Digestion of food, absorption of simple substances (vitamins, mineral elements) - all these processes occur at a masterly level, and any insignificant failure can lead to serious and tragic consequences. All types of small intestinal diseases have the same symptoms. The common denominator of an incorrectly balanced process is malabsorption syndrome. It is worth noting that this disorder is associated with a malfunction in the excretory and motor functions of the small intestine.
Common symptoms for a person experiencing discomfort are: loose bowel movements, rumbling in the abdomen, bloating and colic. Diarrhea in this case is an integral attribute of the inflammatory process. The stool is accompanied by frequent visits (3-6 times) to the toilet. The stool may contain undigested food. In this case, inflammation of the small intestine needs to be treated quickly.
The epicenter of pain is located in the navel and right half of the abdomen. The nature of the spasms is quite viscous and aching. Closer to the night, the rumbling and bloating of the stomach slowly weaken. External signs The inflammatory process in the small intestine is quite noticeable. Symptoms begin to become radical. A person suddenly loses body weight. The effect of anemia, inflammation of the oral mucosa begins with a sharp deficiency of iron, vitamins (B12, B2, K, Ca) and vital folic acid. Women may experience disruptions in the normal functioning of the endocrine glands and menstrual cycles. A large number of men may experience problems with potency, dry skin and systematic hair loss. Treatment of the inflammatory process is carried out by medical specialists. The balance of intestinal microflora can be restored with the prescribed remedies. Also should not be neglected folk ways healing.
Subtleties of chronic enteritis and its symptoms
The patient regularly experiences rumbling in the abdomen and pain in the umbilical area. To establish a clear diagnosis, a gastroenterologist is involved. The examination is designed to determine the extent of the inflammatory process and acceptable types of treatment. Folk recipes will help to effectively cope with this disease.
Lack of carbohydrate digestibility
Enzymes break down complex substances into simpler ones. Disaccharidase is a congenital disease that is accompanied by the absence of basic enzymatic elements that are involved in the hydrolysis of carbohydrates. Thus, lactase can never be broken down into galactose, sucrose into glucose. Therefore, normal absorption by the small intestine is almost impossible. Enzyme deficiency is quite common in humans. For example, digesting mushrooms, vegetables, milk and meat may be difficult. The diagnosis is established by a gastroenterologist who methodically conducts research in the laboratory. Effective treatments for this disease are following a special diet and partial fasting. According to a special diet, dairy products are limited to consumption, with the only exceptions being cheese products and feta cheese. Treatment must be systematic and high-quality.
Sugar intolerance can be treated by following a sugar-free diet. All types of sweets are excluded here. Citrus fruits, honey and fructose-based confectionery products are excellent alternatives.
Vascular diseases of the small intestine and basic symptoms
The large arteries that supply the small intestine arise from the abdominal aorta. Atherosclerosis is a serious stumbling block for the normal functioning of the entire circulatory system. Abdominal toad is a serious disorder in the functioning of the vessels of the small intestine.
Symptoms include abdominal pain after eating, significant weight loss, rumbling and bloating of the abdominal cavity. If the disease is ignored, blockage of the lumen of blood vessels may occur, which develops into intestinal infarction. A radical alternative is surgical implantation of blood vessels. This treatment requires special preoperative preparation. Food is taken in doses, in small portions 6-7 times a day. Also, medications (isotard, mononit, creon, pancreoflat) relieve painful cramps. Treating the disease becomes quite comfortable and productive.
Allergic disorders of the small intestine
Allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body to the activity of antigens and foreign proteins. Enteropia is an allergic disease of the entire intestine. The lesion is accompanied by regular disorders and has the following symptoms. Cramping pain smoothly turns into bloating and loose stools. Discomfort very often occurs after taking medications or heavy looking products. To determine the diagnosis, a large number of studies are required by a gastroenterologist. The main treatment is exclusion of the malignant antigen from the diet. Quite often, citrus fruits, eggs, fish, strawberries, milk, crayfish, crabs, shrimp, lobsters, red and black caviar are allergic sources.
Genetic predisposition and complex symptoms
Celiac disease is a disease that is associated with a genetic defect in the human body. In this case, a person experiences a lack of the enzyme peptidase. The substance takes an active part in the breakdown of protein in grain plants. Elements of incomplete breakdown are a serious source of toxins for healthy cells of the small intestine. In this case, the protective function of the mucous membrane is significantly reduced to a critical level. Thus, the normal state of digestion and absorption processes is eliminated. Patients often complain of terrible pain in the bones, bleeding gums and mental disorders. When treating the disease, it is advisable to adhere to a diet that does not contain foods containing gluten protein (sausage, sausages, bread, sauces, chocolate, ice cream).
Whipple's disease
This is a fairly rare disease that occurs due to the activity of carinobacteria. The inflammatory process is accompanied by fat blocking the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine and has complex symptoms. The patient may experience heat, diarrhea, significant weight loss, sharp pains in a stomach. For treatment, the patient is prescribed special antibiotics (tetracycline, rifampicin) and other antimicrobial drugs for several years. As a rule, many resort to traditional methods of treatment.
