Treating bowel problems and typical symptoms. Who treats bowel disease If you have bowel problems what are the symptoms

Bowel pathologies in women manifest themselves in the same way as in men. But there are a number of diseases that can affect the genitourinary system. It is important to know what intestinal diseases exist and their symptoms in women, in order to start therapy in a timely manner, to prevent the development of complications.

The body of a modern woman is subject to many negative factors that have a detrimental effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Among these factors:

• Stress, nervous strain;
• The presence of bad habits;
• Lack of balance in the diet;
• Transfer of infectious diseases;
• Sedentary work or life;
• Antibiotic therapy.

Intestinal function is disrupted, which leads to discomfort. Several pathological processes are known, one of the manifestations of which will be pain in the intestinal area.

Bowel pathologies:

The above pathologies are only part of the many ailments that are associated with the intestines. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo a complete examination in order to accurately determine the cause of the discomfort. You should not engage in self-diagnosis, since the wrong diagnosis, the appointment of therapy should be made by a specialist.

Types and localization of pain

Painful sensations differ among themselves not only in reasons, localization, but also in the degree of manifestation. You should pay attention to these factors.

• Discomfort in the navel area speaks of the development of an inflammatory process in the small intestine;
• With pain on the right, at the bottom of the peritoneum, there is an assumption of appendicitis;
• Unpleasant sensations at the bottom, on the left, speaks of sigmoiditis, (an inflammatory process in the colon);
• Enterocolitis manifests itself in cutting the entire peritoneum.

The nature of the pain:

• Sharp;
• Aching;
• Stitching;
• Cramping;
• Blunt pain.

The pain is further divided by duration. It can be short-term, but acute, prolonged, or arising after eating.

Symptoms of pathologies

The symptoms of some diseases are similar to each other, which greatly complicates the diagnosis of diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of pathologies that are the most dangerous for the body. There are a number of symptoms that characterize many gastrointestinal diseases:

• Decreased appetite
• Change in diarrhea and difficult bowel movements;
• Painful sensations of various localization;
• Increased fatigue;
• The appearance of problems with the skin;
• The appearance of an unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth.

For example, diseases of the rectum are characterized by a false urge to defecate, bloating, painful sensations spread throughout abdominal... In women, hormonal levels can increase, while it will not depend on the cycle of critical days.

For enteritis, nausea, bouts of vomiting, weight loss, and lack of desire to eat are noted. The feces have a liquid consistency, but it is not possible to wash off the feces the first time. Less commonly, there are bouts of food allergic reactions.

Whipple's disease is an infectious pathology. She is accompanied by: headaches, hearing impairment, sleep disturbance, trembling in the hands. Less often, patients with this disease accelerate the rhythm of the heart muscle, there is a constant desire to eat and drink, and dementia progresses in the future. The latter symptom is more often encountered by women over the age of 60.

The small area of \u200b\u200bthe intestine can be affected by cancer if symptoms arise in the form of: squeezing of the navel area, nausea, vomiting. Weight decreases rapidly, vision and skin quality deteriorate. Cancer pathology can be detected at an early stage, but its main manifestations may not be perceived as a reason to see a doctor.

Crohn's disease is manifested by pain in the navel area, frequent rumbling, diarrhea. In chronic colitis, which often occurs in people who have suffered from dysentery, signs of intoxication appear. In addition, blood can be noticed in the feces, insomnia appears, as a result, irritability occurs.

With ulcerative colitis, weakness and diarrhea appear. In some cases, from the rectal region bleeding scarlet. Such a disease has not been fully studied, therefore, one should carefully pay attention to its signs, it is believed that such a pathology can be eliminated if it is diagnosed in time.

With the development of cancer, when the large intestine is affected, constipation increases, fatigue occurs, and the body temperature may rise by several degrees. Less often, an attack of diarrhea occurs, sometimes in the feces it is possible to notice streaks of blood, often in small quantities.

There are many diseases that have similar symptoms, such as with cancerous tumors in the rectum, hemorrhoids can be compared, but in the early stages it is safe for human health. Despite this, when the first symptoms of ailments appear, seek help from a doctor.

Diagnosis of diseases

Without going to the doctor to make a ton diagnosis, it will not be possible to prescribe therapy. Therefore, if there are signs of the development of pathology, you should contact a gastroenterologist who will conduct an examination, collect anamnesis, palpate, and then be able to give a direction for a comprehensive examination. A comprehensive examination is considered to be the study of a woman's body using laboratory or hardware methods.

A woman will need to pass a blood test (general, biochemical), urine, a smear from the vagina, if necessary, an analysis is taken from the intestinal mucosa. For women under 40, you should additionally be examined by a gynecologist for an examination for pregnancy, as you will have to take medications that are not compatible with pregnancy. With the help of colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, ultrasound examination, using CT or MRI, it is possible to make the most accurate diagnosis. Accordingly, it is possible to prescribe competent therapy, with the help of which the patient will soon be able to live a full life.

