What are the main causes of colon inflammation. How can you recognize the symptoms of colitis. What are the most effective treatments for an inflamed colon. How does inflammatory bowel disease affect the colon. When should you seek medical attention for colon issues.

What is Colitis and How Does it Affect Your Colon?

Colitis is a general term referring to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, also known as the large intestine. This condition can arise from various causes, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, poor blood supply, and allergic reactions. Understanding colitis is crucial for recognizing its symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.

The colon plays a vital role in our digestive system, absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food and storing waste until it’s eliminated. When inflammation occurs, it can disrupt these normal functions, leading to a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Colitis

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
• Urgency to have bowel movements
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Is colitis always a chronic condition? Not necessarily. While some forms of colitis can be chronic, others may be acute and resolve with proper treatment. The duration and severity of symptoms often depend on the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Infectious Colitis: When Pathogens Attack Your Colon

Infectious colitis occurs when viruses, bacteria, or parasites invade the colon, causing inflammation. This type of colitis is often acute and can be contracted through contaminated water, foodborne illnesses, or poor hygiene practices.

Common Pathogens Causing Infectious Colitis

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

Can antibiotics cause colitis? Yes, in some cases. Pseudomembranous colitis, also known as antibiotic-associated colitis or C. diff colitis, can result from antibiotic use. This occurs when antibiotics disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the colon, allowing C. diff to overgrow and cause inflammation.

How is infectious colitis diagnosed? Doctors typically use stool samples to test for the presence of enteropathogens. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying infection, often with targeted antibiotics or supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent dehydration.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause persistent inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD affecting the colon are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s Disease: Beyond the Colon

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most commonly develops in the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may develop slowly over time and can include:

• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Changes in appetite
• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss

How is Crohn’s disease treated? Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, antibiotics, or biologics. The goal is to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Ulcerative Colitis: Focused on the Colon

Unlike Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis specifically affects the colon and rectum, causing chronic inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining. People with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

What are the distinct symptoms of ulcerative colitis? Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and increased abdominal noises
• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Rectal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Malnutrition

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to reduce flare-ups and may include similar medications to those used for Crohn’s disease. In severe cases, surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon may be necessary.

Ischemic Colitis: When Blood Flow to the Colon is Compromised

Ischemic colitis occurs when there’s reduced blood flow to a portion of the colon, depriving the cells of oxygen and nutrients. This condition is often caused by narrowed or blocked arteries and can affect any part of the colon.

Who is at risk for ischemic colitis? People over 60, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or clotting disorders may have an increased risk. Interestingly, individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may also be more susceptible.

Recognizing Ischemic Colitis Symptoms

Ischemic colitis can develop gradually or suddenly. Most commonly, pain is felt on the left side of the abdomen. However, if you experience severe pain on the right side of your abdomen, it could indicate blocked arteries to your small intestine, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Why is right-sided ischemic colitis more dangerous? Right-sided pain may signify a blockage affecting the small intestine, which can rapidly lead to tissue death (necrosis). This life-threatening condition requires urgent surgery to clear the blockage and remove damaged tissue.

Allergic and Eosinophilic Colitis: When Your Immune System Overreacts

Allergic colitis is more common in infants than adults and often results from an allergic reaction to proteins found in cow’s milk. This condition can be temporary and typically resolves as the child grows older.

Symptoms of Allergic Colitis in Infants

• Irritability
• Excessive gas
• Blood or mucus in stools
• Anemia
• Malnutrition

What is eosinophilic colitis? Eosinophilic colitis is similar to allergic colitis but can affect both children and adults. In infants, it often resolves by early childhood, while in adolescents and adults, it tends to be chronic. The exact cause isn’t always known, but cow’s milk proteins often exacerbate symptoms.

Are certain individuals more prone to eosinophilic colitis? People with a personal or family history of allergies and asthma appear to have a higher risk of developing this condition.

Microscopic Colitis: The Hidden Inflammation

Microscopic colitis is a unique form of colitis that can only be detected through microscopic examination of colon tissue. It’s characterized by an increase in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the colon lining.

