What causes colon infections? Understand the different types of colon infections, their symptoms, and the available treatment options.

Understanding Colon Infections

Colon infections, also known as colitis, refer to the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. This condition can have a variety of underlying causes, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), ischemic events, allergic reactions, and even certain medications.

Causes of Colon Infections

Infectious Colitis

Infectious colitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Individuals with infectious colitis typically experience symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and positive stool sample tests for pathogens such as salmonella, campylobacter, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Contaminated water, foodborne illness, or poor hygiene can lead to the development of infectious colitis. Another form of infectious colitis is Pseudomembranous colitis, which is associated with an overgrowth of bacteria, often due to antibiotic use.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a more common form of colon infection, characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which primarily affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Individuals with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis is caused by reduced blood flow to a portion of the colon, leading to a lack of oxygen reaching the cells in the digestive system. This is typically due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Ischemic colitis can affect any part of the colon, but pain is often felt on the left side of the abdomen.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic colitis is more common in babies than adults, affecting 2-3% of infants. It is an inflammation caused by the proteins found in cow’s milk. Symptoms may include irritability, gas, and the presence of blood or mucus in the stool. Eosinophilic colitis, a similar condition, often resolves in early childhood but can become chronic in adolescents and adults.

Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is characterized by an increase in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the lining of the colon. There are two main types: lymphocytic colitis, which involves a higher number of lymphocytes leading to a thickened colon lining, and collagenous colitis, where the layer of collagen under the colon lining becomes thicker than normal.

Drug-induced Colitis

Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause an inflamed colon in some individuals.

Symptoms of Colon Infections

The symptoms of colon infections can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Diarrhea, with or without blood
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Urgency to have a bowel movement
• Intense pain
• Depression
• Aches and pains in the joints
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling of the colon tissue
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Joint swelling
• Dehydration
• Eye inflammation
• Skin inflammation

Treatment for Colon Infections

The treatment for colon infections typically depends on the underlying cause. Treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, supplements, and in some cases, surgery or other interventions. If the colon infection has led to the development of colorectal cancer, additional treatments such as chemotherapy may be necessary.

Irrfan Khan and Colon Infection

The late actor Irrfan Khan was known to have been suffering from a colon infection, which ultimately led to his passing in 2020. Colon infections can have serious consequences, especially if left untreated or if they lead to complications like cancer. It is important to seek medical attention and follow the recommended treatment plan to manage these conditions effectively.

Conclusion

Colon infections, or colitis, can have a wide range of underlying causes, from infectious agents to inflammatory conditions and even certain medications. Understanding the different types of colon infections, their symptoms, and the available treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. By seeking prompt medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan, individuals can address colon infections and maintain a healthy digestive system.

What is Colon infection?

Actor Irrfan Khan was suffering from colon infection and passed away in Mumbai on 29 April, 2020. What is colon infection, how is it caused, its treatment, symptoms and types? Let us find out!

Shikha Goyal
Updated:
Apr 30, 2020 10:55 IST

What is Colon infection?

Colon is an infection for a heterogeneous group of bacterial pathogens. The disease results in the form of distinct syndromes. Important is to recognise by the physician about the causative organism to provide an effective treatment. 

About Colon Infection

it is a chronic digestive disease that refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. It is termed as colitis. There are various causes of colitis including infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ischemic colitis, allergic reactions, and microscopic colitis.

Colon Infection: Causes

There are various other conditions that can cause colon inflammation.

Infection

Colitis infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. A person suffering from infectious colitis will have diarrhoea, fever, and stool sample tests positive for enteropathogens including salmonella, campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E.coli). It depends upon the cause of the infection; it may be contracted from contaminated water, foodborne illness, or poor hygiene. Let us tell you that there is another type of infectious colitis named Pseudomembranous colitis. It is also known as antibiotic-associated colitis that occurs due to an overgrowth of the bacteria.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

It is a more common form of a colon infection. When inflammation occurs in the digestive tract, IBD is caused. Basically, it is a group of chronic diseases. Several conditions fall under IBD but some of them are as follows:

Crohn’s disease: The infection occurs in the inner line of the digestive tract. This condition is known as Crohn’s disease. In this infection, any part of the digestive tract can be infected. But commonly or most often it develops in the ileum, the last part of the small intestine.

Ulcerative colitis: When in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum a chronic inflammation and ulcers are caused. People suffering from this colitis have a high risk of colon cancer.

Ischemic colitis

It is caused due to the reduced blood flow in the portion of the colon. As a result oxygen which is required does not reach through cells in the digestive system. It is mainly caused due to narrowed or blocked arteries. Ischemic colitis can also affect any part of the colon but usually, a person feels pain in the left side of the abdomen. It can occur gradually or suddenly.