Therapeutic activities

Treatment of intestinal diseases for the female half of humanity is not much different from if a man was treated. Therapy depends on the degree of manifestation of symptoms, the presence of complicating factors or the condition of the patient.

You will need to take anti-inflammation drugs. If the virus enters the body, antibacterial drugs should be taken. Painful sensations should be allowed to subside with the help of an anesthetic or antispasmodic drug. Poisoning attacks are treated with Rehydron to maintain water balance. Diarrhea or constipation requires a laxative, stool-strengthening drug. Obstruction is eliminated in several ways. For example, using the method of surgery (with severe obstruction, which could not be stopped with medication). You can take specialized medications that gently loosen the stool.

Diet in the treatment of intestinal diseases is an important point, without which you should not wait. positive results... Since diseases often cause intestinal inflammation, it is recommended that you eliminate foods that can irritate the intestines from your diet. These products are:

• Sour, salty, sweet, spicy;
• Fried, pickled, smoked;
• Fatty;
• Bakery products made from butter dough;
• Coffee, carbonated, alcoholic drinks;
• Freeze-dried fast food;
• Fast food.

Should be consumed:

• Unleavened dishes;
• Soups based on vegetable broths;
• Low fat meat or fish;
• Fruits vegetables;
• Porridge;
• Dairy products;
• Steam-cooked cutlets;
• Tea, compotes, herbal teas.

It is important to remember about the drinking regimen, meal plan. The best option for a meal plan is to eat food at the same time, at least 4 times a day. The portions should be small, but sufficient to satisfy hunger. The temperature of food or drinks should not be below room temperature. Drink water every 2-3 hours. For healthy life, a person needs to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day. But this indicator is individual, depending on the age, weight, state of health of the person.

Food must be fresh. This will avoid intestinal upset and infection. The main danger is posed by expired products, products in foreign countries that a person has not tried before, etc.

Complications

Complications for female body can be fatal, so you should pay attention to changes in your health condition. Certain pathologies, such as intestinal ulcers, can sometimes develop into cancer. Oncological pathology takes a long time to be treated, but there is no guarantee of 100% recovery. In addition, some diseases are closely related to the reproductive organs, and bowel diseases can prevent a child from conceiving and subsequently lead to the development of infertility.

In addition to discomfort, certain diseases can cause intoxication. This phenomenon occurs in the absence of therapy, for example, appendicitis. When the process ruptures, the particles that were in it fall into the peritoneum along with pus.

With bowel diseases, the function of absorption of nutrients from food suffers.

Due to the fact that diarrhea is a symptom of certain pathologies, the risk of dehydration increases. If a woman has a bowel pain, do not wait until the pain intensifies or complications begin, since the running processes become irreversible.

Preventive measures

Prevention of intestinal diseases is considered the observance of the correct diet. Eating "dry food" or on the run does not dispose health to a good state. It is not recommended to ignore pain in the peritoneal region, since even mild discomfort can inform in advance that there is a risk of developing serious pathologies. Do not neglect going to the doctor, since it is almost impossible to get rid of severe intestinal diseases without his help.

You need to play sports or go for walks before bedtime, light gymnastics will help to establish peristalsis and avoid constipation. It is enough to do side bends every day, squat and twist. Then bowel problems may recede and no longer appear until the person returns to their previous lifestyle.

It is important to remember that a regular check of the digestive organs helps to detect diseases, even if the stage is early, to prevent their further development or aggravation of the condition.

You should not abuse the use of laxatives or often turn to the use of enemas, so that lazy bowel syndrome does not occur, when, without taking the drug or using an enema, a person cannot defecate.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are a serious cause for concern. Many diseases sleep for a long time inside the human body, but when the influence of various factors appears, the human condition is aggravated and becomes pronounced. It is dangerous to self-medicate, as a sore intestine, the symptoms of which began to manifest actively, may suffer.

The intestine is a digestive and excretory organ that is part of the gastrointestinal tract, located in the abdominal cavity.

It originates from the pylorus of the stomach and ends with the anus. The length of this organ in a state of tonic tension (as it happens throughout life) is on average 4 meters.

Bowel diseases are very common: abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea are familiar to everyone. Which doctor should I go to for help? Deals with the problems of intestinal ailments, however, depending on the nature of the disease, the help of a surgeon or infectious disease specialist may be needed.

How the human intestine works

Anatomically, the organ is formed by two sections: the small and large intestines.

Small intestine

The small intestine begins just after the stomach and continues into the large intestine. It got its name from the small diameter of the internal lumen and the smaller wall thickness compared to the colon.