Types of Microscopic Colitis

1. Lymphocytic colitis: Marked by an increase in lymphocytes in the colon lining
2. Collagenous colitis: Characterized by a thickened layer of collagen beneath the colon lining

What are the symptoms of microscopic colitis? The primary symptom is chronic watery diarrhea, which can be accompanied by abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Despite the inflammation, there’s typically no visible damage to the colon during endoscopy or colonoscopy.

How is microscopic colitis diagnosed? Diagnosis requires a colonoscopy with multiple biopsies, as the inflammation is only visible under a microscope. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, antidiarrheal agents, or in some cases, immunosuppressants.

Diagnosing and Treating Colitis: A Multifaceted Approach

Diagnosing colitis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and sometimes endoscopic procedures. The specific diagnostic approach depends on the suspected type of colitis and the presenting symptoms.

Common Diagnostic Tools for Colitis

• Blood tests: To check for inflammation markers, anemia, and infection
• Stool samples: To detect pathogens, blood, or inflammatory markers
• Imaging studies: Such as CT scans or MRI to visualize the colon
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy: To directly visualize the colon lining and take biopsies if necessary

What factors determine the treatment plan for colitis? Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and any complications. It may include:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, or biologics
• Dietary changes: Eliminating trigger foods or following a specific diet plan
• Probiotics: To restore healthy gut bacteria
• Surgery: In severe cases or when complications arise

Can lifestyle modifications help manage colitis? Yes, certain lifestyle changes can complement medical treatment and help manage symptoms. These may include stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, and avoiding known dietary triggers.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Colon Issues

While occasional digestive discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these warning signs to prevent potential complications and ensure timely treatment.

Red Flags for Colon Health

• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Fever accompanying digestive symptoms
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially on the right side

Why is early detection of colon issues important? Early diagnosis and treatment of colitis and other colon conditions can prevent complications, reduce the risk of more severe disease, and improve overall outcomes. Regular check-ups and screenings, particularly for those at higher risk, are essential for maintaining colon health.

In conclusion, understanding the various causes and manifestations of colitis is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care. Whether it’s an acute infection or a chronic inflammatory condition, prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment can significantly improve quality of life and prevent complications. If you experience persistent digestive symptoms or any of the red flags mentioned, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Your colon health is an integral part of your overall well-being, and taking proactive steps to care for it can have far-reaching benefits for your health and quality of life.

Inflamed Colon: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Colitis can have numerous causes, from infection to inflammatory bowel disease, drug interactions, and allergic reactions.

Colitis is a general term for the inflammation of the colon’s inner lining, which is your large intestine. There are different types of colitis categorized by cause. Infections, poor blood supply, and parasites can all cause an inflamed colon.

If you have an inflamed colon, you’ll likely have abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

There are a few types of colitis and other conditions that can cause colon inflammation.

Infection

Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause infectious colitis. A person who has infectious colitis will have diarrhea and fever, and a stool sample that tests positive for enteropathogens such as:

• salmonella
• campylobacter
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Depending on the cause of the infection, infectious colitis may be contracted from contaminated water, foodborne illnesses, or poor hygiene.

Pseudomembranous colitis is another type of infectious colitis. It’s also referred to as antibiotic-associated colitis or C. diff colitis because it results from an overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile.

It’s most often caused by antibiotic use that interferes with the balance of healthy bacteria in the colon.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3 million U.S. adults had IBD as of 2015. IBD is a group of chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Many conditions fall under the IBD umbrella, but the two main types are:

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Any part of the digestive tract can be affected, but it most often develops in the ileum, the last part of the small intestine.

Early symptoms of Crohn’s disease may develop slowly over time and some may become worse. These symptoms can include:

• abdominal cramps and pain
• appetite changes
• bloody stool
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• feeling the need for more frequent bowel movements
• fever
• unexplained weight loss

Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators (drugs that affect the immune system), antibiotics, or biologics (engineered medicines that target certain proteins or genotypes that cause inflammation).