Allergic reactions

It is seen that this type of disease is more often common in babies than adults. It affects between 2 and 3 per cent of infants. It is basically an inflammation caused due to the proteins found in cow’s milk. A baby suffering from this infection may occur irritable, gassy, and have blood or mucus in their stools. Anaemia and malnutrition can also be possible.

Let us tell you that Eosinophilic colitis is similar to allergic colitis. It usually resolves by early childhood. But in adolescents and adults, the condition is often chronic.

Microscopic colitis

As the name suggests, it can only be seen via a microscope. It occurs due to an increase in lymphocytes, the type of white blood cell present in the lining of the colon. There are two types of microscopic colitis:

– Lymphocytic colitis: It consists of a higher number of lymphocytes, tissues and due to this the lining of the colon becomes thick.

– Collagenous colitis: In this type of disease the layer of collagen under the lining of the colon becomes thicker than normal.

Drug-induced colitis

Due to some medications, the disease may occur due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and causes inflamed colon in people.

Colon Infection: Symptoms

As discussed above there are various types of colitis but some of the general symptoms of colon infection are as follows:

– Fever

-Diarrhoea with or without blood

– Nausea

– Abdominal pain and cramping

– Weight loss

– Fatigue

– Bloating

– The urgency to have a bowel movement

– Intense pain

– Depression

– Aches and pains in the joints

– Loss of appetite

– Swelling of the colon tissue

– Tenderness in the abdomen

– Joint swelling

– Dehydration

– Eye inflammation

– Skin inflammation

Therefore, we can say that colon infection or colitis depending upon the type and severity can be of various types. With the duration of the disease colorectal cancer can also develop. A patient can be given treatment like anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics, supplements, surgery or operations. But if it has resulted in cancer then chemotherapy as a treatment and several other treatments are given to the patient. Immunity of the body lowers down. A person can catch an infection easily and sometimes becomes life-threatening.

Irrfan Khan Biography: Early Life, Death, Family, Education and Acting Career

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that refers to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two inflammatory conditions that affect as many as 1.6 million Americans, most diagnosed before age 35.

What is IBD?

IBD is the common name used to describe two chronic diseases of the intestinal tract ― Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis ― that cause inflammation in the intestines:

• Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
• Ulcerative colitis can affect any part of the large intestine.
• A third category, indeterminate colitis inflammatory bowel disease, refers to IBD that has features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

What causes IBD?

IBD is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. It is not yet known what triggers these attacks ― and why IBD develops in some people and not in others. However, researchers are working to understand more about the mechanisms behind the condition and the impact of genetic, environmental, infectious, immune and other factors, including the balance of bacteria in the gut.

IBD can affect people in any ethnic or racial group, but statistically, people of Jewish ancestry have a greater risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Environmental factors may contribute: IBD is rare in the southern hemisphere. 

Is IBD hereditary?

Yes, IBD can run in families, but it can also develop randomly even if you do not have a family history of IBD. According to studies, between 5% and 20% of those with inflammatory bowel disease have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, child or sibling, with the condition.

Can children have IBD?

Yes, IBD can affect children, and it is more common in teenagers than younger kids. It may take longer to diagnose IBD in children because they may dismiss symptoms, which can also be hard for parents to notice, especially in older kids.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Children | Q&A with Clint Cappiello

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

IBD causes a range of problems in the colon and rectum, but can also affect other parts of the body. The symptoms may come and go. People with IBD may experience flare-ups followed by periods with no symptoms.

The first signs of IBD can appear after exposure to something that irritates the intestines, such as a medication (including aspirin, ibuprofen and antibiotics) or a GI infection. The irritation or infection goes away, but the immune system keeps responding.

Common IBD symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain (pain in the stomach area)
• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• Urgency to have a bowel movement and fecal incontinence
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Anemia
• Malnutrition and delayed growth in people who develop IBD as children
• Anxiety and depression

The condition can also cause swelling or masses, due to inflammation in the intestines. Your doctor may notice these on X-rays and other tests as you are being evaluated for your symptoms.

If inflammation is not controlled, over time IBD can damage the intestines, causing:

• Abscesses: pockets of infection that can result in tearing of the intestinal wall.
• Strictures: areas of narrowing in the bowel.
• Fistulas: abnormal passageways between two organs or vessels that normally do not connect. Fistulas happen when inflammation and pressure inside the bowel break down tissue, and can cause bowel contents to leak into the bladder, urethra or vagina.
• Long-term inflammation in the colon increases the risk of colon cancer.

