Signs of spastic colitis and its other forms, treatment, prevention

Symptoms of spastic colitis and its other forms, treatment

Colitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of any part of the large intestine.

Symptoms of the chronic form of this disease are present in half of the patients who were diagnosed with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually men from 40 to 60 years old and women from 20 to 60 years old are sick.

Causes of colitis. Species, classification

The treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults and its other forms is different. To distinguish between them, a classification was developed that systematizes colitis.

The following are distinguished according to the course:

• acute colitis – the symptoms are bright, grow quickly, it should not be confused with the symptoms of other diseases;
• chronic colitis - develops slowly, symptoms are not pronounced. Periods of remission (absence of symptoms) alternate with periods of exacerbation.

Depending on the cause, the following types of colitis are distinguished:

• ulcerative - its causes are unclear. Such colitis is associated with hereditary factors, autoimmune and infectious influences;
• infectious - develops under the influence of infectious agents - non-specific (staphylococci, streptococci) and specific (Koch's bacillus, pale treponema). Symptoms of non-specific colitis in a child and an adult are similar;
• ischemic - occurs due to microcirculation disturbance in the intestinal wall and its oxygen starvation;
• toxic - formed due to the influence of various toxic substances on the mucous membrane of the large intestine. Medicinal colitis is a variety;
• radiation - develops due to the influence of radiation factors on the intestinal mucosa.

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Depending on localization, impressions are distinguished:

• typhlite - inflammation of the cecal mucosa;
• transversitis – the mucous membrane of the transverse colon is affected;
• sigmoiditis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sigmoid colon;
• proctitis – inflammation of the rectal mucosa;
• pancolitis – changes affect the mucous membrane of all sections of the large intestine (for example, with catarrhal colitis in men or women).

Symptoms of catarrhal colitis in men and women

The clinic depends on the form of colitis.

Manifestations of acute colitis:

• periodic cutting pains in the abdomen. Back and lumbar pains are possible with colitis;
• constant urges to defecate;
• grumbling in the large intestine;
• abdominal bloating;
• pronounced diarrhea.

Manifestations of chronic colitis:

• a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach;
• pains in the form of colic are mainly signs of spastic colitis;
• urges to defecate;
• diarrhea – when the right half of the large intestine is affected;
• constipation - when the left half is affected;
• fecal stench – observed when putrefactive flora is activated;
• flatulence (abdominal distension) - observed when the fermentation flora is activated;
• blood in the stool - occurs with erosive or ulcerative colitis. This is a sign that requires a serious approach to treatment - yes, ordinary antibiotics or suppositories for deep erosive colitis will not help.

With prolonged colitis, the following are observed:

• significant weight loss;
• general weakness;
• manifestations of a lack of vitamins - dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, deterioration of vision, and so on.

Menstruation can also change with colitis in women - in particular, they become painful.

Acute and protracted chronic colitis requires inpatient treatment. Mild forms of chronic colitis can be treated at home.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is made based on complaints, medical history, and the results of additional examination methods.

Data of the physical examination are as follows:

• at palpation – pain and bloating of the abdomen;
• percussion – a dull sound over the intestinal loops, filled with feces;
• on auscultation - increased peristalsis due to diarrhea.

The following instrumental diagnostic methods are the most informative:

• rectoromanoscopy - examination of the rectum and initial sections of the sigmoid colon with the help of a rectoromanoscope;
• colonoscopy – examination of the large intestinal mucosa using a colonoscope (a flexible probe with an optical system);
• irigoscopy - X-ray examination after the introduction of contrast material into the intestine.

Laboratory methods used in the diagnosis of colitis:

• bacteriological examination - culture of feces on nutrient media is performed, the pathogen is identified by colonies, and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs is also determined (important for the choice of antibiotics in case of exacerbation of chronic colitis or its acute form);
• bacterioscopic examination of feces - pathogens that caused inflammation of the colonic mucosa are detected under a microscope;
• stool analysis for helminth eggs - with its help, helminths are detected in the large intestine;
• general blood test. An increase in the number of leukocytes and ESR indicates the presence of inflammation. A decrease in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin signals intestinal bleeding (mainly in ulcerative colitis).

What drugs are prescribed for atrophic colitis and its other forms

In the treatment of colitis, conservative and operative methods are used.

Conservative treatment

Patients are interested in which drugs should be taken for atrophic colitis or other forms of it. This is determined by the doctor in each specific case. The basis of appointments:

• diet;
• antibacterial or antiparasitic drugs;
• means that improve blood flow in the intestinal wall;
• intestinal adsorbents;
• laxative or antidiarrheal drugs;
• means that improve the condition of normal intestinal microflora;
• detoxification therapy;
• immunomodulators;
• alleviation of pain. What drugs to use to relieve pain in acute colitis of the rectum or other locations is decided by the doctor.

Operative treatment

Used for severe complications in the form of ulcerative colitis or progressive ischemia of the large intestine.

In case of a significant injury, resection (removal) of part of the intestine is performed. This threatens the deterioration of its functions:

• absorption of vitamins;
• liquid absorption and formation of fecal masses.

Prevention

The basis of colitis prevention are the following measures:

• elimination of infectious cells in the body;
• rational nutrition;
• avoidance of radiation exposure to the colon;
• control of the effect of medical preparations on the large intestine.

Diet. Nutrition for colitis in pregnant women

Diet is an important component of colitis treatment (a special menu has been developed for colitis with constipation in children and adults). The principles of the diet are mechanical, time- and chemical-friendly properties. Avoid fatty, fried, hard-to-digest foods. The use of vegetable fiber is useful for the intestine - it improves its peristalsis. Rational nutrition is especially important for colitis in pregnant women.