Small bowel tumors
This disease is rare. Cancer develops quite rarely. But if a complication occurs, the intestine narrows significantly and additional obstruction occurs. The patient experiences abdominal cramps and frequent vomiting. Such symptoms can develop into a more complex form of an acute nature. Subsequently, complete anemia occurs. In this case, the person should quickly consult a doctor. Treatment is accompanied by surgical treatment, as well as chemotherapy of the tumor.
Methodology for effective treatment of the small intestine
- Compliance with a special diet, which may include the following products: wheat bread, low-fat soup, steamed meat, vegetable side dishes, loose porridges, steam omelettes, jelly, compotes, souffles, baked fruits, low-concentration juices, rosehip infusions, weak tea. Treatment is carried out gradually and in doses.
- The impact on dysbiosis occurs by eliminating microbes in the small intestine. For this, strong antibiotics are used: tetracycline (025 mg / 4 times a day), chloramphenicol (0.5 -1.0 mg / 4 times a day), ampicillin (0.5 - 1.0 mg). A positive effect is achieved by many other means. In special cases, the use of sulfasalazine or its base analogues is permitted. Painful symptoms should then disappear gradually.
- The use of beneficial microbes is effective remedy to normalize the functioning of the small intestine. Therefore, special bio-cocktails and universal preparations (bifidumbacterin, colibacterin, lactobacterin) are gaining wide popularity. With these means you can achieve a quick recovery.
- Replacement treatment is based on the use of pancreatic enzymes. High-quality drugs (Mezim Forte, Pancreatin, Creon) achieve normalization of the digestion and absorption process. The duration of taking the tablets is determined by the doctor and reaches several weeks. The patient takes doses of 1-3 parts during meals (3 times a day). Enzymes significantly reduce pain and normalize intestinal motility. Also, complex vitamins in tandem with medications improve a person’s physiological condition. The disease must be treated systemically.
- Folk remedies can also eliminate the disease. For example, a decoction of rose hips, elecampane, chamomile and thyme will help the patient normalize intestinal activity in a short period of time.
- Stick to a proper diet. As Nikolai Amosov said: “All diseases arise from a person due to ignorant food intake.”
The intestine is the longest human organ, measuring about four meters in an adult. It is divided into two main parts - the large and small intestine, and this structuring is not arbitrary, since both of these parts perform different functions.
The doctor can indicate the approximate location of inflammation based on complaints
Thus, in the small intestine, under the influence of pancreatic enzymes, food is broken down and absorbed; the fat one is engaged in “packaging” waste food masses, taking away excess water from there. Symptoms of intestinal inflammation, its most common disease, will differ depending on the location of the process, because it will be clear which function is affected.
Terminology
Inflammation of the small intestine is called enteritis, and if the process is located only in its final part - the ileum, then the disease will be called ileitis.
When the inflammatory process is localized in the colon, it is called colitis. If the pathology concerns only the sigmoid colon, it is called sigmoiditis, if the rectum is called proctitis.
Why does the intestine become inflamed?
The causes of intestinal inflammation are conventionally divided into two large groups: infectious and non-infectious.
Infectious enterocolitis
Infectious diseases include various:
Such microorganisms enter through the consumption of unboiled water and milk (as well as when swallowing water when bathing), poor-quality or unheat-treated food. Viruses can enter through airborne droplets.
The peculiarity of infectious inflammatory processes is that they are contagious and can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through shared utensils, food, toys and household items. They are called “diseases of dirty hands”, since it is quite simple to avoid infection: wash your hands after interacting with a sick person, before eating and after visiting a shared toilet.
Intestinal inflammation not associated with its colonization by microbes
Non-infectious intestinal inflammation develops due to a huge number of reasons. This:
- errors in: “love” for alcohol, spicy and smoked foods;
- decreased intestinal tone;
- inflammation of nearby organs;
- taking medications;
- “defects” of the immune system, in which it begins to “attack” its own organs (such an autoimmune process is characteristic of Crohn’s disease);
- impaired circulation of the intestine due to atherosclerotic or inflammatory processes in the arteries feeding it;
- poisoning with lead, heavy metals, arsenic, poisons from plants;
- food allergies;
- irradiation of the intestine with gamma rays;
- as a reaction to abdominal surgery.
How does intestinal inflammation manifest?
General symptoms of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa can be divided into the following syndromes:
- Painful. The localization of inflammation can be assumed by the location of the pain zone:
- if it hurts in the navel area, this most likely indicates a disease of the small or early parts of the large intestine;
- pain in the lower parts – disease of the colon;
- at the anus - problems with the rectum. This is not necessarily inflammation; it can also be a symptom of hemorrhoids and anal fissure.
- According to the nature of the pain:
- if the pain is constant, aching, the process is chronic;
- if it has a circadian rhythm: it intensifies in the first half of the night - ulcerative pathologies, in the morning - inflammation of the large intestine;
- when the pain intensifies with shaking, defecation, or walking, this indicates that the peritoneum or the intestinal lymphatic system is involved in the inflammation.
- Intoxication syndrome: weakness, drowsiness, increased heart rate, nausea, decreased appetite, muscle pain, headaches. This indicates in favor of an infectious process.
- Diarrheal syndrome (diarrhea) may indicate both small and large intestinal localization. The type of stool matters.
- Dry hair and skin, catches in the corners of the mouth, bleeding gums indicate problems with the small intestine.
- Changes in the color and consistency of stool.
