Exacerbation of colitis. Chronic intestinal colitis: symptoms, treatment

In the rhythm of today's life, it is often impossible to keep track of the quality and regularity of your own nutrition. This causes major problems in the stomach area, and complaints of pain become more frequent.

Chronic intestinal colitis is a disease associated with the appearance of inflammatory processes in the layers of the large intestine. Always accompanied by dysfunction of motility and secretion. People who have previously experienced digestive disorders are most susceptible to this problem.

Causes of chronic colitis

There are various causes of chronic colitis, among which gastroenterologists place first place a violation of the diet and diet.

and intestinal dysbiosis, including those caused by improper use of antibacterial drugs;
Consequences and complications of intestinal infections (cholera, viral colitis, and others);
Secretory and enzymatic insufficiency against the background of, and;
Long-term penetration into the digestive tract of toxic and poisonous substances that can have a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the large intestine (arsenic, acetic acid, lead, manganese, mercury).

In patients aged 30 to 45 years, primary forms of alimentary chronic gastritis are most often diagnosed. The main cause of the pathology is improper diet, deficiency of fiber and microelements in the diet. Eating refined and low-fat foods causes an achilic condition, in which the cells of the mucous membrane stop producing mucus. Fecal retention occurs, which leads to primary catarrhal inflammation.

Another cause of chronic colitis in children and adults is nutritional allergy, which can be combined with galactosemia and gluten intolerance. This pathology can only be detected using special tests. Consultation with an allergist is necessary.

In women, chronic intestinal colitis can develop due to regular fasting in order to lose weight. Enemas and the use of laxatives, including those of plant origin, pose a great danger. Many components of weight loss products cause irreparable harm to the mucous membrane of the colon, paralyzing its normal secretory function.

Classification of the disease

In medical practice, the classification of chronic colitis helps to correctly determine treatment tactics, assess the prognosis of the disease, possible consequences and complications.

According to the etiological (causal) factor, colitis is:

infectious – due to intestinal infection;
nutritional – due to poor nutrition;
allergic – due to allergization of the body;
intoxication – as a result of poisoning;
radiation – after exposure to ionizing radiation;
congenital – due to congenital anomalies of the colon.

According to pathomorphological (intestinal wall structure) characteristics:

chronic catarrhal colitis - inflammation of the intestinal mucosa;
chronic atrophic colitis – thinning of the mucosa, dysfunction of the secretory glands;
chronic erosive colitis – mucosal defects prone to bleeding;
chronic ulcerative colitis - ulcers of the mucous membrane leading to intestinal bleeding.

Functionally:

chronic spastic colitis – causes a tendency to diarrhea;
chronic atonic colitis – causes a tendency to constipation.

According to statistics, when visiting a gastroenterologist, 40% of patients are diagnosed with a chronic form of the disease.

Symptoms

In order to fully appreciate the seriousness of this disease for the body and understand what chronic colitis is, it is necessary to understand the general picture of its symptoms.

Most often, the disease is accompanied by sensations of dull, aching or cramping pain in the abdomen, which are localized in its lower and lateral parts, and may not have a specific location. The pain intensifies, as a rule, after eating, or before defecation. Sometimes after this they weaken for a short time, especially if gas has passed or an enema has been given.
Symptoms of the disease are accompanied by dyspeptic disorders, lack of appetite, belching and nausea. With long periods of the disease, a decrease in body weight is observed.
Patients often suffer from flatulence caused by disorders of the digestion process. The main symptom is a violation of bowel movements, accompanied by diarrhea (it can become frequent up to 15 times a day), or, conversely, the appearance of constipation. These states can alternate. Patients complain of sensations of incomplete emptying. There is mucus in the stool. False urges are possible; they are accompanied by the release of gases, the release of small lumps of feces, as well as mucus containing streaks of blood.

People with chronic colitis may generally feel quite well, but if the disease is severe, signs of malaise, weakness, and decreased ability to work may appear.

Consequences

Complications can only be caused by ulcerative colitis. The consequences may be:

blood poisoning or spread of infection to other organs;
bleeding in the intestines - this indicates chronic ulcerative colitis;
the appearance of an oncological tumor;
gangrene of the affected areas of the intestines and colon. In this case, the person suffers from low blood pressure, weakness and high fever;
perforation of the ulcer, which often causes peritonitis. Symptoms of chronic colitis in this case will be expressed in severe bloating and tension in the abdominal muscles, chills accompanied by high fever, coating on the tongue and weakness of the body.

Diagnostics

In order to decide how to treat chronic colitis, it is necessary to accurately establish the diagnosis, severity and form of the disease. To do this, specialists conduct the following types of diagnostic studies:

General and biochemical blood test.
Scatological research.
X-ray of the large intestine.
Irrigography.
Colonoscopy.
Sigmoidoscopy.
Anoscopy.

Only after a thorough diagnosis based on the results obtained, the collected anamnesis and the general clinical picture, a specialist will be able to prescribe the optimal treatment, which will be the most adequate and effective for the patient in a particular case.