Ulcerative colitis

This causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. People with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk for colon cancer.

Some of the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

• abdominal pain and more than usual abdominal noises
• bloody stool
• diarrhea
• fever
• rectal pain
• unexplained weight loss
• malnutrition

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition and treatment is intended to reduce flare-ups. Treatment options can be similar to Crohn’s disease. These may include anti-inflammatory medications, biologics, and immunomodulators.

Surgery may be an option with debilitating symptoms, a perforation of your colon, or severe blockages.

Ischemic colitis

Ischemic colitis occurs when there’s reduced blood flow to a portion of the colon. This stops the cells in your digestive system from getting the oxygen they need.

It’s usually caused by narrowed or blocked arteries. People age 60 or older, have IBS, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or a clotting disorder may have an increased risk of ischemic colitis.

Ischemic colitis can affect any part of your colon, but you usually feel pain on the left side of the abdomen. It can occur gradually or suddenly.

Symptoms on your right side may indicate blocked arteries to your small intestine that can quickly cause necrosis of intestinal tissue. This is life-threatening and requires urgent surgery to clear the blockage and remove the damaged portion.

If you feel severe pain on the right side of your abdomen, don’t delay in getting emergency medical care.

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Allergic reactions

Allergic colitis is more common in babies than adults and can be temporary. The inflammation is an allergic reaction to the proteins found in cow’s milk. A baby with an inflamed colon may be irritable, gassy, and have blood or mucus in their stools. Anemia and malnutrition are also possible.

Eosinophilic colitis is similar to allergic colitis. When it occurs in an infant, it usually resolves by early childhood. In adolescents and adults, the condition is often chronic.

The exact cause of eosinophilic colitis isn’t always known, though proteins in cow’s milk often make symptoms worse. People with a personal or family history of allergies and asthma appear to have a higher risk.

Microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis can be seen only through a microscope. It’s characterized by an increase in lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, in the lining of the colon.

There are two types of microscopic colitis, and though both show an increase in lymphocytes, each type affects the tissue of your colon differently:

• Lymphocytic colitis has a higher number of lymphocytes, and the tissues and lining of the colon are of normal thickness.
• In collagenous colitis, the layer of collagen under the lining of the colon is thicker than normal.

The cause of microscopic colitis is unknown, but researchers believe it may be linked to:

• autoimmune diseases
• certain medications
• infections
• genetics

The symptoms of this type of colitis often come and go, sometimes disappearing without treatment.

Drug-induced colitis

Certain medications, mainly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have been linked to the inflamed colon in some people. Older people and people with a history of long-term use of NSAIDs appear to be at the highest risk of developing this type of colitis.

Even though there are different types of colitis with different causes, most of the symptoms are the same:

• diarrhea with or without blood
• abdominal pain and cramping
• fever
• urgency to have a bowel movement
• nausea
• bloating
• weight loss
• fatigue

Treatment for colitis may vary depending on the cause. If it’s caused by an allergy to a certain food or side effect from a drug, your doctor will recommend removing the food from your diet or changing medication.

Most types of colitis are treated using medication and changes to diet. The goal of treatment for colon inflammation is to reduce the inflammation-causing symptoms.

Medications used to treat colitis may include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and aminosalicylates
• immunosuppressants
• antibiotics
• anti-diarrheal medications
• supplements, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D

The following lifestyle changes may help relieve your symptoms:

• keep track of and avoid foods that trigger or worsen your symptoms
• consider eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• avoid foods that increase stool output, such as caffeine and raw fruits and vegetables
• consider limiting alcohol consumption
• if you smoke, consider quitting; a doctor can help you create a plan that’s right for you

Surgery may be recommended if other treatments aren’t able to relieve your symptoms or if you have severe damage to your colon.

Chronic diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stool should be evaluated by a doctor. Severe abdominal pain that comes on suddenly and makes it difficult for you to get comfortable may be a sign of a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment.

The symptoms of colitis can cause discomfort that impacts your quality of life. There are treatment options that can help. Speak with your doctor to find out the best way to treat your symptoms.