To determine the localization of inflammation, it is important to indicate not only the area of pain, but also other symptoms
Let us consider separately the symptoms of diseases of the large and small intestines.
Enteritis
Inflammation of the small intestine can be acute or chronic.
Warning! Acute inflammation is often of an infectious nature, and also develops as a result of poisoning or an allergic reaction. Chronic enteritis is most often caused by errors in diet.
Symptoms of acute enteritis
The disease usually begins acutely, with the appearance of the following symptoms:
- weakness;
- rumbling and pain in the abdomen, in the navel area;
- diarrhea: up to 10 times a day;
- stool: loose, foamy, foul-smelling;
- decreased appetite;
- dry skin;
- Most likely, there will be an increase in temperature;
- Signs of dehydration may develop: severe weakness, confusion, convulsions, frequent weak pulse.
Chronic enteritis
With this disease, frequent loose stools are observed, which is accompanied by abdominal pain and intestinal rumbling - during an exacerbation. During the period of remission, there is a decrease in the severity of these complaints until their complete disappearance. The fact that the disease has not been stopped is indicated by signs of impaired intake nutrients into the body: dryness, fragility and thinness of the skin, hair and nails, seizures, pallor, bleeding.
Colitis
Inflammation of the large intestine can also be acute or chronic. Chronic colitis, depending on the nature of the inflammation occurring in the intestines, has its own classification. All these pathological processes have different symptoms.
Acute colitis
It is characterized by the following features:
- abdominal pain;
- nausea;
- painful urge to defecate;
- decreased appetite;
- weight loss;
- feces - formed, mucus and blood are visible in it;
- in case of intestinal infection - increased temperature.
Chronic ulcerative colitis
This is the name for the process in which ulcerative and erosive defects appear in the intestinal wall. It develops more often in women and is characterized by the following manifestations:
- abdominal pain, especially on the left side;
- constipation;
- during the subsidence of the disease, the feces are not liquid, foul-smelling, blood is visible in it;
- during an exacerbation, abdominal pain, diarrhea are noted, the person quickly loses body weight;
- Joint pain often develops.
Warning! Symptoms of intestinal inflammation in women can mask diseases of the reproductive organs: pain in the right or left half of the abdomen can also be observed with inflammation of the appendages; diarrhea can accompany not only colitis or enteritis, but also inflammation of the uterus and appendages. Only a doctor can understand the causes of symptoms.
Chronic spastic colitis
It has different manifestations: one person may develop constipation, while another may experience diarrhea. Most people also experience abdominal pain, flatulence, and bloating. Spastic colitis is characterized by the disappearance of symptoms when nervous overstrain, stress, and lack of sleep are relieved.
Pseudomembranous inflammation of the large intestine
This is the name given to the inflammatory process in the colon that has developed as a result of dysbacteriosis. Its symptoms are observed while taking antibiotics and after their withdrawal. They are as follows:
- frequent watery stools, mixed with mucus and blood;
- abdominal pain that worsens with bowel movements;
- slight increase in temperature;
- weakness;
- nausea;
- weight loss.
Proctitis and sigmoiditis
In case of inflammation of the lower part of the large intestine, which is isolated and most often develops with long-term use of antibiotics, injuries from foreign bodies, chemical or thermal burns, the following signs will be observed:
- pain in the rectal area, aggravated by defecation;
- discharge of blood and mucus from the anus;
- constipation;
- sensation of a foreign body in the anus;
- urge to defecate;
- body aches;
- feeling of incomplete emptying of the rectum during bowel movements.
Inflammation of the intestinal lymph nodes
If the intestinal inflammation had an infectious cause, but in some cases, as an independent disease, especially in children, inflammation of the intestinal lymph nodes may develop. These structures serve as a barrier to infection, and when there is too much of it, or the microorganisms are too aggressive, the lymph nodes become inflamed. This manifests itself as follows:
- Acute paroxysmal pain in the abdomen develops, especially in the lower right (as with appendicitis);
- temperature rises;
- nausea and vomiting appear;
- diarrhea or constipation occurs.
Abdominal pain lasts from several hours to three days and does not become more intense. With these symptoms, there is no deterioration in the person’s general condition, which would be the case with appendicitis or other surgical pathology.
How is the diagnosis made?
The main method to determine the location and type of the inflammatory process is endoscopic examination.
In order to establish the type, cause, localization and nature of intestinal inflammation, the following studies are carried out:
- general blood analysis;
- coprogram - stool analysis;
- bacteriological examination of stool;
- biochemical blood tests;
- endoscopic examination of the intestine: can only be performed for lesions of the colon. It is called colonoscopy (if the entire colon is examined) or sigmoidoscopy (if only the rectum and sigmoid colon are examined). During this examination, a biopsy of the required area may be performed;
- X-ray examination of the intestine with contrast;
- Capsule endoscopy is performed to examine the entire intestine, including the small intestine. It is performed by a person swallowing a capsule equipped with a video camera. It comes out naturally.
If, as a result of the diagnosis, any of the above diagnoses is confirmed, the question of treatment arises. It is prescribed by a doctor depending on the form and stage of the identified disease and, as a rule, includes a course of medications and a strict diet. But sometimes the patient’s condition requires surgical intervention. In general terms, we described the principles of treatment of the considered pathology in the article.