How to treat?

Therapeutic treatment of chronic colitis is divided into the following stages:

Suppression of signs of exacerbation.
Maintenance therapy during remission of the disease.

In case of exacerbation of chronic colitis, hospital treatment is simply necessary. Fasting is recommended for the first few days, after which the patient is transferred to diet No. 4.

Meals should be frequent, food should be thoroughly chopped. Spicy and salty dishes, marinades, flour products, smoked products and fatty meats, dairy products, millet and barley porridges, fresh vegetables and fruits, soda and sweet treats are completely excluded from the diet.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment, which is also used during the remission stage, also helps:

Stimulators of intestinal motility (Dokusate);
Saline laxatives (Bisacodyl, magnesium sulfate).
Herbal laxatives (Senade).
Antispasmodics (Papaverine hydrochloride, No-spa, Duspatalin).
Enzyme preparations to improve digestion (Creon 10000, Mezim).
Adsorbents for removing toxic substances from the body (activated carbon, Smecta and Neosmectite).
Nicotinic acid and B vitamins to accelerate the renewal of damaged tissues.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs (Loperamide, Furozolidone, Tetracycline, Enterofuril).
Choleretic agents for gallbladder pathology and deficiency of bile acids in the digestive system (Holosas, Chofitol, Allochol).

Non-drug treatments

For chronic colitis, sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated. The best resorts for treating the digestive system are rightfully considered the sanatoriums of Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, and Kislovodsk. In addition to drinking mineral waters, they use baths, intestinal lavages, and treatment with microenemas enriched with active biological substances.

From folk recipes shown:

For inflammation - decoctions of sage, mint, St. John's wort, caraway.
Nettle, motherwort and mint help with increased gas formation.
To relieve spasms in the intestines, microenemas with a decoction of chamomile and calendula are recommended.
For ulcerative colitis, sea buckthorn oil is indicated in a microenema at night.

All auxiliary methods require a long time and are carried out in courses with breaks. It is better to first consult with your doctor.

Diet for chronic colitis

The diet for chronic intestinal colitis is called “healing table No. 4”. It involves fractional (small portions) meals – up to 7 times a day.

Prohibited products:

eggs;
baking;
pearl barley, barley, millet porridge;
smoked meats, canned food;
fatty sea fish;
pork, beef;
sour cream, milk;
strong coffee, tea, carbonated drinks.

For chronic colitis, you can eat foods such as:

boiled chicken, rabbit, veal;
non-sour cottage cheese;
white crackers;
low-fat river fish, boiled or steamed;
liquid porridge with water;
vegetable broths;
jelly, rose hip decoction, weak green tea.

The basic principle of nutrition for chronic colitis: exclusion of foods and dishes that cause mechanical and chemical irritation of the intestinal mucosa.

Prevention

To avoid complications and serious health problems, timely treatment is necessary, as well as preventive measures:

maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
use of personal household items;
strict compliance with prescribed nutrition, adherence to diet;
timely consumption of food (breakfast cannot be ignored);
compliance with basic hygiene rules (washing hands);
avoiding the intake of raw water and thoroughly washing vegetables and fruits before consumption;
visits to doctors, regular medical examinations by a dentist, family doctor, gastroenterologist.

It is very important to know and understand how to treat chronic colitis, but the most important thing is not to get carried away with self-medication, but still seek the help of qualified specialists. Hospitalization should not be avoided in severe stages and acute manifestations of the disease. In a hospital setting, relief and improvement in health occurs much faster than at home.

A disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon. Chronic colitis is a pathological condition of the colon as a result of various diseases. Or as an exacerbation of an acute process in the large intestine.

Chronic colitis may be a secondary disease. In this case, the fact of damage to other organs and systems is of great importance. Mainly respiratory organs, or as a result of previous illness.

Chronic colitis has a peculiar course. This process is characterized by a wave-like flow. This implies the presence of exacerbations and remissions. Also, this disease is characterized by a long course.

The long course of chronic colitis leads to various pathological conditions. Since with a long course vitamin deficiency develops. This in turn leads to malnutrition.

Disturbances in the digestive processes lead to weight loss. There is no appetite, anemia occurs. Anemia is caused by a lack of microelements in the human body.

What is the etiology of the disease? The cause of the disease is associated with a decrease in the immune properties of the body. And also with poor nutrition. Mainly when using protein foods or fatty meat in the diet.

Lack of plant foods and fruits in the diet leads to various inflammatory processes in the large intestine. It is imperative to eat plant foods. The reason may be a change in intestinal microflora.

It is known that the intestines must contain a large number of beneficial bacteria. If an imbalance occurs in the intestinal microflora, then this organ is susceptible to various inflammations. First, acute inflammation occurs, then the chronic stage.

Lifestyle is of great importance. Bad habits contribute to various inflammatory processes. The intestines are no exception! In addition, the disease may be associated with drug use.