Colon infection: Everything you need to know about it

Infection is one of the causes of colon inflammation. (Source: File Photo/Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Intestinal infections continue to be a cause of worry for many patients and their families. As per a June 2019 study published in Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, in a developing country like India, intestinal parasitic infections remain an important public health concern. “The infection remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. It is presumed that the prevalence is high in developing countries probably due to poor sanitary conditions and improper personal hygiene practices.”

Colon infection

Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterised by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, the long, coiled, tube-like organ, also known as the large intestine, that is known to remove water and salt from digested food. When the body is ready for bowel movement, the waste is dumped into the rectum. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “the colon is a common site of infection for a heterogeneous group of bacterial pathogens”.

As per Dr Vivek Vij, director, Fortis Hospital, Noida; Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram; Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, “Colon infection or colitis is a broad term comprising any infection (bacterial, viral, amoebic etc.) of the large intestine. It can happen due to unhygienic food, water, etc.”

Symptoms

Inflamed colon symptoms include diarrhoea with or without blood, abdominal pain and cramping, fever, nausea, fatigue, weight loss and bloating, among others.

Causes of colon inflammation

Infection is one of the causes of colon inflammation. Colitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Infection colitis can be contracted from contaminated water, foodborne illnesses or poor hygiene.

Other causes include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ischemic colitis and diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Prevention

It can also occur spontaneously in some patients with decreased immunity. It can be prevented by ensuring consumption of hygienic food and clean water. Patients with decreased immunity should be in regular touch with their physicians, advised Dr Vij.

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Detection

Some common tests for colitis include X-rays of the colon, testing the stool for blood and pus, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Additional tests include stool cultures and blood tests, including blood chemistry tests.

Treatment

As per NCBI, “The presentation of disease in the colon is generally in the form of distinct syndromes, and it is important for physicians to recognise the causative organisms, because specific treatment is highly effective. ”

The treatment depends on what is causing colitis. Many cases require a little more than symptomatic care, including clear fluids to rest the bowel and medications to control pain. Patients who have are acutely ill often need intravenous fluids among other interventions.

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While colon infection caused by diarrhoea and colitis may potentially require antibiotics, depending on the cause, viral infections require fluids and time. Some bacterial infections, such as salmonella, do not need antibiotic therapy as the body is able to get rid of the infection on its own. Other bacterial infections, such as Clostridium difficile, require antibiotic treatment.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Medications are often used to control IBD. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used initially and medications that suppress the immune system can be added, if necessary. Surgery may be an option in severe cases, including removal of the colon and small intestine.

Ischemic colitis

Intravenous fluids are given to rest the bowel and prevent dehydration. If sufficient blood supply is not restored, surgery may be needed to remove parts of the bowel that lost blood supply.

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Diarrhea and abdominal pain

Initial treatment at home may include a clear fluid diet for 24 hours and rest. If symptoms resolve quickly, no further care is needed.

Bowel treatment. Treatment treatment of the intestines from leading doctors | Best clinics | Reviews

The human intestine is one of the most important organs. It is he who supplies the body with all the necessary nutrients and gets rid of harmful compounds. How well it works depends on whether a person’s immune system is strong or not. The structure of the intestine is very complex. It performs several functions, so it should be treated with great care. To understand when bowel treatment is required, what it is and why it is needed, you need to understand how it works.

Structure of the intestines

The intestine is made up of several sections. This includes the duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.

The intestine begins after stomach , ends anus , which is an anus. Without this organ, the work of the digestive system is not performed. Without it, the normal functioning of the body is impossible. It interacts with all the organs that are part of it. 9 enters its departments from the gallbladder0009 bile . From the intestine itself, hydrochloric acid enters the stomach , which digests food. In addition, it releases trace elements, water from food, synthesizes hormones, forms the immune system, and removes toxins.

The length of the intestine of an adult is from 7 to 9 meters, of a child – 3-4 meters. Over the years, this body changes its location, diameter, shape. The older a person gets, the longer and wider the intestines become.

