Treatment of intestinal colitis in adults

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

A sharp abdominal pain associated with intestinal colitis can overtake unexpectedly and at the most inopportune moment. At an early stage, it is quite possible to carry out comprehensive treatment of colitis at home. We will describe below how to recognize the symptoms of this disease in adults.

Bowel colitis symptoms

Colitis is generally characterized by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine. In this case, the main functions of the intestine are disrupted:

• the final process of digestion;
• the production of important vitamins;
• metabolism is disturbed.

The disease occurs in acute and chronic forms. The acute phase of the disease is characterized by symptoms:

• cramping pain in the intestines;
• persistent diarrhea;
• bloating from increased gas production;
• feces contain a large amount of purulent mucus, blood;
• false urge to defecate, ending in a small discharge of feces and mucus.

The chronic form of intestinal colitis has its own symptoms:

• constant constipation, followed by diarrhea;
• feeling of heaviness in the abdomen after eating;
• aching pains;
• gas and bloating;
• a sharp putrid smell of feces, mucus.

As a result of digestive disorders and metabolic disorders, there is a deterioration in general well-being, which is also symptoms of chronic colitis:

• nausea;
• bad breath;
• white coating on the tongue;
• loss of strength, malaise;
• weight loss;
• avitominosis.

Colitis types

Colitis of the intestine has several different types and types, which have their own characteristics, both in terms of symptoms and treatment.

Types of intestinal colitis are divided according to the anatomical localization of inflammation in various departments:

• pancolitis. The whole intestine is affected.
• typhlitis. The defeat involved the cecum.
• transverse. The transverse part of the colon is inflamed.
• sigmoid. The focus of inflammation is located in the sigmoid colon.
• proctitis. Inflammation of the rectum.
• diffuse colitis. As a result of the penetration of inflammation from the large intestine into the small intestine.
• rectosigmoid. When, along with inflammation in one part of the intestine, adjacent parts are also affected, as a result of diffuse penetration.

Also distinguish between right-sided and left-sided inflammation of the colon.

Colitis types

By the nature of the inflammatory process in the wall of the colon, several types of intestinal colitis are distinguished. Each classified type has its own symptoms and treatments in adults, with the obligatory adherence to a diet.

Catarrhal type

Has a superficial area of inflammation, covering the upper layer of the intestinal mucosa.

It has an acute character, arises as a result of various poisonings, both food and chemical. It responds well to treatment, with proper therapy, it goes away in a few days. Otherwise, it goes into the next type of defeat.

Erosive type

Deeper penetration of inflammation into the intestinal mucosa, reaching the circulatory system. As a result of the destruction of small capillaries, the following is observed:

• bleeding;
• sharp pain;
• metallic taste in the mouth.

At this stage of the disease, blood from the destroyed vessels enters the feces, and an infection can be introduced into the circulatory system of the body.

Atrophic type

As a result of prolonged chronic intestinal colitis and the lack of effective treatment in adults, the inflammatory process penetrates deeper and deeper, affecting the muscles, resulting in unpleasant changes and symptoms:

• frequent constipation;
• the walls of the intestine are stretched and thinned;
• ulcers appear from contact with rotting masses;
• fistulas are formed, leading to perforation of the intestinal wall.

Fibrinous

As a result of antibiotic treatment and suppression of natural microflora, pathogenic microflora grows with its own strains of bacteria. Films of fibrin filaments are formed on the surface of the mucous membrane.

Colitis of the intestine in adults, the symptoms of which indicate the development of this type, especially needs treatment with appropriate effective drugs.

Ulcerative

This type of colitis is called still undifferentiated, with a large number of bleeding lesions of the musculature of the colon.

It is characterized by symptoms:

• recurrent pain that gets worse and worse;
• difficult bowel movements or bloody diarrhea;
• intoxication of the body.

Can lead to colon cancer, which is more commonly diagnosed in women.

Causes and risk factors

Fertile soil for the onset of the disease is:

• disturbed intestinal microflora, as a result of poor nutrition;
• constant stress;
• antibiotic abuse.

Medical science conventionally combines all the causes of colitis into two main groups:

• parasitic;
• non-microbial.

The causative agents of inflammation in parasitic colitis are:

• salmonella;
• bacteria that cause butulism;
• fungal bacteria;
• pathogens of various infections and viruses;
• colibacillus;
• anaerobic microbes that form in the intestine itself when the natural microflora is suppressed by antibiotics;
• intestinal worm colonies.

Risk factors for getting colitis are eating poor-quality expired products, not fried meat with blood, poorly washed products, as well as untimely hand washing.

Non-microbial causes of acute and chronic intestinal colitis in adults, accompanied by characteristic symptoms and necessary treatment, include:

• inappropriate diet, depleted in fiber (vegetables, fruits, bran);
• age-related changes in internal organs, including the heart and liver, leading to impaired blood circulation;
• poisoning of various types;
• constant use of laxatives;
• frequent use of antibiotics for various therapies.

Colitis treatment

As with the treatment of almost any disease, treatment should be comprehensive and begin with a review of the diet.

Diet for colitis

Nutrition for intestinal colitis in adults with characteristic symptoms and treatment should correspond to diet number 4 according to Pevzner's table:

• diet number 4 - in a particularly acute period;
• diet number 4 b - with less acute.

Products, according to this diet, must be selected so as to correspond to the daily composition:

• proteins - 85 - 90 g;
• fats - 70 - 80 g;
• carbohydrates - 300 - 350 g;
• salt - 8 - 10 g.