Drugs are the enemies of the whole body. The etiology of the disease involves the presence. Intestinal infections are diverse. But most often the development of chronic colitis is facilitated by:

salmonellosis;
food toxic infection;
dysentery

Symptoms

As mentioned above, chronic colitis has a wave-like course. This type of disease course is characterized by a change in exacerbations for periods of remission and vice versa. The main symptoms of the disease are the following:

aching and dull pain in the abdomen;
bowel dysfunction;
flatulence;
stool with mucus;

Chronic colitis is also characterized by inflammation of the rectum. That is, the inflammatory process in the colon is perfectly combined with pathological disorders in the rectum. The patient has proctitis.

What factors contribute to the development of proctitis? The most common cause of proctitis is constipation. That is, a violation of the act of defecation. Constipation leads not only to the formation of fissures in the anus, but also to hemorrhoidal expansion of the veins of the anus.

With the most serious complication of the large intestine, blood-streaked bowel movements are observed. This is a fairly common symptom of exacerbation. Especially with proctitis and other inflammations of the rectum.

Various disorders also occur on the part of the central nervous system in chronic colitis. Therefore, chronic colitis is also characterized by the following symptoms:

malaise;
dizziness;
weakness;
neuroses

The patient may worry over trifles, experience panic and increased anxiety. Various complications are also possible in severe cases of the disease. The following complications are characteristic of chronic colitis:

narrowing of the intestinal lumen;
necrosis;
intestinal bleeding

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Diagnostics

Diagnosis is characterized by taking an anamnesis. But in this case, it does not provide an accurate diagnosis. Hereditary history is of great importance. However, the disease is often an acquired pathology.

When diagnosing the disease, it is necessary to take into account the patient’s complaints. But complaints are usually not enough. Therefore, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out. Laboratory research plays a big role.

Laboratory tests involve urine and blood tests. In this case, leukocytosis and an increase in ESR are detected in the blood. To conduct a study of stool, a coprogram is used.

A coprogram is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. This allows you to determine the nature of your diet. Namely, what contributed to the development of chronic colitis.

Instrumental examination includes colonoscopy. This type of research is very appropriate. Since this study can detect the presence of ulcers, erosions and other pathological conditions.

An additional research method is irrigoscopy. This type of instrumental diagnosis allows you to identify changes in the colon mucosa. Therefore, this technique is used for chronic colitis.

Other research methods are also carried out. Since it is necessary to exclude various diseases. Including . Or simple appendicitis.

Prevention

The development of chronic colitis can be prevented. To do this, it is necessary to cure the manifestation of acute colitis in time. Since acute colitis can often develop into a chronic stage.

It is also necessary to eat right. Meals should include plant foods. Mainly with a predominance of vitamins and microelements. Nutrition should be complete.

A nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle are two categories for preventing colon inflammation. It is also necessary to lead an active lifestyle. With a moderate combination of a healthy lifestyle and sports, any gastrointestinal tract disorder can be successfully cured.

Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and drug addiction are often significant prerequisites for the development of colitis. It is also necessary to prevent intestinal infections.

It is known that intestinal infections are transmitted through the food chain or through water. Frequent abuse of personal hygiene rules can also contribute to the development of intestinal disorders. Unstable stools, vomiting and other manifestations of dyspepsia may occur.

It is necessary to harden the body. This nonspecific prophylaxis can prevent various diseases. Up to chronic colitis.

The immune system needs to be strengthened. A prolonged state of a weakened body leads to the addition of various infections. They, in turn, contribute to inflammatory processes in the intestines.

For intestinal imbalances, it is important to use prebiotics and probiotics. These are beneficial bacteria that can improve intestinal health. A healthy intestine means a healthy stomach.

Treatment

Chronic colitis is cured using various techniques. But the most important thing in the treatment of colitis is the cured underlying disease. In this case, the underlying disease is associated with an infectious process and other pathologies.

Treatment measures include hospitalization of the patient. Mostly the patient is hospitalized in the proctology department. Since proctology specializes in this disease.

Dietary measures are of great importance in the treatment of chronic colitis. They are based on the following provisions:

diet No. 4a;
steam cooking;
White bread;
broths;
rosehip decoction

If the inflammatory reaction is stopped, then preference is given to diet No. 4b. This diet allows you to switch to more lenient foods. These include:

cereals;
pasta;
apples;
milk porridge;
butter

If dyspepsia is observed in the form of persistent diarrhea, then enveloping agents are used. As well as stool strengthening drugs. For example, bismuth nitrate, copper sulfate, herbal tinctures.

For bloating and cramps, activated charcoal and herbal mint tinctures are prescribed; for diarrhea, imodium is prescribed. For proctitis, treatment with suppositories is indicated. A large role is given to the use of physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy allows you to prevent the inflammatory process with a therapeutic effect. Especially if used in combination with antibiotics. If antispasmodic pain is significant, then heat is used. For example, heating pads are used directly to reduce spasms.

In adults

Chronic colitis in adults is quite common. Especially if this disease arose from acute inflammation of the colon. Men and women are equally susceptible to the disease.

This disease usually occurs in adulthood. For women aged twenty years and above. For men - much later. This trend depends on many factors.