Common bowel diseases

First of all, let’s talk about dysbacteriosis . To understand what kind of disease it is, you need to understand what causes it. So, our gastrointestinal tract has its own microflora. It is absent only in the duodenum and stomach, but in the intestines there are several hundred microorganisms. So, fungi, and E. coli, lactobacilli, etc. can be found in them. And digestion will function normally if they are present in the optimal amount. As soon as the balance is disturbed, dysbacteriosis appears. To understand why it occurs, you need to know why the normal microflora is so important.

Thanks to her:

• synthesizing vitamins and enzymes that have an antitumor principle of action;

• participation in the breakdown of sugar and protein;

• protection of the mucosa from infections, allergens and an overabundance of microbes that can become pathogenic;

• constant activation of the immune system;

• stimulation of the process of absorption of water and nutrients;

• lowering cholesterol;

• neutralization of harmful substances;

• production of fatty acids.

Dysbacteriosis occurs due to the death of good microorganisms and the increase of bad ones. He appears for various reasons. In adults, this most often occurs due to the fact that in the diet is a small amount of sour-milk products and products that contain fiber. If a person has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which appeared due to changes in cell membranes, metabolic disorders and the occurrence of infectious diseases, dysbacteriosis also occurs. It also appears due to an allergy that has begun for something, a stressful situation experienced, being in another area in which climatic conditions are unusual for him, and prolonged high physical exertion.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons for the appearance of dysbacteriosis. Intestinal treatment in this case consists in taking medications that normalize the microflora, as well as changing the diet.

Another common disease is ulcerative colitis . It usually occurs in people in adulthood, but more and more often, and 20-year-old patients began to be exposed to it. This disease affects the large intestine, or rather, its mucous membranes. It occurs for various reasons:

• reproduction of a large number of bacterial microorganisms;

• violations in the work of immunity;

• supplying a small amount of blood to intestinal tissues;

• lack of fiber in the diet;

• smoking, etc.

Colitis is of several types. Infectious is often caused by staphylococci and streptococci. But the infection can enter the body from the outside: for example, the disease can develop due to dysentery. Also, the disease occurs due to a decrease in immunity. Ischemic develops due to disturbances in the blood supply to the large intestine. Radiation appears in people who have chronic radiation sickness. The toxic form of the disease occurs due to the negative effects of toxins on the body. Also, the disease may appear due to excessive and unjustified intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ulcerative colitis is the most dangerous. Ulcers appear on the walls of the intestines. Because of what this happens, doctors do not know, but suggest that the cause of this disease is heredity. Also, the disease can occur due to the autoimmune process and the appearance of infectious agents.

The disease is acute and chronic . In the first case, the symptoms are pronounced and quickly manifested. And often the intestines become inflamed “due to” enteritis or gastritis. Chronic colitis has either aggravating or fading symptoms.

Depending on where the inflammation process occurs, forms of the disease are distinguished. One of them is proctitis . It inflames the rectum. There is sigmoiditis – the sigmoid colon is affected. There is also tifli tons – the caecum becomes inflamed. With transverse , the colon is affected, and with pancolitis , inflammation of the colon mucosa occurs.

There are other forms of inflammation as well. So, colitis can occur due to allergies . Only a doctor can find out the exact cause. He will also prescribe the correct bowel treatment.

Another common inflammatory disease of the small intestine that we have already mentioned is enteritis . It occurs due to the fact that dystrophic changes are carried out in the mucosa. As a result, food is not normally digested and absorbed. Also, the disease appears due to congenital anomalies of the small intestine and for other reasons: the ingestion of infectious pathogens, toxic substances, the presence of parasites in the intestines, progressing and multiplying, self-treatment, prolonged use of antibiotics and other medications, untreated acute enteritis, poor chewing of food , nutrition, which consists in the use of a large number of fatty, spicy foods, overeating, food allergies, insufficient production of enzymes, existing concomitant diseases such as pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, tuberculosis, etc.

If left untreated enteritis can develop into a chronic form . Because of this, dystrophic changes will occur and inflammation will begin in the stomach, pancreas and other departments.