The small intestine is formed by 3 sections: duodenum 12, jejunum and ileum.

This department is responsible for the most important stages of the digestive process, since a significant number of necessary enzymes are produced in its mucous layer. This is where the main absorption of nutrients and most drugs taken orally takes place.

In this section, a number of hormones are produced that are responsible for the motor and digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract.

The small intestine is the longest part of the human digestive tract, its length reaches 5–6 m on average.

This term refers to the gastrointestinal tract, which originates after the small intestine and ends with the anus. It is located in the abdominal cavity and in the pelvic area. In an adult, the length of the large intestine reaches 160 cm on average, and the inner diameter ranges from 5 to 8 cm.

Anatomically, this part of the intestine is formed by the cecum with the appendix, the colon and rectum.

The large intestine is abundantly populated with a variety of microorganisms, the number of their species is close to 500.

In this section, the main volume of water, electrolytes, amino acids, glucose, vitamins are absorbed. Here, fecal masses are formed, accumulated and retained until the moment they are taken out. The residence time of the contents in this intestine is about 26 hours.

The wall of the longest digestive organ is formed by four membranes:

• Slime layer. IN small intestine it is characterized by a large number of circular folds, increasing the suction surface by about 3 times.
• Submucosa, including connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves.
• The muscle layer formed by the inner and outer layers of muscles.
• Serous layer formed from connective tissue.

The human gastrointestinal tract remains sterile until the moment of birth. Colonization of the infant's digestive system begins during childbirth by the ingestion of microorganisms through the mouth during the passage of the mother's birth canal.

Up to 10% of the energy coming from outside and 20% of the volume of food consumed are spent on the vital activity of the intestinal microflora in humans.

The microflora is unevenly distributed throughout the intestines. In the duodenum, it is practically absent due to the bactericidal properties of bile and the influence of the acidic environment of the stomach.

In the small intestine, the number of microorganisms increases from the proximal (located closer to the center of the body) to the distal (more distant from the center).

The colon is most colonized by microflora. The most common microorganisms present in the human intestine are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, bacteroids, fusobacteria, peptostreptococci, aerobic and conditionally anaerobic flora, lactose-negative enterobacteria, yeast-like fungi.

Not only the state of the gastrointestinal tract, but also the health of the body as a whole depends on the composition of the intestinal microflora.

The most common bowel diseases

According to statistics, a significant part of all pathologies developing in the gastrointestinal tract, one way or another, is associated with the longest digestive organ.

General manifestations of intestinal pathologies

Bowel diseases have characteristic symptoms that make it possible to accurately diagnose such ailments.

• Stomach ache (). They vary depending on the cause of the disease, as well as on the localization of the lesion. So, for pathologies of the small intestine, rather intense pulling and aching pains felt around the navel are characteristic. If the large intestine is affected, they are usually bursting, blunt, and localized to the right and left in the iliac region. They decrease or stop altogether after bowel movement or gas.
• Diarrhea (diarrhea). Accompanies pathological processes in all parts of the intestine. They say about diarrhea when the number of bowel movements exceeds 3-4 times a day. According to the consistency and color of feces, an experienced doctor can determine the cause and localization of the disease.
• Flatulence - increased gas formation in the intestines. This phenomenon can be troubling with pathologies of any part of this organ.
• Constipation is a delayed bowel movement, more characteristic of diseases of the large intestine. May alternate with diarrhea. Stool retention does not always indicate the presence of an intestinal ailment, it can be caused by other reasons.
• Metabolic disorders, expressed in a change in body weight, anemia, the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth and dry skin, a violation menstrual cycle among women. Thus, the consequences of malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine often make themselves felt.

Other manifestations can join the listed symptoms: fever, vomiting, general weakness.

What is the intestinal pain

Enteritis

This term combines inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane in the small intestine, as a result of which the barrier and digestive-transport functions of this department are disrupted.

All enteritis is divided into acute and chronic. In the acute variant, other parts of the gastrointestinal tract are often involved in the pathological process: (in this case, gastroenteritis is diagnosed), the large intestine (gastroenterocolitis occurs).

Acute enteritis occurs most often. It can be caused by a variety of reasons:

• Penetration of viral or bacterial pathogens into the body (salmonellosis, cholera, dysentery, etc.).
• Alimentary reasons associated with errors in eating behavior (overeating, eating a lot of fatty, spicy, too rough food, etc.).
• Food toxicoinfections that enter the body with poor-quality products in which pathogenic microflora is present ( staphylococcus aureus), which have a toxic effect on him.
• Poisoning by poisonous plants and mushrooms, chemicals, household chemicals, drugs, etc.

The disease is manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain and rumbling in the abdomen. Often these symptoms are accompanied by fever, general malaise, cold sweat - signs indicating general intoxication of the body.