The etiology of chronic colitis in adults may be associated with acquired underlying diseases. A pathology such as tuberculosis or dysentery. Much depends on nutrition.

Errors in nutrition can be the cause of the disease. As we get busy, we often don’t pay attention to the nature of our diet. Therefore, various inflammatory reactions occur.

Chronic colitis even in old age can cause a lot of complications. Proctitis is a common complication of colitis. With proctitis, reactions from the rectum worsen.

There are a large number of techniques used in diagnosing the disease in adults. The main method is observation by a proctologist. This is especially appropriate in the presence of proctitis.

Usually the disease can begin in childhood. Therefore, ignoring any inflammation of the colon in childhood leads to the manifestation of colitis in adulthood. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out treatment at an even younger age.

In children

Chronic colitis in children manifests itself as a series of symptoms. From the mildest to the most severe clinical signs. What is the main cause of illness at a young age? Most often, this disease is caused by acute colitis.

Congenital pathology also plays a role in the etiology of childhood colitis. This pathology concerns the digestive glands. As well as features of intestinal development.

If the disease is observed in adolescence, then the following reasons occur. This is a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits, and eating patterns. Teenagers do not understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. And when this factor is abused, pathological processes occur in.

The use of medications plays a big role. With uncontrolled use of drugs, the child receives various complications. It is also appropriate to read the instructions.

Chronic colitis is often a secondary symptom. That is, not an independent disease, but as a consequence of the underlying pathology. Therefore, it is most important to monitor your health in childhood.

Forecast

In chronic colitis, the prognosis largely depends on the course of the disease. But it is known that the course of chronic colitis is wavy. Therefore, the process is quite lengthy. And accordingly, the prognosis is not reassuring.

The prognosis can be favorable only in cases of complex medical therapy. Especially if the disease is characterized by the manifestation of the remission stage. But remission can also develop into an exacerbation.

With exacerbation, the prognosis is unfavorable. Especially if complications have already formed. For example, proctitis. Which is not uncommon in this case.

Exodus

Death still occurs in rare cases. Only under the condition of the most severe course of the disease. Especially if local necrosis has developed.

Necrosis is a severe process of death of organs and tissues. Therefore, this disease is fatal. In turn, necrosis leads to the development of bleeding. This is quite a serious process.

Recovery may come. But only if there are no serious complications. Therefore, complex therapeutic therapy is required. And hospitalization of the patient is required.

Lifespan

Naturally, life expectancy decreases with the development of exacerbations. But adequate treatment and treatment of concomitant diseases help establish the remission stage. In turn, remission can be prolonged with the help of nutrition and diet.

With proper nutrition and adherence to the dietary regime. And also in combination with drug therapy, life expectancy increases. And its quality improves significantly.

Be sure to strengthen your immune system. It is an integral part of our health. And the intestines are the face of immunity!

Chronic colitis is a long-term inflammatory process in the large intestine.

Symptoms of chronic colitis are present in 50% of patients who come to see a gastroenterologist. Statistics of requests confirm the established fact that the male population suffers more often at the age of 40 and older, and in women, intestinal disease develops already at 20. Children practically do not get sick with this form of colitis.

What causes the disease

To treat intestinal disease, it is necessary to identify the causes and, if possible, eliminate them. Main reasons:

long-term effects of medications (laxatives, antibiotics, sulfonamides are absorbed in the intestines, excessive exposure can disrupt the flora and cause inflammation);
any nutritional disorder: addiction to alcohol, frequent consumption of fried and smoked meat, long-term starvation diets and overeating;
chronic occupational poisoning with metal compounds, mercury, arsenic;
damage to the integrity of the intestine or disruption of its blood supply due to abdominal injuries or surgical interventions;
intestinal atony in old age;
toxic substances released during the development of kidney failure, liver failure, gout;
food and drug allergic reactions;
deterioration of intestinal blood supply with severe atherosclerosis or thrombosis of mesenteric vessels;
malformations and intestinal structure.

Conditions for exacerbation of chronic colitis

The disease occurs with periods of exacerbation and remission. Treatment of chronic colitis differs during these periods. Exacerbations are caused by:

anxiety, any stressful situations;
general decrease in immunity after infectious diseases;
lack of vegetables and fruits in the daily diet;
transferred low-calorie diets;
drinking alcohol.

Symptoms of colitis often occur secondaryly, against the background of existing other lesions of the digestive organs (gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis).

Symptoms of chronic colitis

Symptoms of exacerbation are characterized by:

prolonged dull pain after eating, shaking in transport, stressful situations;
changes in stool (alternating constipation and diarrhea);
bloating and rumbling stomach;
tenesmus (futile urge to defecate);
discharge of mucus from the rectum during bowel movements;
nausea, frequent belching;
bitterness in the mouth in the morning;
general weakness, malaise:
sleep disturbance.

All disorders are associated with the failure of the large intestine to absorb essential vitamins, microelements, and protein, which affects metabolic processes in the body. During periods of remission, symptoms of intestinal damage are mild and disappear quickly.