Meals 5 - 6 times a day in small portions, the minimum amount of fiber.

Basic food requirements:

• do not irritate the intestinal wall;
• the temperature is within 15 - 60 * С, i.e. not cold and not too hot;
• cooking - boiling or stewing;
• use - in mashed or crushed form.

Water at least 2 liters per day.

Antimicrobial agents

Comprehensive treatment of intestinal colitis in adults at home, according to the symptoms and prescriptions of the doctor, is aimed at eliminating the causes identified on the basis of the examination.

If colitis has a parasitic etiology, then drug treatment is aimed at removing pathogens of pathogenic microflora from the body.

Each type of parasite and microbes is sensitive to certain drugs, which are defined in groups:

• sulfonamides. Phthalazol, Sulgin, will help get rid of E. coli and other pathogens.
• nitrofurans. The most effective drug is Enterofuril.
• quinolones. Nolitsin, Sophazin, Medocyprin, these two groups of drugs (nitrofurans and quinols) allow you to remove lamblia, shigella, clostridia, salmonella, cholera imbrion from the intestines.
• antibiotics. They have a broader antimicrobial effect, destroying parasites and microbes.

The most common prescriptions are Levomycin, Neomycin, Alpha - Normix.

Anthelmintic drugs

They have a directed effect against parasitic worms - nematodes, pinworms, roundworms.

Of the most effective, two drugs can be distinguished: Nemozol, Vermox. According to the indications, the gastroenterologist also prescribes enhanced treatment to combat these parasites.

Antispasmodics

With colitis, spasm and pain are common, and spasm-relieving drugs are prescribed to relieve these unpleasant symptoms.

Such proven medicines as:

No-Shpa, Motilium, Cerucal, Raglan, Imodium, Duspatalin, Buscopan

Remedies for diarrhea

A number of effective drugs will help to cope with such accompanying colitis symptom as frequent diarrhea. All drugs are indicated for the treatment of ulcerative colitis of the intestine in adults, in accordance with the characteristic symptoms.

The most commonly prescribed drugs are:

• Tansal, with astringent and anti-inflammatory action;
• Allilsat, an alcoholic extract of garlic, suppresses pathogenic microflora;
• Smecta, absorbs toxins;
• Bevisal, anti-inflammatory, astringent and antimicrobial effects.

During diarrhea, it is necessary to take saline rehydrants to help avoid dehydration: Regidron, Oralit, Humana.

Bloating and gassing remedies

For bloating and gas formation, complex treatment with drugs that have a different approach to this complex problem accompanying colitis is also prescribed.

Adsorbents - bind mucus accumulations, as a breeding ground for microbes and microorganisms.

These drugs include: Calcium carbonate, Tanalbin, Polyphenan, Entorodes, Sodium bmsmouth.

Enterosorbents: Activated carbon, Filtrum, Lacta-filter.

Also, gastroenterologists prescribe drugs with enzymes that normalize acidity and help digestion, which also reduces gas production: Pancreatin, Mezim, Festal.

The complex treatment also includes probiotics: Linex, Bifidubacterin.

Also, drugs of the spasmolytic group help to fight gas formation and bloating.

Constipation remedies

Colitis accompanied by constipation is treated by including such groups of drugs as:

• spasmolytics;
• choleretic;
• preparations with enzymes.

For constipation, the intake of B vitamins, ascorbic acid, niacin is indicated.

The popular drug Dokuzat, which stimulates peristalsis, is also effective.

Often, for colitis with constipation, they resort to laxatives: Bisacodyl, Sennade, Dufalak.

Alternative methods of treating colitis in adults

Folk remedies are a very effective assistant in the general complex treatment of intestinal colitis in adults. Moreover, for each type and type of colitis, characterized by its own symptoms, different collections of medicinal herbs are used.

Mainly from medicinal herbs are prepared:

• infusions;
• decoctions;
• teas.

For painful sensations:

knotweed, plantain, crow's feet, taken in a 1: 2: 1 ratio. You should take 4 tbsp. l, brew with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Take 100 ml one hour before meals 5 times a day

For chronic colitis:

2 tbsp. l sea buckthorn oil

For acute colitis:

tea with raspberries

For bloating and gas formation:

• infusion of yarrow, 2 tbsp. l fall asleep in a thermos, leave for 24 hours, drink 30 drops 30 minutes before meals;
• decoction of bird cherry berries.

Possible consequences of colitis

If the disease has been tormenting for more than 10 years, and the patient does not receive adequate treatment, then the consequences can be the most disappointing, including oncological ones.

In addition, colitis provokes:

• intestinal bleeding;
• enlargement of the colon (perforation);
• acute toxic dilation.

All of these consequences may well end in death.

Also, colitis contributes to the appearance of such ailments as:

• gangrenous pyoderma;
• epislecrit;
• erythema nodosum;
• hepatomegaly.

Prophylaxis

No matter how trite it sounds, a healthy lifestyle from early childhood is able to protect not only from intestinal colitis, but also from other, no less terrible ailments.

In addition, personal hygiene, knowledge of the preparation of raw meat, poultry and fish will also help to avoid intestinal colitis and its dire consequences.

In conclusion, it should be noted that it is important not to waste time and not self-medicate, no matter how familiar you are with the information about the disease. A visit to a gastroenterologist when the first symptoms of intestinal colitis appear should be immediate. Only he will be able to prescribe the correct treatment.