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How to find out if there are problems with the intestines. Significant signs and symptoms of intestinal problems

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December 20, 2019 09:59

By Fabiosa

Men are different. While some are very decent by nature, others like to beat around the bush. Women, especially when they are in love, love with their ears, so it is very easy to lead us into the candy-bouquet period when we do not see the obvious.

Often men tell us the same lies.

Here is a kind of cheat sheet on which men's phrases you should pay close attention to so as not to be deceived.

1. "I'm only looking for a serious relationship"

George Rudy / Shutterstock.com

It is commendable if this is really the case, but often men say this for the sake of a catchphrase in order to quickly take possession of a woman. At the beginning of a relationship, look more at the actions of your boyfriend. They speak louder than any words.

2. “When I saw you, I immediately realized that you are the one I’ve been looking for all my life.”

Dima Sidelnikov / Shutterstock.com

Another phrase from the pick-up artist's vocabulary. Of course, you are a wonderful woman, but how did he manage to see this? It happens that people live for years and learn something new about each other every day, but then a fleeting acquaintance, and already - fate? Take your time and take a closer look at it.

3. "We will always be together"

Too arrogant, reckless and hasty. How many ladies has he already said this to, I wonder? You don’t know how the day will turn out tomorrow, but he throws out such serious phrases after a couple of days of dating.

4. “Before you, all women were somehow different, but here you are...”

Kate Kultsevych / Shutterstock.com

The very fact of comparison with another woman is already ugly behavior on his part. Most likely, he is an ordinary womanizer. An intelligent man, even if he makes a comparison in your favor, will not voice this.

5. "I want your baby"

Stone36 / Shutterstock.com

Many women in serious relationships dream of hearing this phrase. But if you know each other nothing at all? Perhaps this is one of the tricks to get a woman faster.

How do you still see men deceiving us? Tell us in the comments!

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a certified specialist.

You've probably heard that timely prevention works wonders. But did you know that preventing intestinal microflora disorders will cure Alzheimer's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer?

David Perlmutter is a member of the American College of Nutrition and a neurologist. He has received numerous professional awards, including the American College of Nutrition and Linus Pauling for his research in neuroscience. The author's articles are regularly published in medical publications. David speaks all over the world with his lectures and master classes on the health system.

A neurologist once said that they are always trying to feed us something that your body does not need. We've taken a look at David Perlamutter's key quotes and found some interesting answers to some of your gut-related questions.

Alzheimer's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, brain cancer, dementia and many other diseases may not appear if you prevent disorders of the intestinal microflora. Sound ambitious?

The fact is that intestinal bacteria are the producer of chemicals for our brain. For example, serotonin, which everyone associates with a good mood. When serotonin levels are low, meaning our gut bacteria don't produce enough serotonin, a person may experience depressive moods. Thus, our intestinal bacteria literally charge us with a good mood. However, we take too many medications and do not realize that some are harmful to the intestines. Of course, this has a negative impact on health: bacteria that are not interested in keeping us healthy begin to appear and multiply in the intestines.

Can bacteria help humans?

David believes that all the bacteria we have in our bodies makes us healthy and happy. Our body is their home. Little inhabitants participate in the creation of useful substances for the whole body and for our brain, reduce inflammation, and promote food digestion.

David Perlmutter, author of Food and the Brain, does not deny that harmful bacteria exist. Even if they are in your body right now, beneficial bacteria protect the body, but this requires taking care of yourself beforehand.

Who is in charge: the brain or the intestines?

Hippocrates said that disease begins in the intestines. Traditional Eastern medicine continues this idea. Today scientists know that the intestines affect our mood, memory, and the risk of serious diseases.

David Perlmutter believes that every organ is part of one mechanism, the main thing here is complexity. If problems arise with one organ and we do not find it or do not attach any importance to it, then this entails a disruption in the functioning of the others. It turns out that there are no main ones in our body - there is a whole team, each with its own important function.

For example, in winter and autumn we often catch colds, and our immunity noticeably weakens. This happens because the bacterial balance of the intestines is disrupted. It controls the state of our immune system and is able to quickly solve problems.

Advice: supply the body with the necessary macro- and microelements in a timely manner, maintain water balance, eat seasonal vegetables, berries and fruits.

What is prevention?

How much do you move? What do you eat? What are you drinking?

It’s trivial, but these simple points are important for maintaining immunity. David Perlmutter reminds us to eat as many vegetables as possible. Have you noticed that your appetite depends on the color of the food on your plate? What you eat affects how your brain works and how it recovers when tired or sick.

How does water affect intestinal function?

The intestines are one of the main consumers of water. For it to work properly you need about 8 liters of water per day. If there is not enough water, a lump of food debris forms in the intestines, which leads to constipation. And chronic constipation is one of the most serious factors in the development of intestinal cancer.

In addition to maintaining drinking and eating habits, do not forget to test your blood sugar levels from time to time. This test can prevent neurodegenerative brain diseases. Such diseases are genetically determined, but if prevention is carried out, the disease may not manifest itself, and high blood sugar levels serve as an important signal that this will happen. So the most important thing is to make the right choices for your health every day.

Stress is time for a sweet helper

During difficult life situations, many people prefer fast carbohydrates, which never let you down and lift your spirits thanks to dopamine, the “neurotransmitter of anticipation.” However, they work quickly and insidiously. A person cannot maintain a state of expectation of happiness for a long time.

