The functioning of the human body depends on the ratio of microflora in the intestine. It is known that about 500 species of bacteria live in the large intestine on an ongoing basis, and if the balance is disturbed, there is a high risk of the need for treatment of dysbiosis. The treatment regimen for each patient will be approximately the same, it is described in the article. Depending on the stage, test results, patient age, the scheme may vary slightly. With dysbiosis, the immune system is violated, that is, the body's defenses. With poor immunity, there can be no question of the normal functioning of the body.
What is intestinal microflora
The basis for the normal functioning of the intestine is a healthy microflora. Anaerobic bifidobacteria form its basis. Microflora provides healthy cholesterol, lipid, carbohydrate metabolism. If some microorganisms become more and others less, the risk of metabolic disturbance is high. The level of immunity, the ability of the body to produce adequate immune responses, as well as the activity of the lymphatic system, also depends on the normal functioning of the intestine.
What bacteria make up the intestinal microflora? It is almost always necessary to take tests to treat dysbiosis. The treatment regimen will depend on which particular bacteria prevail and which are lacking. Classification of bacteria according to the principle of their action:
- those that make up the normal microflora;
- those that are part of opportunistic microflora;
- pathogenic bacteria.
The first two categories are quite acceptable, conditionally pathogenic microflora is often found in healthy people. But if pathogenic microflora prevails, then treatment of chronic dysbiosis is necessary. A working flow chart of drug administration will be described below.
The difference between pathogenic microbes and conditionally pathogenic in principle of their vital activity. Aerobes are bacteria that can carry out their activity exclusively under the condition of constant access of oxygen. There are also anaerobic bacteria for which oxygen is not needed.
Anaerobes include gram-positive (lactobacilli, eubacteria, bifidobacteria) and gram-negative (fusobacteria, bacteroids, etc.) bacteria. They are named after the scientist who discovered them - the Danes Gram. Anaerobes are the basis of intestinal microflora, accounting for approximately 95% of it. These microorganisms produce substances that can displace pathogens. They also play an important role in acidification of the intestine, contribute to the formation of a protective film on the mucosa. Some anaerobes are involved in the absorption of beneficial trace elements. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to increasing the number of anaerobes when implementing a treatment regimen for intestinal dysbiosis. Roughly speaking, the quality of immunity, well-being, fullness of tissues with all necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids depend on a sufficient number of these bacteria. Due to the content of anaerobes, almost all intestinal preparations are effective. The treatment regimen for intestinal dysbiosis in adults necessarily contains the item "colonization of the intestines with beneficial microorganisms" - this is the population of anaerobic bacteria.
Symptoms of dysbiosis in children and adults
With intestinal dysbiosis, quite individual symptoms can be observed, however, a number of general symptoms can be distinguished:
- Stool disorder is the first symptom of the disease in both adults and children. Diarrhea is permanent, in the first days the stool remains in shape, but by the end of the week the disease passes from the second stage to the third, as a result of which the diarrhea becomes uncontrollable. Many patients try to get rid of this symptom with fastening drugs - Loperamide, etc., however, after taking the pill, the effect does not last long. A comprehensive treatment of dysbiosis is necessary. A gastroenterologist can draw up a treatment regimen after receiving the results of the tests.
- With dysbiosis, elderly people may develop constipation. This symptom appears due to a significant decrease in intestinal motility. Constipation accompanies the release of foul-smelling gases. The abundance of pathogenic microflora provides an extremely unpleasant odor both during bowel movements and during flatulence. This symptom is present not only in the elderly, but also in patients of the youngest or even childhood.
- In the late stage of dysbiosis, rotting and fermentation of food in the intestines is observed, as a result of which mucus may appear during defecation, feces can be foamy, greenish or yellow. The exact symptoms in this case will depend on what other chronic diseases of the internal organs the patient suffers. For example, when there is a violation of the outflow of bile, the feces turn yellow, with chronic liver diseases it brightens, sometimes it completely loses color.
- Flatulence of varying intensity is inherent in any stage of development of dysbiosis. Often patients resort to the use of carminative drugs such as Espumisan, however, after the action of the drug is over, the symptoms return with a vengeance.
- Dyspeptic disorders with dysbiosis are quite common. Nausea, belching, bad breath - all this is the result of the fact that the intestine is not completely emptied, putrefactive processes develop in it.
Stages of development of dysbiosis
It should be noted that dysbiosis can develop not only on the intestinal mucosa. Women often suffer from a violation of the microflora on the walls of the vagina - while, of course, digestion does not suffer, but there is great discomfort and an increased risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, as local immunity suffers. The development of dysbiosis in the gynecological part differs somewhat from a similar disease in gastroenterology, however, the same stages of development can be distinguished, and the cause of the pathology is the same as in the case of the intestine - microflora disturbance.
