The stomach is a complex internal organ, the walls of which are composed of smooth muscles. Inside they are covered with mucous membrane. The stomach has the property of peristalsis, which is typical for most parts of the digestive system. It can alternately contract, thereby pushing food to other organs of the digestive tract.
When the muscles of the stomach lose their usual tone, they talk about the development of a serious disease - atony. And everyone should know the main causes and first symptoms of this pathology in order to avoid complications.
Disease Description
Atony of the stomach is a serious disease, which is accompanied by a gradual loss of muscle tone by this organ. Usually, asthenia or damage to the nerves of the gastrointestinal system precedes its development. At that moment, when a person begins to consume food, the stomach relaxes.
When a food lump enters an organ, its walls contract. This function is otherwise called peristalsis. If under the influence of any reason it is inhibited, food stagnates in the system and is not digested. This phenomenon is accompanied by discomfort, and sometimes severe pains in the stomach appear.
Causes and treatment of pathology - these two questions still attract the attention of doctors from around the world. It is precisely known that the development of the disease may be preceded by a previous surgery. In medicine, cases have also been described when severe stress acted as a trigger.
A universal method of treating the disease does not exist. Therapy is selected individually. Changing the diet is enough for some patients, and long-term medication is required for others. Let us dwell on these issues in more detail below.
Main reasons
Disruption of the full functioning of the stomach can be due to various factors. The main cause of the disease is damage to the nervous system. In this case, pneumonia, myocardial infarction or peritonitis can also have a negative effect on the central nervous system. It is very difficult to establish the true cause of the decrease in muscle tone of the stomach. Even an infectious disease (typhoid fever or botulism) sometimes acts as a trigger factor.
Among other causes of atony of the stomach, doctors distinguish:
- exhaustion due to anorexia;
- organ vascular thrombosis;
- excessive overeating;
- endocrine pathologies;
- mechanical damage to the stomach as a result of surgery.
The first signs of pathology
Due to the rapidly growing symptoms, atony of the stomach belongs to the category of dangerous diseases. Therefore, when the first signs appear, you must immediately seek help from a doctor.
There are mild and severe forms of the disease. In the first case, patients usually complain of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach after eating. Through the flabby muscles of the abdominal wall, the contours of the organ are often visible. In addition, the following symptoms may appear:
- sour belching with air;
- frequent hiccups;
- bad breath;
- pallor of the skin;
- poor appetite;
- fast saturation;
- dull pain in the stomach.
A severe form of the disease is accompanied by chronic obstruction of the stomach. After eating fatty foods, a general deterioration in overall health is usually observed.
Diagnostic Methods
A disease such as atony of the stomach cannot be ignored. The characteristic symptoms of the pathological process, which were listed just above, should be the reason for going to the doctor. After a comprehensive examination, a specialist will be able to choose an effective therapy.
One of the most informative diagnostic methods is fluoroscopy. During the procedure, the digestive organ is filled with a contrast agent. Against the background of disturbance of peristalsis, it quickly enters, without restraint, in the lowest part of the stomach. At this point, at least 6 photographs of the stomach are taken in different projections, which makes it possible to assess the severity of the disease.
Principles of Therapy
Treatment for this disease, as a rule, is aimed at eliminating the underlying ailment and restoring full body motility. Surgical intervention is extremely rare, because after surgery, atony of the stomach often recurs.
Patients are usually treated by nutritionists, psychotherapists, gastroenterologists and specialized specialists. The latter are engaged in the elimination of the underlying pathology. Immediately after confirming the diagnosis, patients are prescribed evacuation of gastric contents with a probe to prevent organ rupture.
Treatment of the disease involves taking medications, changing the usual diet, using a special bandage. Exercise therapy and acupressure are recommended for some patients. With atony of the stomach, an integrated therapeutic approach helps. Treatment is not limited to one pill.
Drug treatment
A mandatory element of therapy is the administration of drugs. The following drugs are usually included in the list of medicines:
- vitamins;
- antiemetic drugs;
- medicines containing calcium and potassium;
- tablets to stimulate the restoration of cellular elements;
- pills and syrups to improve gastric motility.
All drugs, as well as the duration of the course of treatment, are selected individually.
Diet for atony of the stomach
Combined therapy also includes dieting. Fractional nutrition is recommended for patients. Preference should be given to liquid foods that are easily digestible. Any dishes that can cause irritation of the gastric mucosa are prohibited. We are talking about fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, convenience foods.
The following products are considered mandatory: prunes, yogurt, brown bread and honey. All of them stimulate the work of the stomach. You can also eat low-fat fish for a couple, oatmeal on the water, milk soups and boiled eggs. An approximate diet and the duration of the diet must be discussed individually with the attending physician.
Using a special bandage
Often it is the weakening of muscle structures that provokes the development of such a problem as atony of the stomach. Treatment of the disease therefore involves not only taking medications, but also wearing a special bandage.
It is put on strictly in a prone position. And the first positive results are noticeable a few days after the start of use.
Prediction and prevention of the disease
Timely detected atony of the stomach has a favorable prognosis. However, the disease is characterized by a prolonged course, often requiring drug therapy. In the absence of competent treatment, the likelihood of developing complications increases. Among them, gastritis is considered the most common, and rupture of the stomach is dangerous.
Specific prevention of the disease is not developed. To prevent the appearance of such an unpleasant disease, the following rules must be observed:
- adhere to an active lifestyle to maintain muscle tone throughout the body;
- eat right, refuse fast food and excessively fatty foods;
- eliminate bad habits;
- avoid stressful situations;
- timely treat diseases of the digestive tract.
Atony is a fairly common pathology that occurs in people of all ages. It should not be ignored. First of all, it is necessary to determine what causes the pain in the stomach. Both treatment and prevention of relapse of atony are carried out only under the supervision of a physician.
It is not recommended to try to diagnose yourself, to engage in therapy. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to avoid complications of the pathological process.