series of differential studies. The complex of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics suitable for examining a patient with suspected dysbiosis includes:

• Analysis of feces for coprogram. Mandatory technique for intestinal dysbiosis. In addition to this study, the patient may be prescribed bacteriological culture of feces.
• Clinical blood test. Its results may indicate the presence of inflammation and possible bleeding in the intestines. With dysbacteriosis of the third or fourth stage, the level of hemoglobin in the blood can be significantly reduced.

• Colonoscopy Instrumental research, thanks to which it is possible to assess the condition of the large intestine or its individual site.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The study allows you to detect additional, aggravating diseases of the internal organs.
• Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy. The procedure is carried out using an endoscope in order to examine the membrane of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum.
• X-ray of the intestine. Most often, this method is resorted to in cases of suspicion of a tumor, so gadolinium (a contrast agent) is used during the procedure.

Methods of treatment and drugs

Intestinal dysbiosis in adults and children can only be overcome by restoring the quantitative composition of bacteria and correcting the immune status. In each case, a specialist should select effective medicines. The basis of the drug course are drugs of the following pharmacological groups:

• Antispasmodics. Taking these medicines is aimed at eliminating painful and uncomfortable sensations in the intestines (Drotaverin, Papaverine).
• Antidiarrheal and laxative drugs (Loperamide, Lactulose, Forlax).
• Cholagogue. Use only according to indications ("Legalon", "Allohol", plant choleretic fees).
• Enzyme preparations (Pancreatin, Festal, Mezim, Creon).

Antibiotics

Antibacterial agents are used to directly inhibit pathogenic microorganisms. In adults, treatment of intestinal dysbiosis with antibiotics is possible only if there is information about the prevailing pathogenic microorganisms and their sensitivity to active substances. Their use is justified when the excess of pathogenic microbes became an obstacle to the absorption of nutrients and led to digestive disorders. Reception of antibiotics is justified in case of development of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is worth noting that dysbiosis often develops after treatment with antibiotics. These drugs suppress not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms, therefore intestinal malfunctions are a very common side effect. At the same time, it is antibiotics that can “cleanse” the large and small intestines, create the conditions for building a new, stronger and healthier “army” of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

In the most severe clinical cases, preference is given to drugs from the tetracycline, penicillin series and cephalosporins. The standard course of antibiotic therapy does not exceed 7-10 days. After treatment of dysbacteriosis, adults and children are recommended to remove from the body the waste products of dead microorganisms using adsorbents (Enterosgel, Polyphepan).

In addition to broad-spectrum antibiotics, with dysbiosis, intestinal antiseptics from the group of fluoroquinolones and nitrofurans are used. In relation to staphylococci, plant antimicrobials show a high activity. Often, for the treatment of dysbiosis in children, a weak solution of Chlorophyllipt with water or Furazolidone is used, which has a bactericidal effect in the intestinal lumen.

Probiotics and prebiotics, what is the difference?

As soon as the number of pathogenic microbes decreases to the required level, the patient will be prescribed probiotics (they contain live bacteria) and / or prebiotics (stimulants of the reproduction of beneficial intestinal flora). These drugs are often used in combination with immunomodulators to restore a healthy ratio of bacteria, strengthen immunity and restore the body. In order to fill the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, patients are recommended to drink multivitamin complexes.

Probiotics are drugs for treating intestinal dysbiosis that already contain live microorganisms. Artificial "settlement" with them will allow you to restore full intestinal flora as soon as possible. And in order for the complex of living bacteria to pass through the upper digestive tract without loss, the capsules for oral administration are coated with a membrane that is not sensitive to gastric acidity. Probiotics are conditionally divided into several groups:

• Monocomponent preparations. The composition of such funds includes only one type of bacteria (for example, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, or colibacteria). The most effective and famous are Bifidumbacterin, Kolibacterin, Lactobacterin.
• Multicomponent products. Taking them in the treatment of dysbiosis, the patient makes up for the deficiency of several varieties of microbes at once. These drugs include Linex, Bifikol.
• Combined probiotics. Unlike the previous ones, these contain symbiotic compounds and strains of bacteria that are immune to a number of antibiotics. In addition, immunoglobulin complexes are present in the combined probiotics Rioflora Immuno and Bifikol.
• Synbiotics. Preparations of a new generation, which competently combine pre- and probiotics (Bifidobak, Laminolact, Maltodofilius).
• Antagonists. Medicines of this group are conditionally classified as probiotic, since they contain microorganisms that can inhibit the development of opportunistic flora (Bactisubtil, Enterol, Bactisporin).

Unlike “living” probiotics, prebiotics are completely undigested food particles that help restore intestinal function by stimulating the activity or growth of beneficial microbes. Prebiotics, like probiotics, are coated with a special enzyme film, which prevents them from being absorbed in the upper digestive tract. Medicines enter the intestines unharmed, beginning to act immediately in favor of the metabolic activity of natural microflora and successfully inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.

By the way, there are several varieties of prebiotics that are used in the treatment of dysbiosis in adults. (, ) . , :

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• Hilak forte.

Diet

One way or another, treatment with dysbacteriosis drugs in adults and children should be aimed at eliminating its main cause - the main disease that caused pathological changes in the microbial flora. Otherwise, any efforts will be futile and will give only a short-term effect. Approaching thoroughly the issue of treatment of dysbiosis, it is necessary to begin the fight against it with the correction of the diet.

The therapeutic diet should be balanced, contain the maximum number of useful trace elements and a minimum of confectionery, semi-finished products. It is especially important to include in the daily menu products containing natural prebiotics - sour-milk drinks, cottage cheese, corn flakes, whole grains, onions, garlic, peas, artichoke, bananas.

With dysbiosis, as well as other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, are completely contraindicated:

• pickles, canned food, smoked and pickled dishes;
• fatty varieties of meat and fish, rich broths;
• fried foods;
• pasta;
• baking from shortbread and pastry;
• potatoes;
• mushrooms;
• alcohol.

It is equally important to eliminate foods and drinks that increase gas formation in the intestine from the diet. This is rice and semolina porridge, whole milk, white bread. Fresh apples, grapes, carbonated drinks, and sparkling wines also cause fermentation.

Home Therapy

Alternative methods of treatment of dysbiosis are often recommended to be used to eliminate the symptoms that manifest an intestinal upset. For example, if digestion is accompanied by abdominal pain, chamomile infusion is used. You need to cook it like this:

1. Take 2 tbsp. l dry herbs and pour 250 ml of boiling water.
2. Then cover and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
3. Filter the infusion and drink 50-70 ml before meals.

To cope with the nausea that occurs after eating fatty foods, use peppermint infusion. Fresh leaves or dry grass are suitable for its preparation. Drink infusion as needed to eliminate nausea in 100 ml.

With diarrhea, the serpent highlander helps. Often the root of this plant is used together with alder cones. Both components are taken in equal amounts (1 tbsp. Per 250 ml of boiling water), brewed and infused for half an hour. The resulting infusion should be filtered through gauze and drink half a glass three times a day.

As a prophylactic for bloating with dysbiosis, dill seeds are used. 4 cups of raw material are taken in a glass of boiling water. The therapeutic composition is insisted on for a couple of hours, after which they are drunk like regular tea during the day.

An excellent remedy for constipation, intestinal dysfunction and dysbiosis is homemade kefir. For two weeks, you need to drink every day a glass of this fermented milk drink.

If you have unpleasant signs of dysbiosis, do not ignore them, but visit a gastroenterologist soon. Remember, harmless symptoms can indicate serious health problems.