Let's say you allowed yourself chocolate. Joyful relief came, but soon the body required another dose. He will wait and not receive, wait and not receive again. As a result, the more dopamine in the form of a sweet bar or bun, the more severe your depression. Some kind of drug that we addict ourselves to.

Why deny yourself sugar if your body demands it?

Did you know that our distant ancestors were very cold in winter, and hunting was necessary to survive?

David Perlamutter argues that sugar was needed to store energy for the cold season, so in late summer, when fruits or berries appeared, people did not deny themselves anything.

Today, those same ancestors would probably be frightened by such a variety of products on store shelves. The harsh winter is not scary for us, but new obstacles have appeared - stress and neuroses. There is access to fruit all year round, so sweets are needed 365 days a year. This fact has provoked a new problem - obesity. Advertising around us is always selling something and makes us subconsciously reach out for a product that the body does not need, with excess sugar and GMOs in its composition.

A modern resident of a metropolis is constantly under pressure from the opinions of others. At one time, a low-fat diet was popular. Many studies previously supported this idea, but it was later learned that most were paid for by brands that produce high-sugar foods and drinks.

We face many manipulations every day. Wherever you eat, keep your interests and desires first and don't fall for the "free cheese."

So what to do?

Digestion problems happen to everyone: you got poisoned, you overate at a holiday, you got nervous. For some reason, intestinal dysfunction in the mentality of our nation is considered a delicate problem that people do not like to discuss, much less see a doctor. But any symptom of a gastrointestinal disorder can indicate both banal dysbiosis and the growth of an oncological tumor. In addition, a diseased intestine increases the chance of catching respiratory infections due to a decrease in local immunity. Characteristic symptoms will help to recognize intestinal diseases in time.

The intestine as the main immune organ

The length of the large and small intestines is about 6 meters. This important organ not only performs the function of a food conveyor, but also ensures the normal functioning of other internal organs, and also protects the body from pathogenic microorganisms.

After digestion in the stomach, food enters the intestines and is broken down into proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The small intestine is responsible for the absorption of nutrients due to its structure and the presence of specific villi. The intestinal mucosa produces special hormones that have a beneficial effect on the performance of the digestive tract. Gastrin, motilin, secretin regulate appetite, vascular tone and even mood.

The immune function of the intestine is of great importance. Scientists have proven that 80% of the body’s total immunity depends on the full functioning of the intestinal tract.

Bacteria living in the intestines perform many beneficial actions:

inhibit the activity of putrefactive microorganisms;
filter heavy metals and toxic substances that enter with food, water and air;
produce acids (formic, acetic, succinic, lactic), without which normal metabolism is impossible;
improve the absorption of essential vitamins and microelements;
reduce the load on the liver;
serve as a kind of protection against pathogenic bacteria;
reduce cholesterol levels and accelerate fat metabolism;
increase hemoglobin levels.

Violation of intestinal motility is immediately reflected in the functioning of the body as a whole. A person notices manifestations of allergies due to insufficient filtration of harmful substances, the body becomes susceptible to infections. As a result of defective metabolism, headaches and deterioration of the condition of the skin, hair and nails may occur.

People who have suffered from constipation and intestinal colic for years, ignoring visits to a therapist, risk developing more serious diseases.

Symptoms of a sick intestine and stomach

The intensity and severity of symptoms of intestinal diseases depends on the degree of the disease and the section of the intestine (large or small). Almost all gastrointestinal diseases are accompanied by pain. The pain can be constant, aching, episodic, or sharp.

With a disorder of the small intestine, there is often pain in the navel area; if the large intestine is affected, the pain is localized in the groin area on the left or right. Before defecation, pain may radiate to the spine or sacrum.

In addition to various attacks of pain, there are other signs of a diseased intestine:

flatulence (excessive accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestines) - a feeling of distension in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness and bloating, relief comes after the excess air is released;
constipation - absence of bowel movements for more than 48 hours, the feces are hard and dry, constipation also includes daily bowel movements, but in small quantities;
heartburn - a burning sensation behind the sternum that rises up along the entire length of the esophagus (instead of a burning sensation, a sensation of a lump, heat, pressure is possible, often occurs with high acidity);
bloating and rumbling in the stomach;
diarrhea - increased frequency of bowel movements up to 6 times a day if the small intestine is affected, and even more often if there is a disorder of the large intestine;
nausea, belching.

The acute or chronic form of a diseased intestine is accompanied by anemia, swallowing disorder (dysphagia), pain in the anus, and the presence of blood, mucus, and pus in the stool. Most often, patients with the above symptoms are diagnosed with:

acute or chronic enteritis;
functional constipation;
irritable bowel syndrome;
ulcerative colitis;
hemorrhoids, inflammation of the large or small intestine;
dysbacteriosis, intestinal infections.

Sometimes intestinal pathology develops asymptomatically and is detected only during instrumental diagnostics.

Learn more about irritable bowel syndrome in the video.

How to determine intestinal pathology by appearance?

An experienced doctor is able to make a preliminary diagnosis only by externally examining the patient. Judging by the condition of the facial skin and its color, hair, nails, and tongue, one can determine which organ a person is sick with.