Chronic enteritis often makes itself felt as a result of long-term malnutrition. Its signs are loose stools that appear after eating, mild pain localized in the navel. Stool frequency can be up to 10 times a day. Since the phenomena are chronic in nature, the body loses valuable minerals for it. Over time, anemia, osteoporosis, and other complications may develop.

Chronic enteritis is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission.

This name refers to acute and chronic inflammatory processes affecting the mucous membrane in the large intestine.

Depending on the factors that caused their appearance, the following types of colitis are distinguished:

• Ulcerative colitis is a chronic pathology of the colon, in which the inflammatory process is based on the bleeding of its mucous membrane. The causes of the disease have not yet been completely clarified. Among these, autoimmune damage to the tissues of the intestinal wall, hereditary predisposition, and previous infections are noted.
• Infectious colitis, provoked by pathogenic microflora streptococci, staphylococci), protozoa or worms. Edema of the intestinal wall begins, the absorption of nutrients is impaired. Toxins produced by pathogenic pathogens enter the bloodstream, which leads to intoxication of the body: fever, general weakness and lethargy. A type of such ailment is hemorrhagic colitis, caused by some strains of E. coli. A clear sign of this disease is the presence of blood in the feces.
• Ischemic colitis. The large intestine is affected due to a failure in its blood supply. There is a sharp abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction.
• Toxic colitis resulting from poisoning with poisons or drugs.
• Radiation colitis that develops as a result of chronic radiation sickness.
• Antibiotic-associated colitis. The disease is formed against the background of irrational intake of antibiotics, leading to a violation of the qualitative composition of the intestinal microflora.
• Spastic colitis is the result of a failure of the intestinal motor function. Spasms occur - involuntary painful contractions. This functional disorder can cause prolonged stress, prolonged conflict, overwork, and hormonal imbalances.

The ailment by its nature resembles ulcerative colitis, differing in that it affects all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. More often localized in different sites ileum, colon and rectum. The exact reasons are unknown today, as such, researchers suggest a hereditary predisposition, infectious and immunological factors.

Crohn's disease has a long course, periods of exacerbations are replaced by remissions. In the acute phase, the patient is worried about spastic pain and bloating, diarrhea, sometimes lasting more than 6 weeks. Feces contain impurities of mucus and blood. The temperature rises, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss is noted. Skin rashes and joint pain are possible. Often, with Crohn's disease, cracks appear in the anus, accompanied by pain in the anal region.

Pathological conditions of the intestine, causing medical discussions

There are diagnoses of intestinal disorders, the validity of which is today questioned by both some doctors and patients. These are dysbiosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

• Dysbacteriosis - a term used to denote a violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora. It is used only in our country. Dysbacteriosis is not a separate disease, it is a syndrome that develops during pathological processes in the body and adverse external influences. Due to a decrease in the number of useful microflora, the growth of opportunistic bacteria is activated. Diarrhea, cramping pains and bloating in the abdomen, fatigue, headaches and sleep disturbances appear.
• Irritable bowel syndrome - This is a functional disorder of the organ, in which there are no inflammatory and other organic changes in the gastrointestinal tract. As possible reasons such a phenomenon, doctors note the peculiarities of nutrition, the composition of the intestinal microflora, heredity. There is a violation of intestinal motility (mainly in the colon). There are abdominal pains, flatulence, diarrhea can alternate with constipation. Diarrhea attacks occur in the morning, in many cases after breakfast. They can be provoked by stressful situations.

On the popular form of irritable bowel syndrome - in this video:

Duodenal ulcer

The main symptom of this disease is the formation of a defect in the form of an ulcer on the intestinal wall. The disease has chronic course, manifested by pain in the abdomen, which can radiate to the lower back, the area of \u200b\u200bthe right hypochondrium.

There is no consensus on the causes of this disease. Today, doctors adhere to two main versions: an imbalance between the aggressive contents of the organ and the protective properties of the mucous layer and the defeat of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Rectal polyps (polyposis)

These benign tumor-like neoplasms form from the rectal stack and can appear at any age, singly or in groups. They often develop without making themselves felt, sometimes manifested by itching, discomfort, painful sensations in the anal area. A large polyp can be manifested by bloody or mucous discharge from the anus, a sensation of the presence of a foreign body in this area.

There are several versions explaining the causes of the appearance of polyps. According to the most common of them, polyposis is based on a chronic inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall. The negative influence of the ecological situation, sedentary lifestyle, unbalanced diet was noted. There is a genetic predisposition to this disease.

Polyps are often the cause of abnormalities intestinal peristalsiscause chronic constipation and diarrhea. Their presence in the anus creates the prerequisites for the formation of intestinal obstruction.