In some people with IBD, the inflammation can affect areas of the body outside the intestines:

• Eyes: redness and inflammation due to episcleritis (inflammation between the inner eyelids and the white of the eye) or uveitis (inflammation inside the eye). Experts estimate that 10% to 43% of people with IBD develop eye problems, and regular visits to the eye doctor are important.
• Mouth: inflammation (stomatitis), mouth sores and ulcers
• Liver: fat in the liver (steatosis)
• Biliary tract: gallstones and inflammation of the bile duct system (sclerosing cholangitis)
• Kidneys: kidney stones, hydronephrosis (swollen kidneys caused by a backup of urine), fistulas and urinary tract infections
• Skin: erythema nodosum (tender, red bumps on the shins), pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare condition that causes severe skin ulcers on the legs.
• Joints and spine: spondylolysis (stress fracture of the vertebrae), sacroiliitis (inflammation of the joints connecting the lower spine with the pelvis) and arthritis in the limbs
• Blood circulation, including phlebitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

IBD Versus IBS

These two acronyms often get confused. Like IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. But the diseases are very different.

IBS does not involve inflammation: People with IBS may have periods of constipation followed by periods of diarrhea. This could be caused by heightened sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines or problems with motility ― the coordination of nerves and muscles that move food and waste through the digestive system.

15 Things People with IBD Should Know

IBD Diagnosis

IBD usually appears as a sudden flare-up of symptoms. Most people diagnosed with IBD are age 35 or younger. There is a second peak of diagnosis in the 60s.

There is no single test to diagnose IBD. Because the symptoms of IBD overlap with those of several other conditions, including infections and other digestive system disorders, your doctor may recommend a combination of the following to confirm the diagnosis:

• Thorough health and family history and physical exam
• Colonoscopy with biopsies
• Upper endoscopy with biopsies
• Stool sample analysis
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scan or MRI)
• Blood work: Your work-up may include tests for known IBD biomarkers (such as ASCA and ANCA antibodies) and other molecules that signal inflammation. Blood tests can identify IBD, and in some cases, predict the severity of disease and the frequency of future flare-ups.

Does IBD increase the risk of colon cancer?

Having IBD can increase the risk of colon cancer by up to four times. The longer you live with an inflamed bowel, the greater the chance of cancerous changes happening in the intestinal cells.

Data show the risk of colorectal cancer increases in patients who were diagnosed with IBD at a younger age, especially if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, including having had primary sclerosing cholangitis.

If you have had IBD for eight years or longer, get colonoscopies every one to three years depending on your risk factors for colon cancer.

IBD Treatment

Although there is no curative treatment for IBD, it’s possible to reduce inflammation and address symptoms with a variety of therapies. The goals of treating IBD include stopping future flare-ups and healing inflammation in the intestines, both in the lining and on a deep cellular level. Because IBD often causes issues in different parts of the body, a multispecialty approach to care can be helpful. Specialists in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, rheumatology, dermatology, ophthalmology and other fields work together to improve quality of life for people with IBD.

IBD treatments may include medications, surgery and a range of diet and lifestyle changes that help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

IBD Medications

Medications are key to treating IBD. Most people with IBD will need to be on at least one medication indefinitely. The goal is easing symptoms, halting inflammation and reducing flare-ups.

It’s important to take IBD medications as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. The sooner medication starts, the better the long-term results, especially in people with Crohn’s disease.

• Immunosuppressants for IBD: These drugs are used to suppress the immune system’s attack on the intestine, and may be recommended for moderate to severe IBD.
• Topical anti-inflammatory medications: These medications, in the form of suppositories or enema preparations, can help reduce diarrhea and fecal incontinence. They are usually very well tolerated, have minimal risks, and are especially useful for mild-to-moderate cases of IBD.
• Pain relief: Relieving abdominal pain can be challenging. Pain relief is achieved with control of inflammation.
• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics are helpful for mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease cases, and for treating abscesses and anal fistulas (abnormal tunnels between the anal canal and the surrounding organs), as well as for inflammation of the pouch after surgery for Crohn’s disease.
• Steroids: Steroids can work with other anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve IBD symptoms and ease flare-ups. But they should be used only as a short-term treatment due to the serious side effects, such as increased risk of infections and strictures, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and more.

IBD Surgery

If medications do not calm the inflammation, over time the intestines can become damaged, making symptoms worse and increasing the need for surgery. About half of people with IBD may need surgery at some point in their lives to:

• Remove areas of the intestine damaged by prolonged inflammation. The surgeons aim to keep enough intestines so your body can absorb food nutrients, preventing short bowel syndrome. People who are very ill with IBD may need extensive removal of the intestine and a stoma: a surgically created opening in the body to remove waste.
• Repair blockages, strictures, abscesses or fistulas.

The reasons for surgery and the parts of the intestine that need to be treated differ from person to person. Crohn’s disease usually affects the bottom of the small intestine where it joins the large intestine, an area called the terminal ilium. Ulcerative colitis involves the colon and the rectum. Laparoscopic (less invasive) surgeries can reduce complications, and are preferable when possible.