Another disease that an increasing number of people are exposed to is hemorrhoids . It is a vascular pathology in which hyperplasia of the intestinal rings appears, changing and transforming. What does this ultimately lead to? In addition, the vessels are stretched and penetrate the large and small intestines along their entire length.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of hemorrhoids, so we will single out only malnutrition, constipation, sedentary work, and high physical exertion.

In women, hemorrhoids may appear in the last trimester of pregnancy due to the fact that the fetus compresses the vessels and the intestine itself.

The disease may be acquired (which we have just examined) and congenital. The first, in turn, is primary and secondary. It can be internal and external – it depends on what is the place of its location. Also, the pathology can have an acute and chronic form.

Now consider congenital hemorrhoids . The reason for its occurrence is heredity . But congenital pathology is a rare case. Most often it is acquired. Congenital nodes are determined in infancy. The child’s parents usually have vascular disease.

There is another common disease – irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With it, a person experiences acute pain in the stomach, he develops constipation or diarrhea, and his stomach swells.

There are many reasons why this disease occurs. This includes hereditary predisposition, overwork, stress, malnutrition .

The disease is not dangerous, but still brings discomfort to a person. To get rid of it, you need to review your diet, try to be less nervous, stop overworking and, if necessary, take medication prescribed by your doctor.

What is bowel medication?

Drug treatment of the intestines includes taking:

• antibacterial drugs;

• corticosteroids;

• immunosuppressive medicines;

• infliximab derivatives;

• the use of meteotrexate.

Specific medications are prescribed by the doctor depending on the disease.

For systematic treatment apply:

• remedies for diarrhea;

• drugs that bind bile acids;

• medicines that reduce acidity;

• defoamers that eliminate excess gas formation;

• drugs that affect water-electrolyte metabolism, which are prescribed for dehydration.

Nutrition for bowel problems

Foods to be avoided in case of bowel problems: puff pastry, rich pastry, bread made from premium flour, fatty and spicy, smoked meats, onion, garlic, radish, radish, mushrooms. semolina, rice, hard-boiled eggs, legumes, canned food, coffee, strong tea.

In fact, the list could go on for a very long time. We will tell you what foods you can eat : bread made from second-class flour (fresh bread is not allowed – only yesterday), vegetable soups, lean meats, fish and poultry, seafood, sour-milk drinks, soft-boiled eggs, and omelettes, wheat, buckwheat, barley porridge, boiled vegetables, dried fruits.

Diagnostics and treatment of intestines abroad

Clinics in Germany, Spain, Israel and other countries use the latest methods for diagnosing bowel diseases. To do this, they use modern equipment. To examine the most important functional components of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal endoscopy is performed .

Another procedure is colonoscopy . Using this technique, you can not only find out what condition this organ is in, but also non-surgically remove benign tumors and polyps.

Barium enema is another method of diagnosis, which consists in the introduction into the body of a radiopaque substance that fills the intestines and makes the structure of the intestine “visible” for x-rays.

Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to detect cancer in a timely manner.

Intestinal treatment in foreign clinics is highly effective and consists in the use of modern effective drugs, the use of high-tech equipment and the maintenance of highly qualified specialists on the staff.

Resection of the colon and small intestine, the cost of surgery on the large intestine in St. Petersburg

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Indications for surgery Contraindications for surgery Preparing for surgery Operations on the small intestine Surgery of the large intestine Possible complications Rehabilitation period

Essence resection is the removal of one or another part of the small or large intestine, depending on the existing pathology.

Indications for surgery

Indications for resection of the small intestine:

• polyposis as a precancerous condition;
• intestinal obstruction;
• cancer of one or more departments;
• Crohn’s disease;
• injuries and other mechanical damage;
• ulcer, intra-intestinal bleeding, severe infection.
• short bowel syndrome;
• adhesion or fusion;
• intestinal infarction;
• peritoneal carcinomatosis;
• protrusion of the wall of the jejunum (Meckel’s diverticulum).

Indications for colon resection:

• inflammation of the appendix;
• colon cancer;
• diverticulitis;
• polyps as a precancerous condition.