Polyposis is usually diagnosed during an endoscopic examination of the intestines for other conditions.

Polyps are considered a precancerous disease of the rectum, because they can become malignant. Therefore, they are subject to mandatory removal.

This term refers to malignant neoplasms that develop from intestinal tissue. Cancer of the small intestine is quite rare, and the colon is much more likely to be affected.

Such ailments are often diagnosed at later stages, since they do not have specific symptoms.

Elderly people are most susceptible to this disease.

The causes of bowel cancer have not been definitively established. As such, they note a special diet with a predominance of fats and proteins of animal origin, an insufficient amount of plant products, and a hereditary predisposition. Diseases of this organ (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, polyps), as well as smoking and alcohol abuse, can provoke the development of a malignant neoplasm in the intestine.

The emerging tumor cells multiply rapidly, the neoplasm grows, gradually filling the intestinal lumen. The result is intestinal obstruction. If a tumor invades the intestinal wall, it can disrupt the integrity of its vessels and lead to intestinal bleeding.

The neoplasm gradually extends beyond the intestine and penetrates into neighboring organs, forming metastases.

What to do if you have a predisposition to intestinal tumors is discussed in this video:

Intestinal obstruction

This is the name of a syndrome characterized by a violation of the movement of contents along the digestive tract. Intestinal obstruction can be either partial or complete.

Normally, food moves through the intestines through contractions of the walls of the organ, in other words, due to intestinal peristalsis. Violations of this mechanism arise for various reasons.

1. Dynamic obstructionthat develops after surgical interventions on the abdominal cavity, as a result of complications of diseases (appendicitis, acute pancreatitis, etc.), while taking certain medications. Peristalsis is disturbed both due to the complete relaxation of the intestinal muscles, and due to prolonged intestinal spasm.
2. Mechanical intestinal obstructionarising from an obstruction in the intestinal lumen: a food lump with a lot of dietary fiber, foreign bodies, neoplasms. Mechanical obstruction may be associated with volvulus, the result of a heavy meal after prolonged fasting.

The first manifestation of intestinal obstruction is severe abdominal pain, at first felt only in the focus of the disease, and then covering the entire abdominal cavity. The person feels a strong bubbling in the abdomen, vomiting may occur. Stool and gas retention is formed, attempts to empty the intestines do not work.

The patient's condition is rapidly deteriorating, the face becomes pale, cold sweat appears. Asymmetric abdominal distension is noted.

With symptoms of intestinal obstruction, it is required to immediately deliver the patient to the hospital: in most cases, this condition is a reason for an emergency operation.

Bowel problems: which doctor to contact for help

The choice of a specialist for suspected intestinal pathology depends on the symptomatology.

In acute conditions associated with this organ, you should call an ambulance, especially when it comes to children. After the initial examination, he will decide on the delivery of the patient either to an infectious disease doctor or to an appointment with a surgeon.

If the intestinal ailment is chronic, supervision is required from a gastroenterologist - a doctor who is in charge of diseases of the digestive tract. If the rectum is affected, you should consult a proctologist.

The health of the whole organism depends on the smooth functioning of the intestines. Failures in the functioning of this organ entail serious consequences, which can be avoided by a timely visit to a doctor and adequate treatment.

If a person has intestinal problems, the symptoms and treatment depend on the causes that caused the disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract. For any intestinal problems, you must consult a doctor in order to diagnose pathology in a timely manner. and bowel disorders, to prevent critical situations.

Causes of Bowel Problems

Abnormal bowel function can be attributed to many factors or digestive problems. The most common causes of bowel problems are:

• eating disorders, excessive enthusiasm for fatty and spicy foods;
• frequent snacks and passion for fast food;
• malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract with irregular nutrition;
• penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the intestines;
• smoking, alcohol abuse;
• regular consumption of soda water;
• abuse of strong tea and coffee;
• if the patient has a helminthic invasion;
• if there are frequent stresses and nervous shocks;
• if you are overweight;
• if a large amount of VIP hormone is released;
• digestive disorders can be associated with intestinal infections.

Important: The problem with the intestines is easily eliminated if a person changes his lifestyle and gets rid of bad habits.

Bowel Disease Symptoms

Having clarified the problems associated with intestinal disorders, you need to pay attention to the symptoms.

Depending on the disease, it can be expressed in the following:

• lack of appetite;
• the appearance of headaches;
• muscle weakness and loss of strength is observed;
• the appearance of nausea or vomiting;
• pain in the navel is possible;
• possible or diarrhea;
• constipation continues long time and require the use of drugs;
• a feeling of incomplete bowel movement is possible;
• a constant feeling of heaviness or a feeling of fullness in the stomach;
• the patient has flatulence;
• children may complain of pain after eating;
• in many patients, constant rumbling in the abdomen;
• many complain of severe stomach pains;
• with diseases of the digestive system, age spots may appear on the skin;
• with diseases of the small intestine, there may be frequent urge to defecate;
• with exacerbations, an increase in temperature is possible;
• bowel dysfunction may be associated with the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Important: Signs of bowel disease in women and men can differ only in the strength of the manifestations of pain.