D.”> IBD Surgery and Repair | FAQ With Peter Najjar, M.D.

IBD Diet and Lifestyle

People with IBD may notice that eating certain foods can have an effect on symptoms. The role of diet in IBD is currently a topic of research, which points to a possible overreaction of the immune system to common bacteria in food as a trigger for IBD flare-ups. Keeping a food diary can help you track when symptoms improve or worsen with the foods you eat.

Although a diet cannot reverse IBD, making some modifications may help reduce the severity of symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Before changing what you eat, discuss any changes to your diet with your doctor.

IBD and Dairy

About half of people with IBD, especially those with Crohn’s disease, are lactose intolerant and find that dairy products can aggravate bloating and diarrhea. If this applies to you, work with your doctor to ensure you get adequate calcium and vitamin D from other foods that are easier on your digestive system.

IBD and Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, the kind in flax seeds, oily fish and other foods, can affect bacteria in your gut and ease inflammation. Including these foods while cutting back on those high in omega 6 (such as red meats and fried foods) can have a positive effect on IBD symptoms.

IBD and Gluten

No studies say a gluten-free regimen gets rid of IBD, but some patients report feeling better, with less bloating, cramps and fatigue.

IBD and Probiotics

There are no studies showing that probiotics help people with IBD. Some patients experience symptom relief after taking probiotics, and in those cases, doctors often support continuing probiotics. If you’d like to try probiotics for IBD, you should discuss it with your doctor first.

IBD and Fiber

For people without IBD, a diet high in fiber is healthy, but if you have narrowed bowels due to IBD, undigestible matter from fruits, vegetables and whole grain can become stuck and cause severe symptoms. A low-residue (fiber) diet may be appropriate. On the other hand, for those who can tolerate them, fruits and vegetables are good for gut bacteria and help encourage the growth of less inflammatory species.

IBD and Sugars

A few small studies suggest a diet low in FODMAP (sugars that are hard to digest) can ease IBD symptoms. The diet is very restrictive, but slowly reintroducing foods one by one and noting your response can help you determine specific foods you may need to avoid. If you want to try this approach, it is important to work with a dietician or nutritionist.

Also, certain sweeteners, such as sorbitol, can worsen diarrhea. People with IBD should also avoid alcohol and caffeine if they trigger symptoms.

IBD and Smoking

The impact of smoking on IBD is complex. Smoking complicates Crohn’s disease, and is associated with more severe disease, with penetrating ulcers and narrowing of the intestines. Smokers may end up needing more aggressive treatment for Crohn’s disease, including surgery. Smoking can also decrease the effectiveness of certain Crohn’s disease medications by up to 50%.

Due to the many dangers of smoking, continuing to smoke is not recommended for anyone. People with IBD who smoke should work with their primary care doctors to find the best strategies to quit.

Other IBD Treatments

Researchers are looking into other therapies such as stem cell therapy and fecal transplant, but their effectiveness for inflammatory bowel disease is currently under investigation.

Some patients report abdominal pain relief after trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

IBD Prognosis and Living with IBD

Because there are no treatments that cure IBD, acknowledging that it is a lifetime disease can help you focus on working with your doctors for long-term symptom relief. You may have periods of remission followed by weekslong flare-ups indefinitely. Appropriate treatment ― and your commitment to it ― can help improve your quality of life.

Once your care plan is established, you will likely see your gastroenterologist once a year, or more frequently, depending on your symptoms. Between these visits, it’s important to continue checkups with your primary care doctor, who can monitor your physical and mental health, review your medications, work with you to handle side effects, and support your commitment to preventing flare-ups.

It’s also important not to become so focused on IBD that you neglect other aspects of your health. Try to stay current with your screenings and preventive care, and contact your doctor for any non-IBD symptoms or signs that could indicate a health problem.

The symptoms of IBD, such as pain, fever and frequent need to use the bathroom, can make it hard to sleep through the night. Difficulty sleeping can also signal that an IBD flare-up is about to happen. Chronic lack of sleep can affect overall health and worsen quality of life. Talk to your doctor about ways to help you get a restful sleep.