Inflammation of the small intestine is a disease that is accompanied by a violation of its functions, as well as degenerative changes in the mucous membrane. An alternative name for the pathological condition is enteritis. It should be noted that the disease provokes numerous negative symptoms and other manifestations, for example, leading to weight loss. That is why it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible in order to maintain 100% vital activity.
Reasons for the development of inflammation
Factors in the development of inflammation of the small intestine may be an acute intestinal infection of bacterial or viral origin. Similar diseases include cholera or typhoid. Another provoking factor can be called poisoning with any toxic component, for example, arsenic, as well as certain toxic products. The latter include toadstool, inedible berries or parts of fish.
Inflammation of the small intestine occurs when certain foods are consumed in excessive quantities. It's about about hot, spicy or fatty foods, as well as about drinking strong alcohol. It is important to consider the possible allergic reaction to any products or medicinal components. Symptoms of the disease can significantly increase in the presence of bad habits, namely a tendency to consume rough or spicy food, alcohol.
It is also necessary to pay attention to factors that significantly contribute to the formation of the presented disease. This may be nicotine addiction, kidney failure or atherosclerosis. In addition, it should be noted the active influence of the tendency to allergic reactions, autoimmune processes and other pathological conditions.
In some situations, inflammation of the small intestine and its symptoms are associated with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms
The acute form of the disease is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as the formation of pain in the abdominal area. In some cases, an increase in temperature and headaches are identified. It should be noted that the symptoms are accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of secreted feces, namely up to 10 or even 15 times during the day. The stool is copious and watery. The general condition of the patient can be characterized as the addition of weakness and pallor, the formation of dry skin and white plaque in the field of language.
Patients also experience complaints of bloating in the abdomen and rumbling in the intestines. If diarrhea continues for a long period of time, dehydration occurs. In the most severe situations, inflammation of the small intestine provokes seizures and even intravascular coagulation, the treatment of which is strongly recommended as early as possible. It is necessary to pay attention to the following features of the disease:
- symptoms of hemorrhagic diathesis are likely - an increased degree of bleeding and a tendency to form blood clots;
- the chronic form of the disease is accompanied by enteral and extraintestinal manifestations;
- As part of chronic inflammation, stool is liquid and includes the remains of undigested food. In the vast majority of cases, defecation is associated with significant weakness and even absolute exhaustion.
I would like to dwell in more detail on what are the enteral symptoms that indicate that treatment will be required in the very near future. We are talking about the occurrence of diarrhea and flatulence, as well as painful cramping sensations in the lower abdomen. It should be borne in mind that the symptoms are most pronounced at the stage of highest activity of the gastrointestinal tract, namely in the second part of the day.
In some cases, excruciating painful sensations are identified, which are accompanied by seething and spasms in the abdominal area.
The urge to defecate is likely to join, which is accompanied by greenish discharge and watery, scanty stool. When the small intestine is inflamed, the tongue is coated with a specific white coating, and tooth marks are visible along the edges. The abdomen is characterized as distended, and examination of the cecum area will respond with noise and splashing (the so-called Obraztsov symptom).
Extraintestinal symptoms of a chronic disease that are associated with the formation of malabsorption syndrome can also be identified. We are talking about destabilizing the absorption of nutritional components in the small intestine. A long-term lack of certain components in the body provokes numerous hypovitaminosis over time. The development of deficiency of mineral components is likely, the treatment of which is complicated.
Diagnosis of the site of inflammation in the small intestine
Diagnosis should begin with a thorough interview of the patient, namely by clarifying all the nuances of the condition and collecting a family history. This will be more than enough for a specialist to determine the primary diagnosis; then it is necessary to carry out general examination, palpation and percussion of the abdominal walls. The most important step in making a diagnosis is laboratory methods, namely coprogram. Micro- and macroscopic examinations are also carried out to determine consistency, shade and other characteristics.
Next, the specialist may insist on conducting functional tests, jejunoperfusion (detection of disturbances in the functioning of the intestines not only at the cellular, but also at the molecular level), and bacteriological examination of feces. In addition, a biochemical blood test is mandatory.
Speaking about instrumental examinations, it is necessary to pay attention to endoscopy and x-ray examination. The first presents significant difficulties because only the terminal sections are accessible. However, when performing endoscopy, a biopsy sample and mucous membrane are taken for histological examination.
X-ray diagnostics are carried out with the introduction of a contrast component, which makes it possible to determine changes in the structure of the intestine.
In addition, it is the X-ray examination that makes it possible to identify segmental lesions and tumors, ulcers. It should be noted that there is a possibility of determining the general condition of the intestines. It is after such an examination that we can talk about what treatment should be. In some cases, there is a need for repeated diagnostics; a differentiated examination deserves special attention.
Treatment methods
The recovery course directly depends on the characteristics of the condition, in particular, inflammation of the small intestine can be acute and chronic. Treatment of the acute form is carried out in a hospital setting. Patients are required to remain in bed and remember the need for dietary nutrition. We are talking about mechanically and chemically gentle food, limiting the ratio of components such as carbohydrates and fats. In addition, experts insist on drinking plenty of fluids (if there is such a need, carry out hydration therapy), a symptomatic and restorative recovery course.