The connection between diseased intestines and facial skin is obvious. During the processing of food, not only useful substances are produced, but also toxic toxins. If the intestinal microflora is disturbed and cannot cope with its filter function, then the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted. They become clogged, and harmful bacteria use the sebum-filled areas as a favorable habitat.

After research, doctors came to the conclusion that the accumulation of acne in certain places may be associated with internal organs:

pimples located on the forehead, wings of the nose, cheeks indicate problems with the intestines;
acne on the temples indicates impaired functioning of the gallbladder;
acne on the chin can be a sign of a disorder in the sexual sphere or gastrointestinal tract;
inflammatory formations on the back indicate intestinal dysbiosis, possible problems of endocrine organs, and gynecological pathologies.

An sallow-gray complexion and bluish circles under the eyes are most likely also a manifestation of intestinal dysfunction. If a person’s lips are dry, chapped, with cracks and “jams” that heal poorly, then there may be gastritis, ulcers or other diseases of the digestive tract.

The truth about internal diseases can be easily read from the tongue: if the base of the tongue is covered with a white coating, the mucous membrane is dotted with deep pits, then this indicates dysbacteriosis or a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. A greenish coating indicates duodenal dysfunction.

In order not to confuse an individual appearance with a disease, if suspicious symptoms are detected, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What are the basic principles of treatment?

The treatment regimen for gastrointestinal diseases depends on the specific case. Intestinal infections and inflammatory processes are treated differently.

Scientists have studied more than 30 viruses and bacteria that can disrupt the digestive system. Infection in the intestines usually results in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramps. The main task in the treatment of such diseases is to help the body overcome the pathogen and prevent dehydration.

Treatment of inflammatory diseases includes:

changing the usual diet - reducing fatty foods, fast food, refined foods, predominance of protein foods, fiber;
taking probiotics and prebiotics - relevant for intestinal dysbiosis, beneficial bacteria populate the microflora and eliminate harmful microorganisms;
the use of sorbents, antispasmodics and antimicrobial agents - used for colitis, enteritis to relieve pain and unpleasant symptoms (bloating, heartburn).

For constipation, laxatives are prescribed, but their use must be supervised by a specialist to prevent the development of dysbiosis. For diverticulosis, the doctor will prescribe the patient a diet, antiseptics, antispasmodics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Proctitis is treated with sulfonamides, cleansing enemas, and bed rest.

Surgical treatment is used exclusively for indications: removal of the appendix, rupture of a diverticulum (a small loop in the intestine), intestinal obstruction, benign and malignant tumors.

The effectiveness of treatment of intestinal diseases depends on proper diagnosis.

Intestinal diseases in children

You can encounter intestinal diseases in a child at any age. Some children are born with intestinal malformations, others acquire inflammatory diseases as they grow older: duodenitis, enteritis, colitis, sigmoiditis, peptic ulcer.

Very often, mothers struggle with dysbiosis in newborns and older children. Symptoms of dysbacteriosis are the same as in adults: unstable stool (alternating diarrhea and constipation), paroxysmal pain, rumbling in the stomach after 2 hours of eating, belching, loss of appetite.

Normalizing microflora in case of dysbacteriosis in a child is not an easy task.

It is necessary to carefully select products, exclude possible allergenic products, and ask the pediatrician to prescribe medications to restore intestinal microflora.

Crohn's disease (inflammation of the intestinal mucous membranes) is considered a serious disease. Ulcers form on the walls of the intestines, which, if treatment is ignored, can turn into fistulas. Bowel movements become more frequent up to 10 times a day, and the child has a stomach ache after eating. The pathology is treated with medications and dietary restrictions: all foods that increase intestinal motility (fatty, spicy, chocolate, coffee) are excluded.

In addition to severe inflammatory diseases, children often become infected with intestinal infections. Poisoning of the body is easy to determine:

nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea (loose stools)
dry mouth and pale skin;
bloating, cramping abdominal pain;
sometimes increased body temperature.

Parents' first aid kit should always contain anti-poisoning medications to provide emergency assistance to the child. This could be Regidron, Enterosgel, Atoxil, Sorbex.

A solution to prevent dehydration can be made at home: for one liter of boiled water you will need 1 tbsp. l. salt, 2 tbsp. l. sugar and juice of half a lemon.

The doctor will prescribe the main course of treatment after identifying the causative agent of the intestinal infection.

A child's balanced diet and proper hygiene are the best protection for children from intestinal diseases not associated with congenital anomalies.

What methods of prevention exist?

To avoid problems with the intestines and stomach, you need to follow simple nutritional rules:

meals should be regular so that digestive activity and juice production are synchronized;
It is advisable to eat 4 times a day in equal portions;
Constantly eating dry food contributes to constipation - the body needs one and a half liters of fluid per day;
food should not be excessively hot or cold, so as not to irritate the intestinal mucosa;
abuse of white bread, fresh baked goods, and baked goods provokes heartburn;
grains, fruits, herbs, vegetables rich in fiber activate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria;
Fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk, sour cream) normalize intestinal motility and eliminate putrefactive processes.

Do not forget about the state of your psyche, because stress and emotional trauma in one way or another affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Depression and anxiety can lead to functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers.

Treatment with any drugs without the supervision of a specialist has a very detrimental effect on the digestive organs. Antibiotics, antidepressants, pills for hypotension, laxatives, psychotropic drugs - this is not the entire list of medications that cannot be taken without the consent of a doctor.