The reasons for the development of dysbiosis are as follows:
- parasitic infestations;
- malnutrition;
- alcohol abuse
- stressful situations;
- chronic overwork;
- inflammatory diseases;
- chronic diseases of the digestive tract;
- neoplasms in any part of the intestine.
Consider the main stages of the development of dysbiosis:
- The first stage is characterized by a persistent violation of the protective endogenous microflora (in the analyzes there is such a thing as “two orders of magnitude” - this means that the average indicator of the presence of certain bacteria differs from the norm by two arbitrary units). In the first stage, the patient does not suffer from a violation of bifidobacteria and lactoflora. The first stage is also called the latent stage of the development of intestinal dysbiosis. The treatment regimen for children and adults at this stage is not difficult. As a rule, it is enough to ensure the colonization of the intestines (or vagina) with beneficial microorganisms through the use of drugs. This is usually enough to restore local and general immunity, and the absorption of beneficial components from food is restored.
- The second stage is characterized by a pathogenic process, which is characterized by a rapid increase in pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, the patient begins to experience rather ambiguous symptoms: constant bloating, heaviness after eating, flatulence - all these unpleasant consequences of dysbiosis haunt the patient every day. It should be noted that such symptoms can develop not only with dysbiosis, but also with a number of other diseases of the digestive tract. Therefore, before you start to adhere to the treatment regimen for intestinal dysbiosis, you need to undergo an examination and find out your diagnosis exactly. In the second stage of dysbiosis, an inflammatory process often develops, as a result of which the patient may experience pain in the peritoneum. If untreated, this process can result in more serious illnesses.
- The third stage of intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by an aggravation of the condition: the patient already suffers not only from the directly described disease, but also from concomitant ones (intestinal ulcer, erosion, etc.). Pathogenic microflora almost completely displaces anaerobes, as a result of which the normal digestion process is out of the question - urgent treatment of dysbiosis is required. The treatment regimen includes not only taking medications, but also following a fairly strict diet. Some foods and drinks will have to be excluded from the diet for a long time.
Which doctor should I go to?
It is quite difficult to independently draw up a treatment regimen for dysbiosis in adults. Why do I need to take tests and consult a gastroenterologist? The fact is that only after examining the patient’s feces and after comparing the results with a biochemical blood test, it is possible to accurately diagnose not only dysbiosis, but also to verify the presence or absence of other diagnoses. Often dysbiosis is a consequence of chronic diseases of the gallbladder, liver. Also, dysbiosis can develop in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The results of the analyzes will help to make a clinical picture, as a result of which a successful treatment regimen for dysbiosis for a child or adult can be developed.
So, to carry out the necessary tests, you will need to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. As a rule, he paints a treatment regimen after compiling a clinical picture. To alleviate the current condition, the patient can be prescribed fastening and carminative drugs, if necessary, enzymes or hepatoprotectors can be prescribed.
Scheme for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in adults
As a rule, treatment of a disease of the second or third stage takes about a month. Depending on the clinical picture and the presence of concomitant diseases, this time may differ slightly both in smaller and larger directions.
The treatment regimen for dysbiosis in adults:
- elimination of the causes that caused dysbiosis - you need to get rid of parasites, go into remission in the presence of chronic diseases, normalize nutrition, abandon bad habits, go into a comfort zone with constant stress;
- the destruction of pathogenic microflora with the help of pharmacological preparations;
- colonization with beneficial bacteria, which was mentioned above;
- maintaining a healthy balance of microflora.
Four stages are closely interrelated: without the full implementation of any of them, treatment will be useless. The treatment regimen for intestinal dysbiosis in adults differs from that in children in that more aggressive drugs can be used without fear of side effects. Adults will also have to limit themselves (and ideally - completely excluded from their lives) in terms of bad habits. Smoking and alcohol are detrimental to the normal functioning of the digestive tract.
Reviews on the treatment regimen for dysbiosis in adults are positive. Many patients tried to get rid of dysbiosis exclusively with the help of drugs, and for some time this therapy strategy brought relief. However, after some time (several weeks) the symptoms returned again. As a result, the use of drugs alone turned out to be unpromising: constant relapses repeated. And only an integrated approach to treatment allowed us to forget about the symptoms of dysbiosis for years.
Symptoms of gynecological dysbiosis
As mentioned above, in addition to intestinal dysbiosis, there is also vaginal. Hormonal disorders, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, non-observance of personal hygiene, infectious processes in the vagina - there are many factors that contribute to the development of vaginal dysbiosis. The consequences of this disease are exactly the same as in the case of the intestine: a decrease in general and local immunity, poor health, and a decrease in vitality.
Pathogenic bacteria that lead to vaginosis in most cases:
- gardnerella;
- clostridia, klebsiella, corynebacteria;
- streptococci and staphylococci;
- E. coli.
Symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis:
- painful urination (occurs in most cases, since the pathogenic microflora extends to the ureters, if untreated, it can "rise" to the bladder and even to the kidneys, which will result in chronic pyelonephritis);
- vaginal dryness;
- discharge of an unusual nature;
- sensation of itching, burning in the genital area and vagina.
Diagnosis of vaginal dysbiosis includes:
- gynecologist examination;
- smear on the microflora;
- analysis for vaginal culture.
Before undergoing examination and passing tests, it is recommended that you refrain from sexual intercourse for several days, do not douche, and do not use candles. These actions with a high degree of probability will contribute to a change in the tests and will not allow the doctor to create the correct clinical picture. And therefore, the treatment regimen for vaginal dysbiosis will be drawn up incorrectly. If the doctor prescribes drugs that are effective in fighting the wrong bacteria, then we can’t talk about recovery. If the patient, before taking the smear, follows all the necessary rules, then the result of the analysis will be reliable and, accordingly, the treatment will be prescribed correctly.
The scheme for the treatment of dysbiosis in gynecology
As with intestinal dysbiosis, an integrated approach is important. Otherwise, remission will be short-lived. The treatment regimen for vaginal dysbiosis:
- the exclusion of those factors that provoked the development of the condition;
- using topical suppositories and oral preparations to eradicate pathogenic microflora;
- using vaginal suppositories to restore a favorable microflora.
If the eradication of pathogenic microorganisms takes only about a week, then the restoration of favorable microflora takes longer - about one month.
The drugs that are used to get rid of pathogenic bacteria are different. The choice of drug should not be carried out independently. The medicine is prescribed by the gynecologist after the number and name of the bacteria that need to be destroyed is exactly known. Well-proven drugs such as Clindamycin, Fluconazole, Terzhinan. To restore favorable microflora, suppositories and tablets Ginoflor, Lactogin, Ecofemin, Lactobacterin are prescribed.
The treatment regimen for dysbiosis in a child
The treatment of dysbiosis in a child is complicated by the fact that not all drugs that are effective in therapy in adults can be given to a baby. The child’s body quite often produces adverse and allergic reactions when taking seemingly safe and mild drugs.
First of all, a complete examination of the digestive tract is necessary. In recent years, cases of detection of pancreatitis in children have become more frequent. It would seem, where does a baby of five years old have gastritis or pancreatitis? It affects the low quality of food products, stress, high demands from parents, a change of scenery. The child’s body reacts even to a little stress in an unpredictable way. In the event that during the examination one or another chronic diseases of the digestive tract is discovered, you should start treating them, and only then take microflora-restoring drugs. Treatment of dysbiosis in children should be carried out in parallel with a change in diet in the direction of proper nutrition. To restore microflora, children from five years old are usually prescribed Bifidumbacterin, Linex.
The treatment regimen for dysbiosis in infants is as follows:
- Creating favorable conditions for the baby. If necessary, refusal of breastfeeding in favor of artificial. Often a change of mixture is required if the baby is already on artificial feeding.
- After receiving the results of the tests, the doctor prescribes a drug whose action is aimed at destroying the pathogenic bacteria that caused the dysbiosis (E. coli, staphylococci, etc.).
- Microflora recovery - infants are usually prescribed Subtil, Bifikol.
The best drugs to restore healthy microflora
The most effective way to get rid of the manifestations of the disease as soon as possible is by taking the right drugs. , , :
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- Drugs that combine both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. This category of drugs is the most modern, but their cost is higher. These are Florin Forte, Linex, etc.
The importance of proper nutrition in the treatment of dysbiosis
Simple nutritional rules that will help achieve long-term remission:
- completely eliminate fast food, fatty and fried foods, refuse to use fresh bakery products, grapes, persimmons, legumes;
- you should completely abandon coffee, chicory, sweet carbonated drinks, sweet fruit drinks and compotes, from alcoholic beverages;
- the daily diet must include boiled lean meat, fresh vegetables, sour-milk products with a low percentage of fat, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, you can drink hot drinks without added sugar, prepare fruit drinks and fruit drinks with sweetener;
- drink as much clean water as possible (boiled or artesian, simple tap water can only aggravate the patient's condition);
- you can dry the bread in the oven and eat these crackers with first and second courses (fresh bakery products negatively affect the balance of microflora and provoke flatulence).
Avoiding relapse: advice from doctors
Whatever the patient chooses for the treatment of dysbiosis, the advice of a gastroenterologist to prevent relapse will be common to all:
- once every six months a course to drink any probiotic - this will help to immediately prevent the multiplication of pathogenic microflora in the intestine;
- adhere to the principles of nutrition set forth above;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- avoid stressful situations;
- prevent a relapse of chronic diseases of internal organs (pancreatitis, gastritis, colitis, erosion, etc.);
- regularly checked for infection with parasites;
- avoid hypothermia (this is important for patients with vaginal dysbiosis).