Treatment of severe dysbiosis involves drug adjustment of the intestinal flora. In addition, the resulting diarrhea is relieved with the help of astringent components. As part of the destabilization of protein metabolism, special polypeptide solutions are introduced. Treatment of acute inflammation, in the vast majority of cases, takes no more than a week. Discharge from the hospital is possible only after relief of the most acute symptoms.
It also makes sense to treat exacerbations of a chronic disease in a hospital setting. It is important to pay attention to the following features:
- patients are prescribed bed rest and a dietary diet (diet No. 4);
- at the acute stage, food should be as rich in proteins as possible, while it would be best to exclude or limit fats and carbohydrates;
- It is strongly recommended to avoid eating rough, spicy, and sour foods. In general, you should not consume all those foods that can harm the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
You should avoid products that contain significant amount fiber, milk.
The ratio of fats and carbohydrates must be gradually increased. As part of remission, a balanced diet that contains all the required components, vitamins and minerals in optimal proportions is strongly recommended. Correction of enzyme deficiency in the digestive system is carried out using enzyme components. This can be Pancreatin, Pancitrate or Festal, which helps not only eliminate negative symptoms, but also improves the general condition of the body.
Prevention and prognosis
Preventive measures against inflammation in the small intestine include a balanced diet and compliance with all hygiene recommendations. In addition, we should not forget about careful processing of food products, avoiding the use of possible toxic components as food (for example, inedible mushrooms or berries). You should remember to use medications carefully, and only in accordance with the indications.
Measures to prevent enteritis are early identification and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders and endocrine disorders. Speaking about the prognosis, it is important to take into account that mild and moderate cases with correct treatment result in recovery within a few days. An aggravated course that is difficult to treat can provoke the formation of complications that require emergency measures. These may include bleeding and more complex symptoms and conditions.
If proper therapeutic measures are absent, then the prolonged course of chronic enteritis can be associated with death from severe disturbances of homeostasis, as well as from exhaustion.
In addition, the untreated chronic form of enteritis is associated with the formation of complications critical to human life and the presence of infectious lesions.
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1.Can cancer be prevented?
The occurrence of a disease such as cancer depends on many factors. No person can ensure complete safety for himself. But everyone can significantly reduce the chances of developing a malignant tumor.
2.How does smoking affect the development of cancer?
Absolutely, categorically forbid yourself from smoking. Everyone is already tired of this truth. But quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing all types of cancer. Smoking is associated with 30% of deaths from cancer. In Russia, lung tumors kill more people than tumors of all other organs.
Eliminating tobacco from your life is the best prevention. Even if you smoke not a pack a day, but only half a day, the risk of lung cancer is already reduced by 27%, as the American Medical Association found.
3.Does excess weight affect the development of cancer?
Look at the scales more often! Overweight will affect not only the waist. The American Institute for Cancer Research has found that obesity promotes the development of tumors of the esophagus, kidneys and gallbladder. The fact is that adipose tissue not only serves to preserve energy reserves, it also has a secretory function: fat produces proteins that affect the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the body. And oncological diseases appear against the background of inflammation. In Russia, WHO associates 26% of all cancer cases with obesity.
4.Do exercise help reduce the risk of cancer?
Spend at least half an hour a week training. Sport is on the same level as proper nutrition when it comes to cancer prevention. In the United States, a third of all deaths are attributed to the fact that patients did not follow any diet or pay attention to physical exercise. The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 150 minutes a week at a moderate pace or half as much but at a vigorous pace. However, a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in 2010 shows that even 30 minutes can reduce the risk of breast cancer (which affects one in eight women worldwide) by 35%.
5.How does alcohol affect cancer cells?
Less alcohol! Alcohol has been blamed for causing tumors of the mouth, larynx, liver, rectum and mammary glands. Ethyl alcohol breaks down in the body to acetaldehyde, which is then converted into acetic acid under the action of enzymes. Acetaldehyde is a strong carcinogen. Alcohol is especially harmful for women, as it stimulates the production of estrogens - hormones that affect the growth of breast tissue. Excess estrogen leads to the formation of breast tumors, which means that every extra sip of alcohol increases the risk of getting sick.
6.Which cabbage helps fight cancer?
Love broccoli. Vegetables not only contribute to a healthy diet, but they also help fight cancer. This is why recommendations for healthy eating contain the rule: half of the daily diet should be vegetables and fruits. Particularly useful are cruciferous vegetables, which contain glucosinolates - substances that, when processed, acquire anti-cancer properties. These vegetables include cabbage: regular cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
7. Red meat affects which organ cancer?
The more vegetables you eat, the less red meat you put on your plate. Research has confirmed that people who eat more than 500g of red meat per week have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
8.Which of the proposed remedies protect against skin cancer?
Stock up on sunscreen! Women aged 18–36 are especially susceptible to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In Russia, in just 10 years, the incidence of melanoma has increased by 26%, world statistics show an even greater increase. Both tanning equipment and Sun rays. The danger can be minimized with a simple tube of sunscreen. A 2010 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology confirmed that people who regularly apply a special cream have half the incidence of melanoma than those who neglect such cosmetics.
You need to choose a cream with a protection factor of SPF 15, apply it even in winter and even in cloudy weather (the procedure should turn into the same habit as brushing your teeth), and also not expose it to the sun's rays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9. Do you think stress affects the development of cancer?