IBD and Vaccines

Getting vaccines, especially your annual flu vaccine, is crucial since IBD and the medications used to treat it can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to infectious disease. Work with your primary care physician to ensure you get all the recommended vaccines, including:

• Flu shots: every year
• Pneumovax, to prevent certain forms of pneumonia: two doses
• Hepatitis B (a one-time series of three shots)
• Tetanus (every 10 years)
• HPV vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (a one-time, three-shot series)
• Shingles vaccine (non-live version)
• COVID-19 vaccine

Immunocompromised people with IBD should not be inoculated with “live” vaccines. Talk to your gastroenterologist about which vaccines are OK for you to receive and when. Live vaccines include:

• The internasal flu spray “vaccine”
• Shingles vaccine
• Measles – mumps – rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Rotavirus vaccine
• Oral polio vaccine

Regular Health Screenings

Immune-suppressing drugs or biologics for IBD increase the risk of certain cancers in some people. If you take these drugs, such as anti-TNF, methotrexate or immunomodulators, your doctor may recommend:

• An annual Pap smear for women.
• Anal Pap tests for men and women who are at risk for anal cancer.
• Annual checks for skin cancer such as melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. You should also limit sun exposure and use appropriate sun protection properly and consistently.

People taking steroids for IBD may need regular bone densitometry (DEXA) tests or other bone scans if they are:

• Age 50 or older
• Have received more than 600 milligrams of steroid medication
• Have had fractures not related to trauma

They may also need to take calcium or vitamin D supplements or prescription medications to prevent osteoporosis.

The most complete list of symptoms of bowel disease

Thanks to scientific discoveries over the past thirty years, ideas about the role of the intestine and its microflora in our body have changed significantly. It turned out that they not only play a major role in the assimilation and utilization of food and protect against bacteria and viruses that enter along with it, but also participate in the immune system, produce hormones, affect weight, appetite, and even mood and ability to concentrate. .

Functions of the intestines and its microflora

One of the main functions is to provide the body with the necessary nutrients and remove waste. Most of the process of breaking down food into particles that can be absorbed by the body occurs in the initial section of the small intestine – the duodenum. Absorption of essential nutrients also begins there, then it continues in other parts of the small intestine.

Non-digestible food residues, such as fiber, enter the large intestine, where they are used to feed the microorganisms living there. In the process of their vital activity, substances necessary for humans are formed, which we cannot synthesize on our own. For example, Escherichia coli, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli synthesize and promote the absorption of vitamins K, which are important for hematopoiesis, B vitamins necessary for the nervous system, as well as folic and nicotinic acids. In addition, intestinal bacteria are involved in the production of essential amino acids, help get more energy from food, and produce enzymes that help the process of converting bile acids in the intestine.

The intestinal mucosa contains immune cells that protect us from invading foreign agents and are involved in the work of general immunity. And the bacteria of the intestinal microflora produce substances useful for the immune system and suppress pathological bacteria.

The intestine is one of the largest endocrine organs, intestinal cells produce various hormones that are involved in regulating the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate the restoration of intestinal cells.

Such a diverse role of small and large intestine cells and about 2 kg of microorganisms living in them, leads to the fact that intestinal diseases can have very diverse symptoms.

How is the gut related to well-being?

The most common symptoms of bowel dysfunction are grouped under the collective concept of intestinal dyspepsia. These include bloating, gas, rumbling in the abdomen, diarrhea, constipation or alternation (unstable stools), discomfort and pain in the abdomen. These symptoms can be caused both by an unhealthy lifestyle, long-term medication, stress, and insufficient production of digestive enzymes due to the presence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and in particular the intestines. Constantly recurring symptoms of intestinal dyspepsia cause a deterioration in the quality of life. Therefore, when such symptoms appear and, especially, with frequent repetition, in order to undergo effective treatment and get rid of them, the help of a gastroenterologist is necessary.

Diseases of the intestines and disorders in their work can affect various processes in the body and cause symptoms that do not always clearly indicate the intestines. These include weakness, loss of energy, skin problems, hair loss, low mood, joint pain, they are also called extraintestinal. In addition, the imbalance between normal and pathogenic microorganisms that make up the microflora also affects the well-being and health of a person and can contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the body.

You can consult a gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases at the Gastroenterology Center Expert.

Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention

Chronic bowel disease such as diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, polyps, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications and cancer.

According to clinical guidelines, “anxiety symptoms” or “red flag symptoms” are established, in which an urgent visit to the doctor is necessary: ​​

• unmotivated weight loss;
• diarrhea or abdominal pain at night;
• persistent severe abdominal pain;
• onset of symptoms in old age;
• appearance of mucus and blood in the stool;
• diarrhea more than 2 weeks long;
• episodes of constipation recurring within 2 months;
• blood relatives with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

Intestinal symptoms

What kind of abdominal pain is associated with bowel disease?

The intestine is the longest organ of the digestive system, which occupies most of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, with his diseases, pains of varying intensity may occur in the upper, middle and lower parts of the abdomen, on the left, on the right and around the navel. Most often, they may have a connection with the stool, and not with food intake. But the presence of diseases, even such formidable ones as ulcerative colitis, is not always accompanied by pronounced abdominal pain, and the initial stage of oncological diseases does not cause abdominal pain at all, so it is necessary to pay attention to other symptoms and regularly undergo preventive examinations.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a clinical symptom of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and especially the intestines. The main symptom of diarrhea is frequent bowel movements, more than three times a day, with the release of watery or mushy stools. According to the nature of the course, acute and chronic diarrhea are distinguished.