Of course, the best preventive measure is considered to be giving up bad habits, which include smoking and alcohol abuse. The child must be taught to keep their hands clean, wash fruits and vegetables before eating and not drink tap water. There is no need to go to extremes; colon cleansing and fasting should not be carried out without medical supervision.

Intestinal diseases occupy a large part of all diseases of the digestive organs. We eat according to the principle of “quick, cheap and tasty”, and then we suffer from intestinal colic and indigestion.

Everyone knows that it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later. You shouldn’t turn a blind eye to another attack of nausea, problems with bowel movements or rumbling in your stomach. Different diseases (far from harmless) have exactly the same symptoms. People who have a hereditary predisposition to intestinal diseases especially need to be attentive.

Content

Intestinal diseases are a very sensitive topic, so many people seek help in an already advanced state. Don’t be ashamed of the problem that has arisen, because at an early stage it will be much easier to deal with it. In addition, many intestinal diseases lead to dangerous complications. This organ in the human body is responsible for the absorption of nutrients. Many diseases are associated with it, which differ in certain symptoms, but have several common methods of diagnosis and treatment.

What is bowel disease

These are pathologies in which the intestinal mucosa is affected in a certain part of the organ or throughout its entire length. Most diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with this department. Doctors note that almost all pathologies of the intestinal canal have been well studied and are therefore easy to treat, even though this organ has a complex structure. It consists of two departments:

Thin. Its function is to absorb the nutrients the body needs. The section originates from the pylorus of the stomach and ends with the ileocecal valve. The latter connects the thick and thin sections of the intestinal canal. Includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
Tolstoy. There are three sections: the cecum (with the appendix), the colon and the rectum. Their function is to absorb water from the “former food gruel” into the blood. This department is additionally responsible for the design of feces and their timely removal from the body.

The intestinal canal performs several vital functions, such as digestion of food, evacuation of feces, gas formation, protection from food allergens and infectious agents. For this reason, any disorders associated with this organ affect the general condition of the body. All diseases of this section of the gastrointestinal tract are divided into:

extraintestinal – develop from other organs, but affect the digestive tract;
intestinal, or local - connected directly to the intestinal canal.

This organ is several meters long. For this reason, there are many diseases that can affect any part of the intestine. General list of ailments and the name of the intestine affected by the pathological process:

sigmoiditis - sigmoid;
proctitis – straight;
enteritis – thin;
colitis - colon;
appendicitis - appendix;
jeunit – skinny;
duodenitis – thin and duodenum;
ileitis - ileum;
tiphlit - blind.

The most common diseases of the small intestine are enteritis, duodenitis and adhesive disease. Tumors can form here, just like in the large intestine. Any part of the organ is affected by Crohn's disease. Diseases of the large intestine are more numerous:

dyskinesia;
dysbacteriosis;
haemorrhoids;
diverticulosis;
irritable bowel syndrome;
obstruction;
ulcerative colitis.

Diseases of the intestinal canal have another classification based on the etiology of the disease. According to this criterion, medicinal, toxic, traumatic, radiological, congenital and other pathologies are distinguished. The more common ones are:

There are many different causes of intestinal diseases. In most cases, their development is influenced by several factors at once, which complicates the course of the disease and its subsequent treatment. The most common cause is poor nutrition. Spicy, fatty, salty, smoked foods, an abundance of sugar, fat and additives lead to digestive disorders. Other causes of disease include:

The main symptom of problems with the intestinal tract is abdominal pain. It can have different localization and intensity depending on the disease. If the pathology is associated with the small intestine, then severe pain around the navel of a pulling and aching nature is observed. In case of spasms, patients complain of intestinal colic. In diseases of the colon, pain is localized in the iliac region, on the left or right. The sensations are bursting, and they weaken after the passage of gas or defecation and do not depend in any way on food intake.

Inflammation of any part of the intestinal canal is accompanied by gastrointestinal distress. It manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

Diarrhea, when the frequency of stool exceeds 3-4 times a day. Fecal masses in diseases of the small intestine are liquid and abundant, may contain particles of undigested food, and in pathologies of the large intestine, they include traces of mucus or streaks of blood.
Flatulence. Regardless of the location of the inflammation, bloating may be observed, which intensifies in the evening.
Constipation. Prolonged stool retention is typical for diseases of the colon. Constipation often alternates with diarrhea.
Exchange disorders. These include anemia, weight loss, vitamin deficiency, which is manifested by dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, and pinpoint hemorrhages. Symptoms of intestinal disease in women also include disruption of the menstrual cycle, which is why the disease is confused with inflammation or ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of small intestinal disease

The main function of the small intestine is to nourish the body at the cellular level. When this section becomes inflamed, the absorption of essential nutrients is weakened. The following symptoms indicate this:

bloating;
frequent loose stools mixed with mucus, blood, or remains of undigested food;
rumbling in the lower abdomen;
soreness in the area around the navel or in the abdomen on the right.

Eosinophilic enteritis

Mucous membrane. As a result of its damage, intolerance to certain foods and malabsorption syndrome are observed.
Muscular membrane. In this case, rigidity and thickening of the wall of the small intestine and symptoms of intestinal obstruction are noted. X-rays reveal pyloric stenosis.
Subserous tissues. When this layer is damaged, ascites with eosinophilia in the ascitic fluid is observed. Sometimes, due to a narrowing of the lumen of the canal, obstruction develops. The main symptom is diarrhea, which occurs in 30-60% of cases.

