We know that the colon has an important role in digestion, since it absorbs waste, water and electrolytes; to dispose of them through fecal matter; but you can get sick. That is how; intestinal disorders inflame the digestive tract, alter its functions and cause damage to health. Above all, because it can affect the entire length of the digestive tract or part of it.
The causes of this pathology have not been fully clarified; giving great prominence to genetics. But, if it has been proven that stress, poor diet and environmental factors can increase your symptoms; in the same way that the abuse of antibiotics does.
It is necessary to monitor intestinal disorders
Symptoms of intestinal disorders vary, depending on the intensity of the inflammation. Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare professional in case of chronic abdominal pain. Likewise, if persistent diarrhea occurs; rectal bleeding; fatigue; nausea or vomiting and unintentional weight loss.1
After all, these symptoms are related to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease; which are the inflammatory pathologies that produce intestinal disorders. The first being the one that affects the deeper lining of the large intestine; increasing the risk of colon cancer. While the second can alter the entire digestive tract, generating intestinal obstructions, which can be life-threatening.2
Likewise, there are risk factors; such as aging, race or the consumption of toxic substances. Likewise, people with a family history of this disease or who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regularly; such as ibuprofen or naproxen; they are more likely to suffer from chronic intestinal disorders.
What is the right treatment?
In fact, before starting any treatment, the gastroenterologist must rely on diagnostic tests. Among which may include blood and stool tests; endoscopic procedures and imaging. However, it is known that endoscopy with tissue biopsy is the most accurate diagnostic test; to fully confirm the presence of carcinomas or the severity of the inflammatory process.3
This is how the treatment aims to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient. Therefore, the gastroenterologist studies each case according to the symptoms and diagnostic tests; seeking to adjust pharmaceutical procedures individually. In such a way, it is possible to stop the inflammation and heal the lesions that it has left throughout the disease.
We can see that anti-inflammatory drugs with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, with local action, are the first option in treatment. However, biological therapies have been used; as a minimally invasive alternative; with promising results. In, but, in the most severe cases, it is necessary to go to surgical intervention, to avoid complications.4
Therefore, it is clear that intestinal disorders can be treated. Despite this, this disease can be prevented by making changes in diet; eating healthy foods and maintaining an adequate weight. In this way, it is recommended to seek medical advice at the first symptoms, follow healthy habits, sleep well and manage stress.
References:
- 1. López Cortés R., Marín Fernández B., Hueso Montoro C., Escalada Hernández P., Sanz Aznarez AC, Rodríguez Gutiérrez C. Health-related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Annals Sis San Navarra [Internet]. 2016 Apr [citado 2021 Abr 29]; 39 (1): 123-131. Available in:
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1137-66272016000100014&lng=es.
- 2. Monica Gonzalez. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Rev. chil. pediatr. [Internet]. 2002 Sep [citado 2021 Abr 29]; 73 (5): 508-510. Available in:
http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0370-41062002000500012&lng=es.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0370-41062002000500012.
- Pérez Tarrago C., Puebla Maestu A., Miján de la Torre A. Nutritional treatment in inflammatory bowel disease. Nutr. Hosp. [Internet]. 2008 Oct [citado 2021 Abr 29]; 23 (5): 418-428. Available in:
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112008000700003&lng=es.
- Martínez-Montiel MP, Muñoz-Yagüe MT Biological treatments in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Rev. esp. sick dig. [Internet]. 2006 Apr [citado 2021 Abr 29]; 98 (4): 265-291. Available in:
http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1130-01082006000400006&lng=es.