Acute diarrhea lasts no more than two to three weeks and is often infectious. Chronic diarrhea is characterized by a long course (more than 2 weeks), it can be caused by many reasons.

Episodic loose stools can occur in healthy people, but prolonged diarrhea may be a symptom of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, intestinal dysbiosis, Clostridioides difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, lactase deficiency, and other disorders. Chronic diarrhea leads to a violation of the absorption of substances necessary for the body: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, this condition requires an appeal to a gastroenterologist, in-depth diagnosis and timely treatment. Learn more about the causes and treatment of diarrhea.

Constipation (obstipation)

Constipation can be associated with both dietary and lifestyle errors and intestinal diseases, including the presence of polyps and neoplasms. In addition, it can be a manifestation of other diseases, for example, insufficiency of the thyroid gland. Therefore, self-treatment of constipation can lead to health-threatening conditions, including bowel cancer.

Although researchers have not been able to identify a single underlying cause of constipation, one scientific review indicates that functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation are associated with an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. People who suffer from constipation usually have lower levels of certain types of bacteria, including bifidobacteria, so making dietary adjustments and using probiotics as directed by a doctor can help improve the situation. Learn more about the causes and treatment of constipation.

Changes in the shape and appearance of stools

Examination of stool samples is one of the main methods for diagnosing bowel diseases. It is also possible to self-diagnose the appearance of the stool before visiting a doctor.

Normal stools are brown, banana-shaped and toothpaste thick. There may be slight deviations associated with an increase in the diet of fiber, foods and drugs that stain the feces. The normal frequency of bowel movements, according to the World Health Organization, ranges from 2 times a day to 4 times a week and should occur easily and without straining.

The beginning of an inflammatory process in the intestines can be signaled by an increase in defecation and the appearance of unformed stools with an admixture of mucus. With an exacerbation of the situation, the stool becomes liquid and frequent. Also, loose stools can signal inaccuracies in nutrition, the presence of food intolerance to products.

Hard fragmented feces like “sheep” or “cedar cone” may be caused by a lack of water and fiber in the diet and a sedentary lifestyle. But if such a stool is observed for more than 3 months, it is a symptom of chronic constipation.

For more information about the relationship between stool appearance and bowel disease, read our article “How to identify bowel disease by feces?”

Gas and bloating

Gas in the intestines is a normal part of the digestive process, however, some strains of intestinal bacteria produce more gas during their life than others. With an increased content of such bacteria, excessive fermentation, gas retention in the intestines and bloating occur. Also, increased food fermentation can be caused by a violation of food digestion due to food intolerance and lack of enzymes for its breakdown, for example, lactase deficiency.

Heartburn

Increased intestinal gas and constipation causes bloating and increases pressure on the diaphragm and lower esophageal sphincter. This can cause stomach and duodenal contents to reflux into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be both symptoms of an intestinal infection and intestinal obstruction.

Extraintestinal symptoms

Fever

Fever can be a symptom of infectious and inflammatory bowel diseases if accompanied by increased stools, abdominal pain, false urge to defecate (tenesmus).

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Noticeable weight loss without a weight loss diet or significant increase in physical activity may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. Inflammatory processes in the intestines in its various diseases cause a violation of the absorption of nutrients necessary for the body and lead to weight loss. It can also be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

Weight gain may be caused by insulin resistance or a tendency to overeat, which may be due, among other things, to an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. Studies examining the gut microflora of lean and overweight people have found that overweight people are more likely to have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut. Also, certain types of bacteria can affect weight gain, as they produce metabolites that increase the absorption of carbohydrates and fats, which leads to an increased intake of calories in the body and determines weight gain.

Decreased immunity

Disruption of the intestines leads to serious problems with the immune system, facilitating the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the human body. Due to inflammatory processes in the intestine, not only the local protection of its mucous membrane from the penetration of foreign bacteria and viruses worsens, but also there are disturbances in the work of the general protective mechanism of the whole organism.

An imbalance in the intestinal microflora leads to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses in the intestine.

Fatigue, low energy

Studies show that people with chronic fatigue syndrome have abnormal levels of certain types of intestinal bacteria. In fact, the link between an unhealthy gut and chronic fatigue is so strong that one study estimates that 80% of people with chronic fatigue can be diagnosed simply by examining their gut microflora.

An unhealthy gut can also negatively impact the circadian rhythm, which can disrupt sleep and make you feel overly tired during the day.