Symptoms of major complications

Complications are caused in the fibrinous and ulcerative stage of pathological changes, when there is damage to the muscular layer of the intestine. Of particular note are:

Perforation of the ulcer, in which feces enter the peritoneum, acute peritonitis develops. A patient with chronic colitis experiences severe abdominal pain, bloating and tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. The general condition suffers: pallor, chills with high fever, dry tongue with a coating, severe weakness.
Gangrene of areas of the colon - occurs due to thrombosis or as a result of prolonged ischemia of the mesenteric vessels. The clinic is dominated by pain, high fever, and increasing weakness. Blood pressure decreases.
Infection from the large intestine can spread with blood to other organs and cause: general sepsis, abscess of the liver or subhepatic space, chronic pyelonephritis. Symptoms include pain in the right hypochondrium, fever, lower back pain, and frequent painful urination.
When the vessels are destroyed by an ulcer developing deeper, intestinal bleeding occurs: blood in the stool, loose stools, general weakness.

Treatment problems

Treatment of chronic colitis is difficult in the selection of medications. After all, medications are needed that have maximum effect at the level of the large intestine and do not damage the stomach, duodenum and small intestine.

On the other hand, anti-inflammatory treatments can be performed locally through therapeutic enemas, since absorption through the rectum provides a good effect on the lower intestines and does not affect the stomach.

Particular attention is paid to the follow-up treatment of acute infectious colitis due to dysentery and various poisonings. Even with complete recovery of health, blood and stool tests are necessary to ensure the absence of pathogenic intestinal bacteria. This is also necessary to eliminate bacterial carriage, when a completely healthy person becomes the cause of the spread of infection at work and in the family.

Basic treatment requirements

To combat possible causes of exacerbations and the inflammatory process in the treatment of colitis, the following are used:

strict regime changes;
constant restrictive diet;
medicines that destroy infection;
drugs that restore local immunity and intestinal flora;
antiallergic drugs;
Vitamin and mineral complexes are required.

Mode

Bed rest and hospitalization are required only for severe and complicated forms of the disease.

During periods of remission, an active life with non-strength physical exercise is recommended. Exercises associated with increasing the tone of the abdominal muscles are contraindicated. Long walking, Pilates, and swimming are always recommended.

Alcohol consumption and smoking should be stopped. These habits will negate all other strict measures.

You will have to use any means to restore good sleep and calm: yoga classes, evening walks, warm soothing herbal teas with lemon balm and mint.

To improve blood supply to the intestines, it is not recommended to wear compressive underwear, a belt, or a corset. When intestinal prolapse, a special bandage is indicated. It does not compress the blood vessels, but helps reduce pain.

Restrictive diet

In case of exacerbation of colitis, fasting is indicated in the first day; this is the only way to ensure maximum rest for the intestines. It is recommended to drink liquids: herbal and green teas, rosehip decoction.

On the second day, you can eat often (up to six times), but in small portions. A diet for chronic colitis requires sparing the intestinal mucosa, so prepared dishes should not cause fermentation and rotting, or increase gas formation.

The diet includes low-fat soups, steamed meat and fish cutlets, and meatballs are made from chopped meat. Shown are liquid porridges cooked in water, grated low-fat cottage cheese, boiled vegetable puree, and jelly.

The following should be excluded from the diet: fatty dairy products (cream, butter, sour cream, high-fat cottage cheese) and milk. All products prepared by frying and canning, salted foods, flour products with cream, sweets, vegetables that cause flatulence (cabbage, legumes, beets). Replace fresh fruits and berries with boiled ones (compote).

Gradually, white bread, raw pureed vegetables, fruits are allowed (grapes should be excluded forever, this also applies to figs and prunes if you are prone to diarrhea), hard cheese, a spoonful of butter.

For patients with chronic colitis, nutritionists recommend following a diet throughout their lives; slight relaxations are possible depending on how they feel.

How do medications help?

If the infectious nature of chronic colitis is established, short courses of antibiotics and sulfonamides have to be used. Their ability to cause dysbacteriosis is known; the doctor prescribes a minimally short course, taking into account the sensitivity of the infectious pathogen.

In order to maximally cleanse the intestines of toxins and waste, inflammatory elements, it is recommended to take sorbents (activated carbon, Polysorb, Enterosgel).

Severe spasms in the intestines are eliminated by antispasmodics (No-spa, Platyfillin, Halidor).

If colitis is part of a common lesion with other digestive organs, then enzymes (Creon, Pancreatin, Festal) may be required.

Probiotics and prebiotics are necessary to restore the bacterial composition of the intestine (Linex, Normobakt, Bifikol, Bifidumbacterin, Collibacterin).

Vitamins B, C, A, E help restore immunity and enhance the healing process of ulcers.

All drugs can have side effects, so only a doctor can prescribe them correctly.

Non-drug treatments

Chronic colitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the large intestine. This disease is characterized by a fairly wide distribution. According to statistics, about 48% of the adult population, in the age group over 24 years, suffers from chronic colitis. What symptoms are characteristic of chronic intestinal colitis and what treatment is needed for patients suffering from this disease?