Whipple's disease

This rare intestinal disease is infectious in nature. It has other names: intestinal lipodystrophy, mesenteric lipogranulomatosis. Whipple's disease is accompanied by a violation of cellular and humoral immunity. The disease affects, in addition to the small intestine, the synovial membranes of the joints and mesenteric lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, other organs become involved in the pathological process. It occurs in several stages:

First. Accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations: fever, headache, damage to the lymph nodes and joints.
Second. Here there is pronounced dysfunction of the intestinal tract in the form of indigestion and weight loss.
Third. At this stage, the cardiovascular and nervous systems are affected.

Against the background of Whipple's disease, malabsorption syndrome develops, due to which patients experience night blindness, signs of glossitis, cheilitis and gingivitis. The disease begins with enlarged lymph nodes and redness of the skin over the joints. Later, signs of damage to the digestive tract appear:

steatorrhea, i.e. fatty stools;
severe, foul-smelling diarrhea and large, ointment-like or foamy stools;
anemia;
flatulence;
paroxysmal abdominal pain.

The occurrence of malignant tumors in the small intestine is a rare occurrence. They account for only 1% of cancers in the digestive tract. The danger of this pathology is that its symptoms coincide with the symptoms of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Small bowel cancer causes:

bloating;
nausea, vomiting;
pain in the epigastric region;
weakness;
weight loss.

In gastroenterology, duodenal cancer is more common, less common - jejunal or ileal. The causes may be chronic inflammatory or enzymatic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. As the tumor grows, obstructive intestinal obstruction joins the listed symptoms. As a result, compression of neighboring organs occurs, which can lead to:

pancreatitis;
ascites;
jaundice;
intestinal ischemia.

When tumors ulcerate, fistulas appear. The prognosis is not very comforting: with resection of tumors and the absence of metastases, it is possible to achieve a survival rate of 35-40% in the next 5 years. In general, the outcome depends on the stage of the process and the histological structure of the tumor. To prevent the disease, it is important to remove benign neoplasms in the small intestine in a timely manner and to be observed by a gastroenterologist in the presence of chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Colon

This department is responsible not only for the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, but also for the formation of feces from the remains of processed food and their removal from the body. The main symptom of inflammation in the colon is discomfort in the lower abdomen. There are other characteristic features:

bloating;
fecal incontinence;
rumbling in the stomach;
pain in the anus, on the sides of the abdomen;
discharge of mucus from the anus;
sexual desire disorder;
diarrhea, constipation, their alternation;
release of gases;
unproductive urge to go to the toilet;
weakness;
weight loss;
vitamin deficiency.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Otherwise, this disease is called dyskinesia, spastic bowel and mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome is abbreviated as IBS. The disease is caused by disturbances in colon motility, which leads to gastrointestinal disorders. The exact cause of the syndrome is still unknown. Great importance in its development is given to the psycho-emotional state, heredity, nutrition and composition of the microflora. The main symptoms of IBS are:

rumbling in the stomach;
bowel dysfunction;
bloating;
pain in the intestinal area.

Attacks of diarrhea are more common in the morning. The urge to defecate occurs after breakfast. When you have a bowel movement, the pain and discomfort go away. Patients note that diarrhea also occurs against the background of psycho-emotional stress. Regardless of nutrition, the patient suffers from rumbling, constipation, and abdominal pain. Sometimes discomfort is even felt in the back, heart and joints. IBS is difficult to distinguish from chronic pancreatitis, dysbacteriosis and oncology. Diagnosis is often based on the patient’s subjective complaints and careful history taking.

Diverticulosis

The term “diverticulum” means stretching of the intestinal wall, which leads to the formation of a pocket in it that protrudes into the abdominal cavity. Such formations are most often localized in the descending and sigmoid sections. The disease is called diverticulosis. The main reasons for its development are weak tone of the intestinal walls and constant constipation. Uncomplicated diverticula only cause constipation and heaviness in the abdomen. In case of their inflammation, in addition to stool disturbances, the following appear:

elevated temperature;
abdominal pain;
mucus and blood in stool;
diarrhea.

Chronic colitis

According to statistics, chronic colitis occurs in half of people with digestive problems. The disease is an inflammation of the colon mucosa. The pathology is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. Colitis can develop as a result of dysbiosis, weakened immunity, or lack of plant fiber. Its presence is indicated by:

flatulence;
sharp pain after eating;
rumbling;
weakness;
inconsistent bowel movements with alternating constipation and diarrhea;
a feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
loss of appetite.

According to the degree of prevalence, colitis can be total or segmental. In the first case, the pathological process affects all parts of the colon, in the second - only a certain part of it. According to another classification, there are:

Spastic colitis. Accompanied by severe pain in different parts of the intestine due to involuntary spasms. The cause is a violation of intestinal motility.
Nonspecific ulcerative colitis. It develops due to immune failures, the cause of which has not yet been clarified. The main symptoms of colitis include ulcers and bleeding. This form of colitis is dangerous due to the possible development of cancer.

Cancer

Among oncological pathologies, colon cancer occupies one of the leading places. People over 40 years of age are more susceptible to it. The main risk factor is an unhealthy diet low in insoluble fiber and vitamins. Refined foods with large amounts of trans and animal fats have a negative effect on the colon. People whose relatives suffered from ulcerative colitis are predisposed to cancer of this organ.