Unexplained low mood, anxiety, depression

Gut microflora plays an important role in mental health and human response to stress. While the exact mechanisms of this phenomenon are not well defined, there is evidence that certain hormones produced in the gut, called gut peptides, control signaling between the gut and the brain (and vice versa). Hormonal imbalance can contribute to the development of anxiety and other psycho-emotional disorders.

Insulin resistance

Mechanisms causing insulin resistance – decreased sensitivity of tissues (muscle, fat and liver) to the action of insulin, are not fully known, but along with increasing age, dyslipidemia, overweight, distribution of fat in the body, an important role is played by a violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora . Scientific studies have shown that microflora bacteria are not only involved in the metabolism in the body, but can also affect the sensitivity of tissues to insulin.

Skin problems

For eczema, psoriasis, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, topical skin care products are often recommended, but be aware that some skin conditions may coexist with bowel conditions. For example, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have extraintestinal manifestations, sometimes directly related to the activity of the underlying disease, which determines the treatment tactics.

Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and impaired intestinal permeability that accompany bowel disease can cause inflammatory reactions that worsen skin condition. More about skin manifestations of gastrointestinal diseases

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Celiac disease, lactase deficiency, infectious and parasitic bowel diseases cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals in the intestines with the development of their deficiency.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance, unlike allergies, is not associated with an immune system reaction and is manifested by loose stools, bloating and pain in the abdomen and other unpleasant symptoms caused by difficulties in digesting certain foods. In addition, food intolerance can be the result of an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, which leads to a violation of the processes of food digestion.

In addition to the above symptoms, autoimmune bowel diseases such as celiac disease may be accompanied by:

• headaches;
• joint pains;
• osteoporosis;
• menstrual disorders, miscarriage;
• male and female infertility;
• decreased potency and libido;
• hormonal disorders.

For more information about celiac disease in adults, read our article “What is the danger of celiac disease in adults?”

If you have intestinal and extraintestinal symptoms of bowel disease, you can start a bowel examination with our Bowel Check-up program, which includes a consultation with a gastroenterologist and the necessary diagnostic tests. For people who have been diagnosed with or suspected of having ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, the Check-up Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease program is for you.

You can test your gluten or lactose tolerance with programs

• Gluten tolerance check-up;
• LactoCheck.

For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases in the Expert Gastroenterological Center, you can read the link.

Infectious colitis. What is Infectious Colitis?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Infectious colitis is a polyetiological group of inflammatory diseases of the large intestine, which occur as a result of the activation of opportunistic intestinal flora or the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms from the external environment. They are manifested by diarrhea with mucus, sometimes with blood and an unpleasant odor, abdominal pain, symptoms of general intoxication and dehydration. They are diagnosed on the basis of clinical data, stool cultures, and a general blood test. If necessary, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are performed. Treatment of infectious colitis is conservative, including antibiotic therapy, antiparasitic drugs, detoxification, and the fight against dehydration).

ICD-10

A00-A09 Intestinal infections

• Causes
• Pathogenesis
• Classification
• Symptoms of infectious colitis
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of infectious colitis
• Prognosis and prevention
• Prices for treatment

General information

Infectious colitis is an acute (more rarely chronic) disease of the large intestine, which is caused by various types of bacteria, protozoa, sometimes parasites and some viruses, accompanied by general intoxication, dehydration; other parts of the gastrointestinal tract are often involved in the process. Widespread: it is believed that there are no people who at least once in their life have not experienced manifestations of acute infectious colitis. The problem becomes more urgent in the warm season.

The disease is more common in countries with a hot climate, in those areas where access to drinking water is difficult, communications are not developed. The most dangerous regions are the countries of Africa, Southeast and Central Asia. Men and women get sick the same way, infectious colitis is diagnosed more often in young children. Treatment is carried out by infectious diseases doctors. Patients may be admitted to the proctology department if the disease is mistaken for non-specific infectious colitis or other diseases of the large intestine.

infectious colitis

Causes

The main cause of infectious colitis is a variety of bacteria. Most often, the disease is caused by shigella (causative agents of dysentery), E. coli, salmonella, clostridium, yersinia, typhoid bacillus, campylobacter, proteus, staphylococcus. Symptoms of infectious colitis are observed with adenovirus, enterovirus infection, sometimes with diseases caused by rotavirus. Amoeba, Giardia, and some other types of parasites can also cause colitis.

Infectious colitis sometimes develops as a complication of tuberculosis or syphilis. In weakened patients with depressed immunity, fungi (Candida, actinomycetes) can cause the disease. Fungal infectious colitis is one of the markers of AIDS, and it also occurs in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or in individuals who have been treated with steroid hormones for a long time. With dysbacteriosis provoked by antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy, infectious colitis can be caused by opportunistic bacteria, such as clostridia.