How is the disease expressed?

Chronic intestinal colitis can be practically asymptomatic for quite a long time, so that the patient becomes aware of his problem only when associated complications appear. At the initial stage of its development, the disease may have the following symptoms:

The appearance of rashes on the skin.
Periodic lack of appetite.
Irregular bowel movements.
Attacks of nausea.
Signs of general asthenia, malaise.
Sleep disorder.
Growth retardation in pediatric patients.

If the disease is not treated, with a progressive course, patients begin to show the following symptoms:

Diarrhea alternating with constipation.
Cramping pain in the abdominal area.
Stomach upset.
The appearance of mucous impurities in the stool.
Frequent urge to defecate.

Atrophic chronic colitis is accompanied by depletion of the intestinal mucosa. This pathological process is characterized by the following specific symptoms:

Painful tenesmus.
Reducing body weight.
Dyspeptic disorders.

Atrophic colitis in an advanced stage leads to the development of anemia, as well as hypovitaminosis, accompanied by severe weakness, pale skin, and severe weight loss.

Catarrhal chronic colitis, which manifests itself at the initial stage of intestinal colitis and represents inflammation and an increase in the size of the intestinal mucosa, is characterized by the following symptoms:

Stomach pain.
Irritability.
Slight increase in body temperature.
Bloody impurities in the stool.

Non-ulcerative colitis in chronic form manifests itself with the following symptoms:

Loose stools.
Incomplete bowel movement syndrome.
Asthenoneurotic syndrome.
Diarrhea after eating dairy products, fatty or cold foods, hot sauces.
Belching.
Bitter taste in the mouth.
Feeling of dryness in the mouth.

If you notice the above symptoms, you should immediately seek advice from your doctor. A specialist will be able to determine the exact cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment, which will be most effective in a particular situation.

How to recognize a problem during remission

The chronic type of colitis has a wave-like course. Temporary remissions are followed by periods of exacerbations. If chronic intestinal colitis in the acute phase is characterized by quite pronounced symptoms, then recognizing the disease in the latent phase or in the initial stages is much more difficult. However, during the period of remission, chronic colitis has the following symptoms:

Flatulence.
Periodic constipation, defecation disorders.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Increased fatigue.
Skin itching.
Hives.
Discomfort and pain that occur in the abdominal area during physical exertion, overwork, and psycho-emotional shock.
Rumbling in the intestinal area, regularly occurring several hours after eating food.
Thick white coating on the tongue.

Manifestations of exacerbation

The chronic form of colitis (especially atrophic) during the period of exacerbation is a serious condition. During this period, the patients’ health deteriorates sharply, and they need immediate help from a gastroenterologist. The acute phase of the disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

Severe diarrhea, which in most cases begins suddenly.
A large number of purulent and mucous impurities in the feces.
Pain sensations localized in the large intestine.
Pronounced bloating.
Increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above.
Periodically - the passage of intestinal gases.
The appearance of bloody streaks in the stool.

Such symptoms indicate an exacerbation of the disease and require immediate intervention by a qualified specialist. Typically, patients are treated in an inpatient setting under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

Diagnostic methods

General and biochemical blood test.
Scatological research.
X-ray of the large intestine.
Irrigography.
Colonoscopy.
Sigmoidoscopy.
Anoscopy.

Only after a thorough diagnosis based on the results obtained, the collected anamnesis and the general clinical picture, a specialist will be able to prescribe the optimal treatment, which will be the most adequate and effective for the patient in a particular case.

Diet restrictions

Diet for chronic colitis is of great importance for stabilizing the patient’s well-being and normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract during periods of exacerbation of the disease. It is very important to protect the intestinal mucous membranes from unnecessary irritation. The basis of the diet should be the following dishes:

Low-fat soup.
Steam cutlets.
Steamed fish or meat.
Puréed vegetables.
Liquid porridge.
Skim cheese.
Kissel.
Compotes from vegetables and fruits.

Care should be taken to ensure that food does not cause fermentation or excessive gas formation. Therefore, it is recommended to exclude the following foods from the diet of patients suffering from chronic colitis:

Sour cream.
Full fat milk.
Butter.
Fresh fruits.
Canned food and various pickles.
Fried foods.
Beans.
Sweets.
Confectionery.
Cabbage.
Beet.

Since people diagnosed with chronic colitis often suffer from constipation, they are recommended to eat foods containing large amounts of fiber (carrots, prunes, pumpkin, bran).

During the period of remission, when the patient’s condition has stabilized somewhat, the diet can be slightly expanded. However, in any case, you should refrain from eating baked goods, alcoholic beverages, spicy and smoked foods, fatty meats and fish.

Basics of therapy

In order to effectively and efficiently treat intestinal colitis in chronic form, the following rules must be observed:

Changing mode.
The use of medicinal antimicrobial drugs intended to destroy infectious lesions.
Carrying out vitamin therapy.
Taking immunomodulatory drugs.
Use of antiallergic drugs.
The use of drugs that help restore local immunity and intestinal microflora.