Diagnostics

Many people with bowel problems do not know which doctor to contact. The primary examination is most often carried out by a local therapist. If he suspects gastrointestinal diseases, he sends the patient to a gastroenterologist. The doctor finds out how the symptoms manifest themselves, what disorders bother the patient, and then gives a referral for a diagnosis.

To recognize bowel diseases, to identify the causes of problems, the following procedures are carried out:

X-ray

If an adult has abdominal problems, an X-ray of the colon is done using a contrast agent. To do this, use a barium suspension, which does not allow gamma rays to pass through, allows you to see pathological changes organ, the presence of adhesions, tumors and the accumulation of gases.

Important: This is the main diagnostic procedure. Only after an X-ray examination is it possible to carry out other diagnostic measures.

CT scan

This type of diagnosis allows you to determine the work of the small and large intestines, to examine their condition in layers, and, if necessary, to identify the presence or absence of tumors. This procedure does not require any special training. The main thing is to cleanse the intestines in advance.

Gastroscopy

This type of diagnosis is performed to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.

Rectoscopy

The procedure allows you to determine the condition of the rectum.

Romanoscopy

With this method, an inspection is carried out.

Capsule endoscopy

The patient swallows a special capsule with a built-in miniature video camera. Moving down the gastrointestinal tract, she scans. The information received goes to the computer and is processed special program... With the help of the procedure, the doctor can understand the cause of the onset of the disease and select drug therapy with bowel diseases.

Endoscopy does not have a negative effect on the body, it allows you to simultaneously remove the biomaterial for further examination to detect the presence of neoplasms.

Ultrasound

On the eve of the procedure, the patient needs to give up heavy food and take laxatives. Ultrasound is a safe procedure that can be performed on children, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. No radiation occurs during its application.

Due to the minimal risk and safety, ultrasound can be performed on patients with serious bowel pathologies, if other diagnostic procedures may cause complications, are dangerous, or in patients with poor tolerance.

MRI

The procedure will allow you to accurately determine changes in the intestine, identify tumors, inflammatory processes, ulcers. The day before, you must follow a diet and take laxatives.

Skin and bowel disease

Many patients complain of poor skin condition in bowel diseases. In addition to the appearance of acne and rashes, spider veins may appear on the body. The skin of the hands becomes flabby and dry, and a large number of age spots appear on it.

This is due to the intoxication of the body, because the body cannot fully remove toxins through the intestines. Violations in the work of the organ in the future can provoke cutaneous vasculitis, purulent stomatitis, erythema, pyoderma. This indicates that bowel function is directly related to the functioning of the whole organism.

Diet for bowel diseases

It is impossible to get rid of diseases of the digestive system if you do not follow a diet. Nutrition plays a leading role in bowel problems.

• porridge;
• vegetable soups;
• it is recommended to eat fish and lean meat;
• pay special attention to vegetables and fruits;
• drink up to 2 liters of water daily;
• eat dairy products;
• eat foods high in fiber;
• introduce bran into the diet.

Important: You can use folk remedies... Drink decoctions of medicinal herbs.

Treatment

Treatment of intestinal diseases consists in taking drugs of several pharmacological groups:

Aminoxylates:

• Mesalazin;
• Sulfasalazine.

Steroid hormones:

• Budesonide.

Immunosuppressants:

• Azathioprine;
• Cyclosporine.

Spasmolytics:

• Drotaverine;
• Papoverina.

Moxid is prescribed for constipation.

If the disease is associated with stress, sedation is indicated.

Important: If the diagnosis is confusing and associated with the presence of pathological microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, antibiotics are prescribed.

It is necessary to treat diseases until complete recovery. If a person has problems with the gastrointestinal tract, prevention is important. It is necessary to regularly conduct a medical examination, observe the rules of personal hygiene, and adhere to a diet.

Video - bowel problems

The intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract, which ensures the digestion of food, the assimilation of essential substances and vitamins. He also participates in the processes of excretion of metabolic products from the body, the production of hormones, and the provision of the patient's immunity. Therefore, many diseases in women are accompanied by intestinal damage, and at the same time, pathologies of the digestive system can lead to the development of diseases of other organs.

Important! The small and large intestines are located close to the female reproductive organs - the uterus and ovaries. Therefore, inflammatory processes that are not treated in time can go to them. As a result, a difficult situation arises, which often ends with surgery and infertility.