Pathogenesis

In infectious colitis, inflammatory changes occur in the large intestine, motility is disturbed, fluid secretion by endothelial cells increases and reverse absorption of water is disturbed, the intestinal walls become more permeable to various toxins, which cause general intoxication of the body.

Classification

Taking into account morphological changes, the following forms of infectious colitis are distinguished: catarrhal, fibrous, catarrhal-hemorrhagic, phlegmonous, phlegmonous-gangrenous and necrotic. The process can progress quite quickly and move from one form to another, or it can stop at one stage of development. In addition, the form depends on the type of pathogen. Catarrhal forms are characteristic of viral diseases, catarrhal-hemorrhagic is typical for dysentery. Clostridia often cause necrotizing and phlegmonous-gangrenous infectious colitis.

Symptoms of infectious colitis

The clinical manifestations of the disease largely depend on its cause. Common to all forms are an acute or subacute onset, diarrhea with the release of a large amount of mucus, abdominal pain, often spasmodic in nature, fever, deterioration in general well-being, weakness, dry mucous membranes, and a white-coated tongue. If the small intestine is involved in the process (enterocolitis develops), the amount of feces increases, the processes of fluid loss increase and the symptoms of dehydration worsen. If the stomach is also affected (gastroenterocolitis), the disease may begin with vomiting.

In dysentery, the sigmoid colon is more commonly affected. The disease is manifested by diarrhea with a small amount of feces, defecation 3-20 times a day or more. In the feces, mucus and blood are detected, in severe cases, only small mucous clots with streaks of blood (rectal spit) are released during defecation. Patients complain of sharp pains in the abdomen, their body temperature rises to high numbers, symptoms of general intoxication are expressed, sometimes to confusion or loss of consciousness.

Amoebiasis has a similar clinic. This type of infectious colitis develops less acutely, the cecum, ascending colon or the entire large intestine is involved in the process. Stool with a lot of mucus mixed with blood, like raspberry jelly. Symptoms of intoxication are not very pronounced, the disease can become chronic or recurrent.

Infectious colitis caused by Salmonella is manifested by swamp-colored diarrhea with an unpleasant odor. The feces are liquid, as the small intestine is also affected. Patients develop a fever, severe infectious colitis may be complicated by sepsis and septicemia.

Clostridial pseudomembranous colitis occurs during antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, or severe dysbiosis. It is manifested by fever, cramping pains in the abdomen, profuse diarrhea with a putrid odor. Pseudomembranous infectious colitis often recurs, may be complicated by intestinal necrosis.

Diagnosis

Laboratory tests are of primary importance in the diagnosis of infectious colitis. To clarify the etiology of the disease, virological, parasitological bacteriological studies of feces are carried out. Less commonly, blood serum is examined to detect antibodies to a particular pathogen. Blood cultures for sterility may be performed if septic complications are suspected. In a general blood test with bacterial infectious colitis, leukocytosis with a shift of the formula to the left, an increase in ESR can be detected. With viral colitis, the level of lymphocytes increases, and with parasitic – mainly eosinophils.

Endoscopic studies are of an auxiliary nature, since the picture of morphological changes is not specific, and this type of diagnosis is carried out in order to differentiate from other diseases of the large intestine. Proctologists or infectious disease specialists perform sigmoidoscopy for bacterial dysentery, pseudomembranous infectious colitis. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is indicated for suspected complications. Differentiate infectious colitis with Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, diverticular disease, dysbiosis. It is also very important to distinguish between different types of infectious colitis, since specific therapy depends on the cause.

Treatment of infectious colitis

For specific treatment, antibiotics are primarily used, preferably by mouth. For dysentery, the drugs of choice are fluoroquinolones or 8-hydroxyquinolones. Salmonellosis or infectious colitis caused by Escherichia coli require the use of III and IV generation cephalosporins acting on gram-negative flora. Pseudomembranous colitis is best treated with metronidazole. In amoebiasis, amoebicides of direct and indirect action (quiniofon, chloroquine), tetracycline antibiotics, metronidazole are used. In fungal infectious colitis, antifungal drugs are prescribed.

Rehydration is an important treatment for infectious colitis. With a slight and moderate degree of fluid loss, the absence of vomiting, oral saline solutions are used. If the patient’s condition is severe, infusion rehydration and detoxification therapy are carried out. In infectious colitis, it is recommended to take probiotics and enzyme preparations (pancreatin).

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for infectious colitis is quite favorable, since effective methods of etiotropic therapy of this disease are known today. The prognosis worsens in severe forms of infectious colitis caused by clostridia, salmonella, fungi, as well as in debilitated patients with oncopathology, in patients with AIDS.