Contraindications for surgery

• the presence of multiple scars and adhesions in the abdominal cavity;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• disorders of the respiratory system;
• in the presence of cancer – germination of the tumor in other organs;
• blood clotting disorder.

Preparation for surgery

Before the operation, the patient undergoes a series of examinations and tests. List of studies:

• fluorography;
• clinical and biochemical blood tests;
• coagulogram;
• urinalysis;
• blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis;
• ECG.

The doctor prescribes other examinations, depending on the disease. In emergency cases, the operation is performed without preparation, for example, with inflammation of the appendix.

After taking the tests, you need to consult with a general practitioner, anesthetist and surgeon.

Features of the technique

Consider the methods of the operation, depending on some diseases.

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Operations on the small intestine

Fusion, adhesion

Adhesiolysis is the dissection of adhesions, adhesions, scarring. Adhesion can result from surgery, trauma, tumors, or inflammation. Adhesion is carried out by two methods:

• Laparoscopic, minimally invasive. The dissection of adhesions or adhesions is performed with a laparoscope.
• Open (laparotomy). Access is through large incisions in the abdominal wall. Then the adhesions are dissected.

Intestinal obstruction

In this disease, the obstruction is removed directly, without removal of the intestine.

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is the removal of the end of the small intestine through a separate opening in the abdominal wall. An ileostomy connects the small intestine and the abdominal wall so that the contents of the intestine come out. The creation of such an artificial exit is necessary for the removal of the colon, diverticulitis, bullet wounds of the abdominal cavity. Ileostomy can be of two types:

• Single barrel. The end of the healthy part of the intestine is brought out and sewn to the skin.
• Double barrel. A loop of the small intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall, an incision is made on it, after which the intestine is turned up so that its two ends are visible. This ileostomy is designed to unload the lower part of the intestine. The bowel loop usually returns to the abdomen after a few weeks.

Closing the ileostomy

When the ileostomy is no longer needed, the two ends of the intestine are joined in the abdomen and the entire small intestine is again involved in the digestion process.

Meckel’s diverticulum

Meckel’s diverticulum is a protrusion of the intestinal wall (small or ileum). With such a disease, the affected area is excised.

Whipple procedure

Performed for:

• pancreatic head cancer;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• bile duct cancer;
• papillary cancer.

During this operation, the head of the pancreas, part of the duodenum, gallbladder, common bile duct, 2/3 of the stomach and nearby lymph nodes are removed.

Colon surgery

Colostomy

When forming an artificial anus, a connection is formed between the anterior abdominal wall and the large intestine. Thus, the feces come out through the hole in the abdominal wall. The affected part of the intestine is resected. The operation, as in the case of the small intestine, can be single- or double-barreled. Usually a colostomy is needed in the following cases:

• rectal cancer;
• ulcerative colitis, Morbus Kron;
• to unload part of the operated bowel (temporary colostomy).

Surgery for inflammation of the appendix (appendectomy)

In this case, the appendix is ​​removed. The operation is performed not only for acute appendicitis, but also for tumors of the appendix. The operation is of two types:

• open (laparotomy) – the appendix is ​​removed through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall;
• laparoscopic – removal of the appendix with a laparoscope through small punctures on the anterior abdominal wall.

Removal of a diverticulum

This is a resection of a saccular protrusion of the intestinal wall. It can be carried out according to three different methods:
open – operation through access through incisions on the abdominal wall;

• laparoscopic – the diverticulum is removed with a laparoscope through small incisions in the abdominal wall;
• endoscopic – the diverticulum is removed with an endoscope through the anus when a pathology is detected during an examination of the intestine.

Colectomy

A colectomy is an operation in which the entire large intestine is removed. This is the only way to treat ulcerative colitis, as well as hereditary polyposis.

Longo operation

Through access through the anus, without external wounds, hemorrhoids or other pathologically altered areas of the intestinal mucosa are removed.