Bowel diseases usually develop gradually. Usually, in this case, the effect of several causal factors is noted at once. The more of them, the more severe the disease progresses and the more parts of the intestine are involved in the pathological process. This condition is more difficult to drug therapy, there is a high probability of transition to a chronic incurable form of the disease.

The risk of developing intestinal diseases in women increases due to:

• the presence of a genetic predisposition;
• disorders of the immune status;
• inaccuracies in diet;
• chronic stress, overwork;
• lack of physical activity;
• smoking and other bad habits;
• previous intestinal infections, the presence of chronic infectious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• long-term intake medicinessuch as antibiotics.

Non-compliance with the diet - common reason bowel diseases

Some of the factors listed above are unavoidable, for example, hereditary predisposition. However, most of the causes that can lead to intestinal illness, if desired, you can get rid of. At the same time, it is believed that modifiable factors play a large role in the development of the disease - the contribution of lifestyle to the formation of pathology is at least 80%.

Epidemiology

The highest incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in women is noted in developed countries. Approximately 90% of the adult population suffers from such pathologies. The incidence depends little on the gender of the patients - according to the statistics, the disease occurs equally often in men and women.

Some types of intestinal pathology are widespread, others are more rare. For example, at least a quarter of the population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. And Crohn's disease is diagnosed no more often than 200 patients per 100,000 population.

Intestinal symptoms

All intestinal pathologies manifest themselves with approximately the same symptoms. The differences lie in the predominance of some manifestations over others and their severity. There are several groups of clinical signs:

• defecation disorders - diarrhea or constipation, in some cases their alternation is possible;
• flatulence;
• pain in the abdomen;
• violation of appetite;
• the presence of impurities in the stool, such as blood, pus, or mucus;
• violation of the assimilation of nutrients and vitamins, which is manifested by a decrease in weight, the body's defenses, and a deterioration in general well-being.

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of bowel disease

Depending on the cause, localization of the pathological process, as well as on its severity, the patient may have one or another combination of symptoms. Let's consider the common manifestations of intestinal pathologies in more detail.

Pain syndrome

The nature of the onset of pain in diseases of the digestive system can be varied. The symptom can be localized in different parts of the abdomen, have a different character and intensity. When making a diagnosis, it is important to pay attention to the relationship pain syndrome with eating or defecation.

Pathological processes of the small intestine are characterized by the localization of pain in the navel. It is possible that it will have a pulling character, constantly bother the patient, only occasionally subsiding and intensifying again. On the contrary, the acute, stabbing nature of the pain syndrome is noted with intestinal spasms, violation of the passage of contents through it.

Colon diseases are less painful. Often, the patient cannot accurately localize it, complains of diffuse soreness on the right or left, depending on the source of concern. After the passage of gases, bowel movement, the severity of the clinical picture decreases. At the same time, food intake does not affect the manifestations of the disease in any way.

Diarrhea

According to modern concepts, the presence of this symptom is said in cases where the frequency of bowel movements is at least four times a day. Diarrhea accompanies any inflammatory bowel processes, regardless of location.

The level of organ damage can be determined by the nature of the feces. If they are abundant, watery, then most likely the cause of the disease is localized in the small intestine. At the same time, particles of undigested food, foam and other impurities may be present in the stool.

Colon disease is less likely to be accompanied by diarrhea. Usually this symptom is determined only during exacerbations. At the same time, it differs in a small amount of feces, but the presence of such pathological impurities as mucus or blood is possible.

Constipation

The opposite situation, when there is no bowel movement for several days, is more typical for diseases of the colon. The occurrence of this symptom is possible in cases where the pathological process is due to functional disorders of the intestine (for example, in the case of irritable bowel syndrome).

Important! The appearance of constipation does not always indicate the presence of bowel disease. Quite often, they are associated with poor nutrition. Increased bowel movements and changes in the nature of the stool can occur when eating a large amount of laxative foods, foods rich in fiber, milk, etc. Sometimes this condition develops with disorders of the endocrine and nervous systems.

Flatulence

Many pathological conditions, in which the colon or small intestine is affected, are accompanied by flatulence. This symptom is characterized by increased gas production, bloating. The reason for it is often a violation of the digestion of food, which is why fermentation processes occur in the intestines.

In women, flatulence often occurs with diseases of the biliary tract, when a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes does not enter the duodenum. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common cause of functional bloating in patients. At the same time, there is an increase in symptoms in the evening hours. But at night, the manifestations of the disease disappear.

Disruption of metabolic processes

With the development of malabsorption syndrome, when the process of absorption of nutrients and vitamins is disrupted, the patients develop signs of metabolic disorders. Usually they are manifested by a decrease in body weight, dry skin, minor hemorrhages, cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Important! In women, this syndrome can be manifested by a change in the duration of the menstrual cycle, a decrease in the volume of blood loss during menstruation. In this case, a violation of reproductive function is also possible, such patients cannot become pregnant.