Stress itself does not cause cancer, but it weakens the entire body and creates conditions for the development of this disease. Research has shown that constant worry alters the activity of immune cells responsible for triggering the fight-and-flight mechanism. As a result, a large amount of cortisol, monocytes and neutrophils, which are responsible for inflammatory processes, constantly circulate in the blood. And as already mentioned, chronic inflammatory processes can lead to the formation of cancer cells.
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Diseases of the small intestine occur in all segments of the population. The mechanisms of disease are varied, there are acute and chronic lesions, infectious and autoimmune. Hence the approaches to therapy. Treatment of the small intestine is a labor-intensive process aimed at correcting numerous pathogenic factors.
The small intestine consists of three parts: duodenum, ileum and jejunum. Their main function is to digest food and absorb nutrients and water. As soon as absorption dysfunction occurs, the entire body suffers. Protein deficiency, hypovitaminosis, stool disorders, gas formation occur, and periodic pain syndrome is possible. Due to the wide range of symptoms, the arsenal of drugs used in the treatment of diseases of the small intestine is quite large.
Symptoms of intestinal diseases
The most common is indigestion. It manifests itself as follows:
- stool disorder. The frequency of defecation reaches 5-6 times a day, the volume of stool is increased, and remnants of undigested food can be seen in it. With serious damage to the intestines, blood and mucus are present in the stool;
- the occurrence of rumbling intestines, bloating;
- pain. Painful sensations located in the umbilical region, or slightly to the right. The pain is not acute, it is constant, dull, and decreases after the passage of gas. If intestinal motility is increased, the pain becomes stabbing in nature.
In addition to intestinal symptoms, there are also general signs diseases. As a result of chronic malabsorption of substances, their artificial deficiency occurs. Food enters the body, but is not absorbed. This causes the patient to lose weight against the background of normal nutrition, the occurrence of hypovitaminosis, and anemia. Shortage fat-soluble vitamins K, A, E, D leads to deterioration of vision, increased fragility of bones, disruption of the menstrual cycle in women and sperm count in men. Dry skin occurs, microcracks appear on it, and jams appear in the corners of the lips. With a deficiency of microelements, iron and calcium are not supplied. The hematopoietic system suffers and osteoporosis occurs.
If the intestinal disease is acute, the patient experiences only intestinal disorders. Due to the short duration of symptoms, deficiency of vitamins, nutrients and macroelements does not have time to occur.
There are many chronic diseases of the small intestine.
Chronic enteritis
There are frequent cases where intestinal lesions are provoked by ionizing inflammation, heavy metal salts and certain medications.
The mechanism of the disease includes four types of pathological processes:
- infection of the intestines with bacteria;
- violation of the protective mechanisms of the small intestine;
- decreased production of intestinal enzymes;
- disruption of proper intestinal motility.
Carbohydrate intolerance
Inherent in some people who, from birth, lack special enzymes that break down sugars. The most common deficiency is one of three enzymes - lactase, sucrase and trehalose. In the first case, patients are unable to digest milk. In case of sucrase deficiency, the patient cannot digest regular sugar. And if there is a deficiency of trehalose, people cannot eat mushrooms without side effects.
Vascular lesions of the small intestine
With atherosclerosis, all the vessels of the patient are affected by plaques. Their lumen noticeably narrows, which means much less blood flows. The intestines are in a state of constant oxygen starvation. The disease manifests itself as abdominal pain. They start in the central region and then spread to the entire abdomen. Occurs after eating for 30 minutes to one and a half hours. During this period, the intestines work at their maximum, and the need for oxygen increases. The pain in this condition is severe. Patients are afraid of their recurrence and refuse to eat. In addition to pain, intestinal disorders occur. This disease is very dangerous, since as atherosclerosis of the arteries progresses, their complete blockage can occur with further death of part of the intestine.
Allergic lesions of the small intestine
An excessive reaction of the body to foreign substances is called an allergy. On the skin, manifestations appear as itchy blisters, redness, or a small red rash.
The small intestine is also affected by allergies, especially food allergies. This is manifested by the occurrence of enteropathy. In simple words, the intestine “goes bald” due to the death of the suction villi. Nutrients are not absorbed properly and stool upset occurs. The most common causes of allergies are food products, medications, vaccine serums and pollen.
Celiac disease
Otherwise the disease is called celiac enteropathy. It is caused by a hereditary deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down one of the protein components of cereals - gluten. In the absence of an appropriate diet, intestinal damage is persistent and severe.
Due to incomplete breakdown of proteins, toxic products are formed that harm the small intestine. The mucous membrane becomes thinner due to the destruction of the upper layers. The intestines become unable to fully cope with their function. The disease manifests itself as recurrent diarrhea. Patients are often underweight. Except intestinal disorders, general somatic symptoms are clearly expressed. There is anemia that is difficult to treat, bruising of the skin, excessive bleeding, mental disorders and bone pain. Under the guise of all these manifestations, gluten enteropathy may be hidden. Due to the abundance of symptoms, the disease is diagnosed late.
Whipple's disease
A rare infectious disease affecting the intestines, joints, and circulatory system. In severe cases, it affects all human organs and systems. Caused by corynebacteria that can produce mucopolysaccharides that clog small lymphatic vessels.