Diet for chronic colitis is also of great importance. The approach to the treatment of chronic colitis should be comprehensive and systematic. In this case, the chances of successfully combating this disease are very high!

Medication approach

Treatment of chronic colitis in most cases is carried out on an outpatient basis. Indications for clinical examination and hospitalization are periods of exacerbation of the disease with accompanying complications in the form of a significant increase in temperature, severe pain, dehydration, hypotensive crisis, etc.

The basis of therapy is drug treatment. For infectious colitis, the patient is prescribed antibiotics.

To cleanse the intestines of waste and toxins, the patient is recommended to take sorbents such as activated carbon, Enetrosgel, etc.

To eliminate pain, treatment is carried out with painkillers. Antispasmodics (for example, No-shpa) have a good effect.

Depending on the stage of the disease and its symptoms, the patient may be prescribed laxatives. And in case of constipation, it is recommended to use drugs such as Immodium, Smecta, etc.

An important role in stabilizing the functioning of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract is played by the restoration of intestinal microflora. For these purposes, it is necessary to take drugs such as Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Bifikol, Collibacterin.

Non-ulcerative colitis in chronic form is often accompanied by digestive disorders. In order to improve the processes of food absorption, the patient may be recommended enzymatic medications, such as Panzinorm, Mezim and others.

It should be noted that the exact choice of drugs, determination of their dosage and duration of the therapeutic course are determined by the gastroenterologist individually in each specific case.

Supporting measures

For patients suffering from chronic intestinal colitis, in addition to proper nutrition and drug therapy, the following treatment methods are also recommended:

Spa treatment.
Physiotherapy.
Magnetotherapy.
Acupuncture.
Application of mud applications.

Surgical intervention can be indicated only in the most exceptional cases, when the chronic type of colitis is in a period of exacerbation, and is accompanied by severe complications that are dangerous to the health and life of the patient.

To ensure a speedy recovery and achieve the most favorable treatment results, the patient must follow the following recommendations:

To refuse from bad habits.
Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
Avoid excessive physical exertion and psycho-emotional shocks.
Sunbathing.

With proper adherence to the above rules and adequate therapy, the medical prognosis for the disease is quite favorable. Thanks to timely, competent treatment, it is possible to achieve lasting positive results with long-term remission, significantly improving the quality of life and general condition of the patient.

With inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, acute colitis progresses in the human body, which requires timely drug therapy.

The disease is common, it is typical for people of different genders with frequent digestive problems. Self-medication provides only temporary relief and can harm health if there are concomitant pathologies in the body. Therefore, successful treatment begins with timely diagnosis.

According to medical terminology, this is a dystrophic-inflammatory lesion of the mucous membrane of the colon, which entails serious dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract). Acute colitis develops with infectious, ischemic (with a lack of blood supply), drug or toxic damage to this part of the digestive system. So:

The symptoms of acute colitis in adults are represented by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine and stomach, which occurs against the background of increased activity of a pathogenic infection.
The chronic disease progresses in the presence of foci of infection in the gallbladder, pancreas and other anatomically related organs to the intestines.

In addition, it is important to remember the dangers of prolonged monotonous nutrition. Patients are advised to refrain from consuming indigestible and spicy foods and alcohol. Other factors that provoke colitis:

medical supplies: laxatives in the form of rectal suppositories and enemas, antibiotics;
infection: dysentery, tuberculosis, salmonellosis, giardiasis, amoebiasis, helminthiasis;
food poisoning, when the colon mucosa is irritated and destroyed by allergens and toxins;
suffered stress, violation of the patient’s usual routine and daily routine;
influence of toxic substances: salts of heavy metals, lead, mercury, arsenic, toxin breakdown products;
nutritional factor: the mucous membrane of the large intestine can be damaged by solid foods, salty, spicy and smoked dishes;
circulatory disorders.

More often, the main causes of progressive colitis are systematic overeating, consumption of unhealthy foods, exposure to allergens, prolonged hypothermia, emotional and physical stress. Complications of long-term use of antibiotics cannot be ruled out, since under the influence of individual synthetic components of these drugs, the walls of the mucous membrane of the large intestine are destroyed.

Symptoms of colitis

If a patient experiences paroxysmal abdominal pain or acute diarrhea, these are the first signs of colitis, the intensity of which will only increase in the absence of timely treatment. General symptoms include the following changes in general well-being:

feeling of rumbling in the stomach, indigestion, signs of bloating;
fever (increased body temperature), chills;
increased urge to defecate;
symptoms of dehydration, represented by dizziness, general weakness;
feces mixed with blood, most often caused by hemorrhoids worsened by diarrhea.

Not all symptoms may be present at the same time; their severity and intensity varies depending on the specific clinical picture. Effective treatment of intestinal colitis at home is possible only after a final diagnosis has been made, and this requires knowledge of the classification and distinctive features of each form of this disease.

