Colitis is called inflammation of the colon mucosa. This disease is common, and in all age categories. Chronic colitis is characterized by inflammatory, strophic and dystrophic changes that occur in the mucous membrane of the colon, accompanied by impaired secretory and motor functions. Quite often, this disease is combined with enterocolitis and inflammatory lesions of the stomach.
There are many reasons why chronic colitis develops. First of all, it is dysentery, salmonellosis and some other infectious diseases, various parasitic infections, as well as irregular and improper nutrition. The disease can develop due to the constant exposure of a person to such toxic substances as arsenic, mercury, lead, as well as taking antibiotics and laxatives, without the appointment of a doctor. If a person has diseases such as pancreatitis and gastritis, then the food is not completely digested and, getting into the colon, constantly irritates it, which can cause chronic colitis. This disease can also be allergic in nature.
Patients complain of aching, dull, sometimes cramping pains and impaired stool. It is characteristic that with a disease such as chronic colitis, the symptoms become more intense after eating, and defecation can significantly reduce their manifestation. Strengthening of pain is possible with strong shaking, and sometimes just when walking. In chronic colitis, diarrhea is possible, in which there is mucus in the feces, and in a rather large amount, and sometimes blood. But often there are constipation, in which pain resembles intestinal colic. It is possible to alternate diarrhea and stool retention, which can last several days. During palpation of the abdomen along the large intestine, pain is noted.
To clarify the diagnosis, an X-ray and bacteriological examination of the large intestine is prescribed. With the help of an endoscope, you can detect areas of erosion, atrophic changes, areas of hyperemia (anemia). A coprological study allows you to determine the presence of pathological impurities in the feces.
Chronic colitis in the acute stage is treated in a hospital. Antibacterial therapy is prescribed:
- In severe cases, a combination of sulfonamides and antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action is necessary;
- If the disease proceeds in a mild form, then the use of bacteriostatic drugs is sufficient.
To relieve pain, antispasmodics are used: no-shpu, papaverine.
To cure chronic colitis, a diet is simply necessary, especially during an exacerbation. You need to eat at least 6 times a day, but in no case overeat. With exacerbation, fasting during the day, and sometimes two, gives a good effect. But it is not acceptable for everyone and should be under the supervision of a physician. Diet should be gentle both chemically and mechanically. The diet can include: weak broth, crackers from white bread, cereals on the water, omelettes, chopped meat dishes, boiled fish, jelly, broth of wild rose, sweet tea. When preparing food, the following cooking methods should be used: steaming, rubbing. When the condition improves, the diet expands significantly due to fruits and vegetables. But from it it is necessary to exclude spices and hot seasonings, rye bread, beets, cabbage, sour berries and fruits. The consumption of grapes is not recommended because it promotes fermentation in the intestines. If there is diarrhea, then you should not eat figs, prunes and other fruits with a laxative effect.