Manifestations of the disease are numerous. In addition to fever, intestinal dyspepsia and malabsorption, all organs and tissues are affected.
Neoplasms of the small intestine
Benign formations predominate. They grow slowly, without disturbing the anatomy of the intestine, and have little effect on intestinal patency and human well-being.
Malignant neoplasms of the intestine grow rapidly and contribute to intoxication of the body. Cause intestinal and general manifestations. They can grow into neighboring organs. If cancer grows into the wall of the intestine, its lumen may narrow. Intestinal obstruction occurs with severe symptoms of poisoning of the body. The condition requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment of diseases of the small intestine
In case of allergic damage to the intestines, you should adhere to a hypoallergenic diet. The attack is relieved with the help of antihistamines, such as suprastin, tavegil, fenkarol, loratadine, cetrin. If the allergy is accompanied by angioedema or anaphylactic shock, you need to urgently administer adrenaline or glucocorticosteroids.
For celiac disease and other enzyme deficiencies, you need to stick to a diet and avoid foods that are not digested in the body. Following correct nutritional recommendations makes the life and health of patients complete. The intestines are not exposed to pathological effects and remain healthy.
Whipple's disease is treated with long-term antibiotics. Therapy continues for years. The choice of antibiotics should be selected by the attending physician, taking into account sensitivity to them.
Disease of the vessels supplying the small intestine is treated with vasodilator drugs. The choice is given to long-acting nitrates. To stop the formation of cholesterol plaques in the lumen of blood vessels, you need to take statins. These medications not only lower cholesterol levels, but also stabilize existing plaques.
Most often people suffer from chronic enteritis. Its treatment requires regularity and combination with proper nutrition. Chronic intestinal diseases take a long time to be treated, patients need to be prepared for this.
Drug treatment of chronic enteritis
Suppressing the progression of dysbiosis and normalizing intestinal microflora is one of the most important aspects of therapy. The question of how to treat such microflora disorders is not urgent. Bacterial drugs are prescribed. They contain beneficial microorganisms. Normally they are in large quantities live in the intestinal lumen. The following drugs are used: enterozermina, bactisubtil, lactobacterin, bificol, bifidubacterin. It is worth taking probiotics in courses. The first lasts three weeks. The drugs should be taken before meals twice a day, 3-4 standard doses. Then you need to stop taking the drug for a week and repeat the shortened course. The treatment regimen should be taken once a quarter to avoid exacerbation of dysbiosis.
The use of enzyme preparations helps to eliminate excessive gas formation, rumbling and frequent bowel movements. Pancreatic enzymes normalize absorption and digestion in the small intestine. The most common are pancreatin, mezim forte, creon, festal, panzinorm, pancitrate. In case of severe enzyme deficiency, medications are taken for a long time. Due to the lack of toxicity, they can be used for years. In people with mild forms of chronic enteritis, the drugs are used in a monthly course. The drugs are taken with or immediately after meals at each meal. The dosage depends on the severity of the disease.
If there is excessive intestinal motility, you need to use drugs that normalize stool. These include enveloping and astringent agents. You can use bismuth preparations in powders 1 g 4 times a day, tannalbin 0.5 g 4 times a day, kaopectate 1 tbsp. l. Up to 6 times a day.
Imodium fights diarrhea well. A contraindication to taking the drug is acute infection.
Diet
- yesterday's bread, only dry biscuits;
- soups with cereals and vegetables. Cooking in low-fat broth is allowed;
- fish and lean meat, steamed or boiled;
- Vegetable dishes that do not increase gas formation in the intestines. You can eat potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, zucchini in the form of puree, casseroles, or baked. Ripe tomatoes can be eaten raw;
- cereals and pasta are not prohibited. It is undesirable to eat millet and pearl barley porridge;
- eggs;
- sweets;
- dairy products, including butter, cottage cheese and cheese;
- Recommended drinks include tea and weak coffee.
Non-drug treatment of chronic enteritis
Bowel treatment folk remedies has not lost its relevance. Many plants can have various effects on the intestines - anti-inflammatory, laxative or astringent.
Chamomile, mint and valerian will help eliminate spasms and a feeling of heaviness. To prepare the decoction you will need 6 tbsp. chamomile flowers, 2 tbsp. mint and valerian leaves. For every 4 tbsp. plants need a liter of water. The raw materials need to be filled with water, boiled for 15 minutes, then left to brew for an hour. The resulting decoction is taken after meals, 150 ml.
To suppress inflammation, you can use freshly squeezed potato juice. It should be taken before meals. It promotes healing of the intestinal mucosa and has an enveloping effect.
Eating a mixture of dried fruits helps with constipation. To prepare it you will need 200 g of figs and dried apricots, 400 g of prunes. All this should be mixed with honey and taken two hours after dinner, 1 tbsp. It should be noted that prunes have an independent laxative effect.
The following foods are also laxative: pumpkin, ripe kiwi, beets.
With the help of aloe you can fight chronic constipation. The pulp of the leaves must be crushed and mixed with heated honey in a 1:1 ratio. You need to leave it for a day, then reheat it. Should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast.
An effective remedy for diarrhea is a decoction of oak bark. It has a pronounced astringent effect. You need to take half a glass 2 times a day.