In the early stages, the tumor does not manifest itself in any way. Cancer is often discovered during a random endoscopic examination. If the patient has not undergone it, then over time he notices the following symptoms:

constipation;
blood in stool;
severe emaciation;
pain during defecation;
weakness;
temperature.

Colon cancer symptoms are similar to other intestinal pathologies, so a tumor process cannot be excluded. If you have the listed symptoms, you should consult a doctor: have a stool test for occult blood, undergo a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and check for oncogenicity of polyps and cysts. Colon cancer is treated radically through surgery and chemotherapy. The prognosis for five-year survival at the first stage of the pathological process is 90%, at 2-3 – 60-85%, and at the last – 7%.

Diagnostics

Since the symptoms of different intestinal diseases are similar, you cannot diagnose yourself. When the first pathological signs appear, you should consult a doctor. Based on the examination and a series of studies, the specialist will be able to get a complete understanding of the disease, its nature and location. To make a correct diagnosis, the following methods are used:

Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Using a special device - a sigmoidoscope, the doctor examines all parts of the intestine.
Irrigoscopy. This is an x-ray procedure in which a contrast agent is injected into the cavity of the organ being examined. To study the small intestine, the patient is given a suspension of barium sulfate to swallow, and the large intestine is injected with a special drug through the anus.
Upper endoscopy. This method involves the use of an endoscope that has illumination and fiber optics. This helps the specialist examine the tissues of the esophageal tube, stomach and intestines.
Colonoscopy. This is a specialized type of endoscopy. In this case, the endoscope device is inserted through the anus and not through the mouth.
Capsule endoscopy. This is a modern technique in which the intestines are examined using a tiny container. The patient simply swallows it. Throughout the day, the device records incoming information.

Treatment

Intestinal diseases are treated by a gastroenterologist. A proctologist deals with ailments of the rectum, an infectious disease specialist deals with infectious lesions, and an oncologist deals with tumors. When the first symptoms appear, you should consult a therapist. After the examination, he will refer you to more specialized specialists. The treatment regimen will depend on the disease. Tumors are removed surgically, and other intestinal pathologies are first treated with conservative methods. It is mandatory to prescribe medications from the following list:

Improving intestinal motility: Metoclopramide, Cisapride. They improve the activity of the digestive tract, accelerate emptying processes, and have an antiemetic effect.
Immunostimulants: Immunal, Viferon. Used as complementary therapy to balance the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory: Rektodelt, Salofalk. They help to quickly alleviate the condition by relieving pain.
Antibacterial: Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin. These medications have an antibacterial effect against a number of microbes: staphylococci, shigella, E. coli. Additionally, they normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and have a positive effect on metabolic processes.
Enzymatic: Creon, Festal, Pancreatin, Mezim. These drugs improve the digestion process by replenishing the deficiency of pancreatic enzymes.
Normalizing microflora: Linex, Lactofiltrum. They are often prescribed after long antibacterial courses or immediately along with antibiotics.
Antispasmodics: No-shpa, Baralgin, Spazmalgon. Relieves pain and spasms caused by problems in the intestines.

In case of chronic pathology, taking medications can last about six months. Some intestinal diseases are treated with surgery. Most operations are aimed at removing the affected parts or eliminating obstruction. If necessary, an artificial anus is applied - a colostomy. Colon cancer cannot be treated without radiation and chemotherapy.

Drug treatment is often complemented by physiotherapeutic methods. For intestinal problems, the following procedures are used:

colon hydrotherapy;
rising shower;
selective chromotherapy;
oxygen, radon, pine, pearl baths;
thermal procedures on the epigastric region (ozokerite, paraffin, mud applications);
galvanic current;
iontophoresis;
diathermy.

Diet

Taking medication alone is not enough to treat intestinal diseases. The patient must follow a special diet that is aimed at:

normalization of digestion;
stimulation of restoration processes in the intestinal mucosa;
normalizing microflora;
replenishment of the body with nutrients;
elimination of metabolic disorders.

Dishes should include a maximum of vitamins and beneficial microelements. The products used are well boiled, stewed or baked, but not fried. Food must be taken 5-6 times every day at regular intervals. The optimal serving size is 200-250 g. Other nutritional rules:

do not eat dry food;
do not overeat;
do not eat 3-4 hours before bedtime;
don't starve.

It is necessary to completely exclude from the diet foods that impair digestion, lead to constipation, diarrhea or flatulence. Their list includes:

roast;
fat;
smoked;
spicy;
sweets;
fatty broths;
fried soups;
bananas;
fatty meat, fish;
strong coffee and tea;
muffins.

The menu should not contain products with coarse fiber: potatoes, beans, cabbage, zucchini, celery, bran, beans, nuts. If you have diarrhea, you need to pay attention to fluids. It is recommended to drink more warm water to prevent dehydration. Lemon tea, non-carbonated alkaline drinks, blueberry infusions, and apple juice are useful in this case. They are consumed on the first day of diarrhea. On the second day you can add crackers without spices and additives, on the third day you can add products that reduce intestinal motility:

rice concoctions;
liquid porridge;
weak chicken broths;
fine-grained low-fat cottage cheese;
vegetable puree;
jelly from berries and fruits.