STARR operation

This is an operation to resect part of the rectum with a special device that works like a stapler. It is carried out if defecation is disturbed, hemorrhoids, anal prolapse, rectocele are present. Unlike the Longo technique, the intestinal wall is removed, and not just the mucous membrane.

Possible complications

During or after bowel resection may occur: bleeding, infection, hernia at the suture site, blockage of the intestine with scar tissue. The risk of complications is increased if the patient smokes and/or has had previous abdominal surgery.

Rehabilitation period

• This operation requires hospitalization for approximately 10 days. In the first days, the patient may experience pain, which is stopped by painkillers as prescribed by the doctor. You can eat only soft food, and after four days – switch to a normal diet.
• You need to get out of bed as early as possible, move more so that there are no pulmonary complications.
• Three weeks after the operation, you can return to your normal lifestyle. Within 6-8 weeks, physical activity and intimacy are prohibited. With weakness and dizziness, you can not drive a car.
• The area of ​​postoperative scars must be kept clean and dry.

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* For more information on the conditions, please click here – Treatment on credit or installments

Preliminary cost. The exact cost of the operation can only be determined by the surgeon during a free consultation.

FAQ

Diet is an important part of rehabilitation after bowel resection. In the first six months after surgery, it is important to reduce the amount of fats and simple carbohydrates, to ensure sufficient protein intake. Gradually, starting with a minimum amount, dietary fiber is introduced into the diet. The number of meals – 5-6 times a day every 2-3 hours, in small portions. Under the ban are foods that cause increased gas formation in the intestines, spicy, salty, smoked foods, fried foods, alcohol, especially beer. Mucous porridges on the water, lean meat and fish, dairy products, soft-boiled eggs, baked vegetables are allowed. If the patient has had an intestinal stoma, it is necessary to return to the normal diet by introducing individual products into the menu one by one and monitoring the body’s reaction to them.

The consequences will differ significantly depending on which part of the intestine was operated on, the type and extent of surgery, and whether a stoma was applied. One of the serious complications is short bowel syndrome, in which the quality of life decreases due to the difficulty in the absorption of nutrients and vitamins in the intestine, constant parenteral support is required – intravenous solutions. The imposition of an ileo- or colostomy also complicates the patient’s life, since it is necessary to follow a diet, change the stomal bag, and care for the skin around the stoma. Some operations on the small and large intestines – appendectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, etc. – do not lead to negative consequences after the recovery period.

Specialists in this field 10 doctors

Leading doctors 3 doctors

Senko Vladimir Vladimirovich

Head of the Center for Surgery and Oncology

Work experience: 23 years

Dunaisky, 47

m. Dunayskaya

Marshal Zakharov, 20

Metro station Leninsky pr-t

Vyborgskoye shosse, 17

metro station Prosveshcheniya

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Krikunov Dmitry Yurievich

Surgeon

Work experience: 8 years

Dunaisky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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Salimov Vahob Valiyevich

Surgeon, oncologist

Work experience: 13 years

Vyborgskoe shosse, 17

Dybenko, 13k4

m. Dybenko street

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Other doctors 7 doctors

Kolosovsky Yaroslav Viktorovich

Surgeon, mammologist, oncologist

Work experience: 17 years

Dybenko, 13k4

m.
Osokin Anton Vladimirovich

Surgeon, oncologist, mammologist

Work experience: 19 years

Dunaisky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

Malaya Balkanskaya, 23

m. Kupchino

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Skorokhod Andrey Andreevich

Thoracic surgeon, oncologist. Candidate of Medical Sciences.

Work experience: 9 years

Dunaisky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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Khokhlov Sergey Viktorovich

Surgeon, oncologist, coloproctologist

Work experience: 28 years

Vyborg highway, 17

m. Prospekt Prospection

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4
Shishkin Andrey Andreevich

Surgeon, phlebologist, proctologist. PhD

Work experience: 13 years

Dunaysky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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Yakovenko Denis Vasilyevich

Surgeon

Work experience: 14 years

Dunaysky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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Yakovenko Taras Vasilyevich

Surgeon, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Work experience: 21 years

Dunaisky, 47

Dunayskaya metro station

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