With regular treatment with drugs and folk remedies, you you will achieve success, and your intestines will thank you.
They are one of the most common pathologies of the digestive tract. The appearance of disturbances in the functioning of an organ can be due to many reasons. Often the disease is caused by inflammatory processes; autoimmune and allergic factors play a certain role in the development of pathology. Despite the variety of clinical symptoms, diseases of the small intestine have similar symptoms, which are caused by a specific reaction of the organ to damage.
All clinical manifestations characteristic of small intestinal disorders can be divided into two main groups - local and general.
Local symptoms
Local symptoms are directly related to organ damage. This group includes:
General symptoms
Many have a severe course, in which pathological changes spread not only to the digestive system, but also to other organs. Therefore, diseases of the small intestine are characterized by a number of common symptoms which can often be found in patients. These include:
- General weakness. The patient's rapid fatigue and decreased physical activity are one of the manifestations of intoxication syndrome. It occurs with severe inflammation, which accompanies most diseases of the small intestine.
- Increased irritability. Emotional reactions (nervousness, tearfulness, irritability of the patient) may be the first symptoms of disruption of the nervous system, which are also caused by severe intoxication of the body.
- Manifestations from the cardiovascular system. General decompensation of the patient's condition can lead to disruption of the heart and associated vascular reactions. These include arrhythmias (disturbances in the rhythmic contractions of the heart muscle), high or low blood pressure.
The severity of general symptoms directly depends on the course of the underlying disease - intestinal pathology. In mild forms, they are manifested by mild weakness of the patient and decreased mood. More severe forms of pathology are accompanied by clear somatic manifestations, including those of the cardiovascular system.
Possible causes of pathologies
Experts identify many factors that can cause the appearance of pathologies of the small intestine. These include:
A common cause of diseases of the small intestine can be perverted immune reactions. This group includes allergic and autoimmune responses of the body, which lead to damage to the body's own intestinal cells.
Diagnostics
A gastroenterologist diagnoses diseases of the small intestine. At the first appointment, the specialist clarifies the patient’s complaints in detail and conducts a general examination. This allows one to suspect the presence of pathologies of the small intestine and prescribe a number of specialized studies.
The diagnostic complex includes both laboratory and instrumental methods for examining the patient. Instrumental studies include:
The most common pathologies of the small intestine
Inflammatory diseases
Enteritis is a pathology that is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the wall of the small intestine. The disease can be combined - accompanied by damage to the stomach (gastroenteritis) or large intestine (enterocolitis).
Enteritis is characterized by the appearance of symptoms of intestinal damage. The most common symptoms of this disease are diarrhea, changes in stool characteristics (color, consistency), cramping abdominal pain and flatulence. Often local symptoms are accompanied by communication - elevated temperature, general weakness, lethargy.
Crohn's disease
is a disease of autoimmune origin that occurs due to damage to the small intestinal mucosa by the body’s own immune complexes.
The disease has a severe course, characterized by the following symptoms:
- constant nausea, vomiting;
- severe pain in the lower abdomen on the right;
- flatulence and bloating;
- diarrhea.
When analyzing stool, the appearance of blood in the stool is noted.
Irritable bowel syndrome
is a functional disorder that occurs due to increased motility of the small intestine. The main clinical manifestation of the disease is diarrhea, which occurs in daytime. Other symptoms of the pathology are severe pain during an attack and flatulence.
Lactose intolerance
is a hereditary disorder that occurs due to a lack of enzymes in the patient’s body. As a result, the patient cannot break down milk sugar normally, which leads to the appearance of characteristic symptoms: diarrhea, flatulence, nagging abdominal pain.
Allergic reactions
Allergic enteropathies are hypersensitivity reactions to an allergen that enters the patient’s body through the digestive system. This disease is characterized by diarrhea, cramping pain, and nausea. On the background food allergies Intoxication may develop, which is manifested by general weakness and fever.
Other diseases
Prevention and therapy of diseases of the small intestine
Treatment of diseases of the small intestine depends on the cause that caused the development of the pathology. However, it is possible to highlight a number common factors, characteristic of most intestinal pathologies.
A therapeutic diet is of great importance in the treatment of the disease. For all patients, it is forbidden to eat salty, fatty and fried foods, drink alcoholic drinks. Other features depend on the specific disease (for example, if you are lactose intolerant, you should not consume dairy products).
To compensate for insufficient digestion, the patient may be prescribed replacement therapy. It involves the introduction of digestive enzymes during meals. These substances ensure normal absorption of nutrients in the intestines.
In case of severe damage to the digestive system, the patient is prescribed substances that have a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane. These may be the following medications:
- Omperazole or Omez;
- Ranitidine;
- Maalox;
- Gaviscon.
Precise selection of therapy is carried out based on the characteristics of the disease in a particular patient.
Prevention of intestinal diseases includes a number of recommendations. Nutrition should be correct and varied, contain sufficient amounts of nutrients and vitamins. It is important to take care of your intestinal microflora. To do this, fermented milk products are included in the diet or a course of prophylactic intake of probiotics is carried out.
To avoid the development of drug-induced intestinal damage, it is necessary to control the intake of drugs from the risk group (antibiotics, cytostatics, salicylates). Medicines should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled use of these products can lead to serious complications, so you must strictly follow the instructions for use.