Types of colitis

Effective treatment for intestinal colitis in adults depends on the form of the disease and the individual characteristics of the body.

The conditional classification of the disease according to the characteristics of the pathological process is represented by the following types: Spicy
. Triggered by an allergic reaction, poor nutrition, bacterial infection. Under the influence of pathogenic factors, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large and small intestines and stomach occurs. Chronic

. The disease is caused by long-term use of laxatives, disruption of intestinal microflora and pathogenic microorganisms. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs with recurrent attacks of pain.

A classification according to endoscopic characteristics is provided. The types of colitis are: Pseudomembranous
. Long-term treatment with antibiotics disrupts the intestinal microflora and creates favorable conditions for the activity of harmful bacteria. Colitis manifests itself with pronounced symptoms of dysbacteriosis (diarrhea, flatulence, bloating). Ulcerative
. Provoking factors are considered to be stress, poor nutrition, infections, and genetic diseases. This form of the disease is accompanied by purulent inflammation of the large intestine and is severe. Atrophic
. The body becomes intoxicated with poisons, salts of heavy metals, toxins, and chemical reagents. With this disease, partial atrophy of the colon is observed, when the walls of the organ gradually become thinner. Spastic
. The main causes of the disease are bad habits, unhealthy diet, and unhealthy lifestyle. Patients with this form of colitis complain of irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, flatulence). Catarrhal

. Pathogenic factors include food poisoning, intestinal diseases, vitamin deficiency, and weakened local immunity.

Diagnosis of colitis

A biopsy (removing intestinal cells for analysis) may be necessary. The need to perform the analysis is explained by the similarity of the symptoms of colitis with the signs of malignant neoplasms. If there are no oncological processes and inflammation of the large intestine is diagnosed, the clinical outcome is favorable. Treatment of chronic intestinal colitis with medications is highly effective.

Treatment of colitis in adults

To speed up the natural healing process, the patient needs a comprehensive approach to the health problem, which necessarily includes diet, a course of medications and the use of alternative medicine. General recommendations from competent specialists are presented in the following list:

In the acute stage of colitis, it is necessary to provide the patient with complete rest (bed rest), exclude any food from the diet for the next 24-48 hours, leave still water, unsweetened tea.
If there is an infection, it is necessary to rinse the stomach; in addition, there is an additional need for cleansing enemas.
For acute pain, antispasmodics are prescribed (medicines that relieve pain due to spasms of the muscle wall of the organ). Whatever groups of medications are prescribed, probiotics are additionally included in the complex therapy regimen, which restore the intestinal microflora.
In case of disturbances in the water-salt balance, in order to avoid extremely undesirable dehydration, infusion therapy is required (infusion of detoxification solutions against dehydration).

Therapeutic diet

Proper nutrition is part of the treatment, the key to a speedy recovery. It is important not to overload the digestive system with work and reduce the load on the inflamed intestines. To achieve such positive results, you should use the following valuable advice from gastroenterologists:

When treating colitis, the consumption of foods such as bran, bran bread, beef, pork, salads, and fresh vegetables with seeds is strictly prohibited.
It is not recommended to drink a lot of liquid, and it is advisable to replace concentrated juices with freshly squeezed juices. Every morning it is recommended to drink 1 glass of warm water on an empty stomach to “start” the digestion process slowed down by night sleep.
Food should not be cold or too hot; fried food is prohibited. It is advisable to prepare dishes by steaming, boiling, stewing. It is better to bake fruits in the oven.
The daily menu allows lamb, chicken, fruits, warm puree soups, vegetables without seeds, butter, day-old bread, a small amount of table salt and spices.
It is recommended to knead and grind food to prevent injury to the already inflamed mucous membrane. The presence of liquid dishes (necessarily warm) in the diet is welcome.

Treatment with medications

antiplatelet agents necessary to restore vascular circulation, for example, Pentoxifylline;
thrombolytics prevent the development of thrombosis, for example, Steptokinase, Urokinase;
adsorbents necessary for cleansing the intestines, removing toxins, toxic substances, for example, you can use activated carbon, Lactofiltrum;
antispasmodics No-shpa is especially effective against recurrent attacks of pain;
intestinal antiseptics with adsorbing action, for example, Furazolidone, Enterosgel, Smecta;
laxatives, necessary to normalize the functioning of the digestive organs, for example, Guttalax, RectActive, Mucofalk;
antidiarrheals successfully combat loose stools; Loperamide and Enterol tablets are considered especially effective;
means for restoring water balance, for example, Oralit and Regidron in powder for preparing a solution;
probiotics needed to normalize intestinal microflora, regenerate injured tissues, for example, Linex, Bifidumbacterin;
sorbents(Smecta, Polysorb);
antihistamines(Tavegil, Claritin) as a desensitizing treatment (necessary to suppress the action of allergens);
vitamins useful for immunity, strengthening the body's protective functions, for example, Alphabet, Pikovit;
immunomodulators stimulate the body's protective functions, for example, Polyoxidonium, Seramil, Myelopid, Immunal have proven themselves well.