For constipation, on the contrary, you need to consume more fiber, but also continue to drink plenty of fluids. Reduced portions of food eaten help to activate intestinal function in case of difficulty in defecation. For easy digestion, it should have a temperature of 38-40 degrees and be as crushed as possible. Helpful for constipation are:

buckwheat, pearl barley, wheat and oatmeal;
fresh vegetables;
green;
apples, plums, kiwi;
rich vegetable soups;
kefir, sour cream, yogurt, yogurt.

Prevention

The key to healthy gastrointestinal tract is a balanced diet. It is recommended to eat at the same time every day so that digestive juices are released synchronously. Food should be distributed evenly between all meals. To avoid constipation, you should not eat dry food - you need to drink enough water every day. The optimal food temperature is not too different from room temperature. In this case, the food will not irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Other preventive measures:

giving up bad habits;
maintaining normal weight;
take any medications carefully and only in consultation with your doctor;
observe the rules of hygiene;
lead an active lifestyle;
avoid stress and anxiety.

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Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Intestinal disease: symptoms and treatment

Intestinal problems can occur in people of all ages. Which symptoms should not cause much concern, and which are a reason to visit a doctor? Who to contact for intestinal problems? You need to know about all this so as not to trigger a possible pathology until a critical moment.

The intestine is part of the digestive system, where the final absorption of nutrients occurs, as a result of which they enter the blood. The intestine consists of two sections - thin and thick. The process of digesting food occurs in the small intestine, and the large section absorbs water and forms feces from the remains of undigested food.

The intestines are home to a large number of microorganisms, which are otherwise called beneficial microflora; their task is to protect the intestines from very dangerous (pathogenic) and less dangerous (conditionally pathogenic) microorganisms. If the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, then a person’s well-being becomes worse, frequent viral diseases occur and digestive problems appear.

Symptomatic manifestations

The symptoms of problems of the large and small intestines are very diverse, in order to make it easier to differentiate pathologies, the main symptoms are:

Pain syndrome. The pain can vary in intensity and character, but most often it is dull and occurs as a result of spasm of the smooth muscles of the intestine. If the pain is localized in the upper abdomen, then it is most likely gastritis - inflammation of the gastric mucosa. If there is acute pain in the upper left, a peptic ulcer can be suspected. If there is pain in the navel area, enteritis is possible. Pain in the lower left is a sign of sigmoiditis, inflammation of the sigmoid colon. Sharp pain in the lower right is a symptom of appendicitis. If you have problems with the intestines, you should contact a gastroenterologist, but if the pain indicates appendicitis, then you should contact a surgeon.
Dyspeptic syndrome. Almost all intestinal problems are accompanied by a decrease in appetite; with improper digestion processes, bloating may occur, the volume of gases may increase, and the patient will feel a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Vomiting and nausea often appear - this is the body's reaction. Thus, he seeks to get rid of toxins that have entered the gastrointestinal tract. This symptom is always characteristic of food poisoning and acute intestinal infections.
Diarrhea is also a consequence of the action of toxins in the body. Due to increased intestinal peristalsis, water is not absorbed, and as a result, stools become loose and frequent.
With intestinal problems, constipation is also a common occurrence. This symptom indicates that intestinal motility is impaired, as happens with colitis.

Causes of problems

The causes of intestinal problems can vary depending on the specific disease. But the most common are two. This is irregular, unhealthy diet and constant stress and nervous tension. In the first case, the culprit is low-quality products that contain substances harmful to the body - dyes, all kinds of additives, etc., as well as eating in fits and starts, snacks. The modern pace of life does not provide for a normal, full breakfast (and not a cup of coffee), a substantial lunch (and not a hot dog snack while working) and a proper dinner (and not swallowing a lot of unhealthy chips and mayonnaise salads while watching TV).

Stress and nervous tension add their mite, and as a result, digestive problems appear, which modern man is accustomed to either ignoring or drowning out with pills that a friend advised him. All this leads to diseases that can no longer be called “intestinal problems”; these are serious diseases that require long-term and sometimes difficult treatment.

If you experience any discomfort in the intestines, the first thing you should do is consult a doctor and start eating right. You will be very surprised how the quality of your life will change if you feed your body with light and healthy food! Eliminate canned, fatty and fried foods from your diet, arrange fasting days for yourself - remember, it was not for nothing that our ancestors observed fasts. If you are not yet ready for fasting and restrictions on fatty foods, make it a rule to drink a glass of kefir at night, stop drinking carbonated drinks, drinks with dyes, coffee and alcohol. Gradually replace fatty foods with dishes made from healthy grains; if you suffer from constipation, make yourself oatmeal instead of coffee in the morning.

A salad made from fresh beets and fresh carrots cleanses the intestines well, just do not add salt, but pour in vegetable oil. If intestinal problems are associated with stress, then you should not take medications; brew yourself a soothing tea, which you can buy at the pharmacy, or prepare yourself decoctions and infusions from medicinal herbs.

Diagnosis of intestinal problems

In case of acute pain, severe diarrhea, fever, or detection of blood in the stool or vomit, you should call an ambulance. In all other cases, you need to visit a gastroenterologist or proctologist.

Diagnosis is made using palpation, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, colonoscopy, CT and other research methods. Of course, many of these procedures are not very pleasant, especially with a proctologist, but it is necessary to find out the correct diagnosis and begin adequate treatment. The fact is that similar symptoms for intestinal problems may indicate different diseases, which, accordingly, are treated differently.

You should not put off going to the doctor for a long time in order to avoid the progression of the disease and its transition to the chronic stage.

Intestinal diseases in children

Intestinal problems in a child are a fairly common occurrence, mainly due to a violation of the intestinal microflora. The children's gastrointestinal tract is very sensitive and can react to many circumstances with dysbiosis. The circumstances can be completely different - antibiotics, infections, changes in diet, transition from breastfeeding to artificial, stressful situations, etc.

It is important to remember that bowel function also depends on what and how much your children drink. The optimal drink is pure still water; you can give your child clarified juices, compotes, and tea. But sweet soda and children's delicate intestines are incompatible concepts! As for the amount of fluid a child should drink, it depends on his age, and it is best to get this information from your child's doctor.

If we talk about the most common childhood intestinal diseases, then in children under one year of age it is constipation or diarrhea. Older children may develop gastroenteritis, which occurs if the child's diet consists of eating a lot of sweets, unripe fruits and roughage. Children can be poisoned by toxins, get dysentery, viral hepatitis, salmonellosis, rotavirus, enterococcus, botulism, typhoid fever, etc.

We must not forget that intestinal infections persist in the external environment for quite a long time.

Skin and digestive disorders

Some patients complain of acne due to intestinal problems. In addition to acne, allergic rashes and spider veins may appear, the skin becomes either too oily or too dry, and the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted. If the disease is not treated, the skin ages, wrinkles and age spots appear. This happens because the body tries to remove toxins that were not eliminated through the intestines through the skin pores. As a result, concomitant diseases develop - erythema nodosum, cutaneous vasculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, purulent stomatitis, etc.

Bowel treatment

Naturally, intestinal treatment is carried out only after a diagnosis has been established, but a diet is indicated for all intestinal diseases. There are several types of dietary nutrition, and for different diseases the diet will be different. Drug therapy may include:

taking antibiotics to suppress intestinal infections, eubiotics if dysbiosis is diagnosed, as well as enzyme preparations for intestinal enzyme deficiency;
taking antispasmodics to relieve pain symptoms;
sorbents for removing toxic substances from the body.

The medications and dosage must be prescribed by a doctor.

Diet for intestinal problems

Diet plays an important role in healing the intestines. For enterocolitis (inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract), it is better to eat more cereals - oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, choose vegetable soups, meat and fish should be lean, eat more fruits and vegetables.

For diarrhea, the diet is slightly different. To normalize the intestinal microflora, you need to eat low-fat cottage cheese, drink green tea, and rosehip infusions. Rub porridge through a sieve or grind in a blender, steam meat and fish, soups can be cooked from chicken or fish, add rice or millet cereals. The bread should be wheat, slightly dried. Under no circumstances should you eat legumes, canned food, smoked foods, drink milk, or carbonated drinks.

The diet for constipation differs from the previous one in that you should rely on fermented milk products and porridge (except rice). You should add jelly, onions and garlic to the prohibited foods. In order to cleanse the intestines, even if you have no problems with it, you should adhere to the following diet for 10 days once a year:

In the first 2 days you should eat only green apples; in the evening you can drink tea with honey.
On the 3rd day in the morning, cook oatmeal without any additives and drink a glass of clean water without gas. For lunch, cook boiled beef and eat it with one raw tomato, in the evening 100 g of rice and tea with lemon, but without sugar.
On day 4, you can drink black coffee and eat oatmeal for breakfast, a couple of apples for lunch, there will be no dinner.
On day 5, in the morning, grate raw carrots and season them with lemon juice, eat low-fat yogurt, a little low-fat cottage cheese, drink still mineral water. For lunch - a couple of boiled eggs, tomato and cucumber salad and baked potatoes.
On day 6, breakfast and lunch are oatmeal.
On day 7, black coffee in the morning, vegetable broth and green apple, low-fat cottage cheese (100 g) for lunch.
On day 8, breakfast - vegetable broth, oatmeal, apple and mineral water, have lunch with kefir (low-fat).
On day 9, have low-fat kefir for breakfast, cook or bake low-fat fish for lunch, drink tea without sugar.
On the last day, have breakfast with low-fat kefir, do not have lunch, and for dinner eat 200 g of rice and an orange.

The diet, of course, is a little strict, but once a year you can endure it, but your intestines will be healthy!

Remember that you can take medications and adhere to a certain diet only after consultation and approval of a doctor.

Preventive measures

To prevent serious intestinal problems, you need to eat right, give your body fasting days from time to time, stop being nervous, give up bad habits, etc. However, you should remember one more aspect of intestinal problems - dirty hands. Most often, the infection enters the intestines through dirty hands. You need to carefully monitor hand hygiene; be sure to wash your hands after visiting the toilet, after contact with animals, coming from the street, and before eating. You need to wash your hands especially carefully after working in the ground (for example, after planting plants or digging up a garden), because the soil contains a large amount of pathogenic microflora that can affect the intestines and gastrointestinal tract as a whole.

You should not swim in bodies of water with stagnant water, or visit pools where hygiene measures are not observed or the water in the tank is rarely changed. It is better to drink boiled water.

If you experience any problems with the intestines, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner and strictly follow all his recommendations. You cannot self-medicate, looking for various diseases and ignoring the main problem. Be healthy!