The most common bowel pathologies in women

Irritable bowel syndrome

According to statistics, female patients most often have functional disorders of the digestive system. Irritable bowel syndrome is the most important among them. A characteristic feature of IBS is the variety of manifestations, as well as the absence of inflammatory changes in the digestive system.

Etiology

The reasons for the development of the disorder are not exactly known. The onset of IBS is associated with emotional stress and unhealthy eating habits. An important role is also played by the patient's predisposition and the state of the intestinal microflora.

Symptoms

IBS can manifest itself as follows:

• increased motility of the large intestine - this leads to diarrhea;
• its oppression, as a result of which constipation occurs;
• in some cases, alternation of these two pathological conditions is possible.

Important! The presence of irritable bowel syndrome can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. This is especially true in the case of chronic diarrhea.

Unlike inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal discomfort disappears after a bowel movement. Another important feature of diarrheal syndrome in IBS is that it usually appears in the morning immediately after breakfast. An increase in the severity of clinical manifestations is also noted after psychoemotional experiences.

Treatment

Therapy for IBS is long-term and requires a significant change in lifestyle from the patient. Diet correction is required, consultation with a psychotherapist. In cases of the psychogenic nature of the disease, sedatives are prescribed.

Dysbacteriosis

Another common bowel pathology in women is dysbiosis. This condition is associated with a change in the normal microflora of the digestive tract, which leads to the growth of unwanted microbes. Like IBS, this disease is rarely diagnosed and treated, as many patients simply do not go to the doctor with this problem.

Causes

Dysbacteriosis is not considered an independent disease. More often it is considered as a syndrome associated with other pathologies of the digestive and other systems. It can occur during development allergic reactions, immunodeficiency, vitamin deficiency, intoxication and other pathologies. However, in most cases, dysbiosis is the result of improper use. antibacterial agents, non-compliance with the recommended dosage and duration of antibiotic use.

Symptoms

The imbalance of microflora is manifested by a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Most often, patients complain:

• for the presence of diarrhea, bloating;
• quite often appetite decreases, body weight decreases, unpleasant taste sensations arise in the oral cavity.

With a long course, manifestations of neurological disorders join. Patients become irritable, their performance decreases, headaches appear, sleep is disturbed.

Treatment

First of all, it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease, to correct the pathology that caused the dysbiosis. To restore normal microflora, probiotics are prescribed, for example, Bifiform or Linex.

Video: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Disease of young women

Inflammatory bowel disease

Among all intestinal pathologies that can disturb women, inflammatory diseases also occupy an important place. They are classified by the level of intestinal damage (enteritis, colitis, enterocolitis), as well as by the course (acute and chronic).

Enteritis

This term is called a large group of pathologies that are associated with the presence of inflammation in the small intestine. Often, enteritis develops along with others inflammatory processes digestive system - doctors often make diagnoses such as enterocolitis, gastroenteritis, etc.

Etiology

The disease can occur in the form of an acute and chronic process. The first usually occurs due to food poisoning, acute infectious diseases - salmonellosis, cholera, etc. It is also possible that signs of enteritis appear when a large amount of products that irritate the mucous membranes (spicy foods, alcohol) are consumed.

Chronic enteritis is often the result of insufficient effective treatment acute form of the disease. In some cases, it develops when there is chronic gastritis and other inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms

Acute enteritis begins with the onset of the following symptoms:

• diarrhea;
• pain around the navel;
• decreased appetite;
• nausea and vomiting.

Over time, it is possible to attach common signs:

• temperature rise;
• neurological symptoms;
• sweating;
• weakness.

In severe cases, diarrhea may appear up to 15 times a day. The stool is liquid with inclusions of insufficiently digested food, gas bubbles. If the patient for a long time is without treatment, there are signs of general exhaustion, malabsorption syndrome. A general deterioration in well-being, the presence of symptoms of hypovitaminosis is also characteristic.

The chronic form of enteritis is characterized by a lesser severity of symptoms, a prolonged course, alternating periods of remission and exacerbations. With timely treatment of acute pathology, recovery occurs rather quickly.

Treatment

Enteritis therapy depends on the cause of the disease. If the pathology is associated with an infectious process, antibiotic therapy is necessary (for example, Ciprofloxacin), after which the intake of probiotics is prescribed to restore normal intestinal microflora.

If the disease is caused by other reasons, for example, irritation of the mucous membrane with certain types of food, it is necessary to adhere to a sparing diet. In cases where enteritis develops as a complication of other inflammatory bowel pathologies, complex therapy is carried out, which is aimed at eliminating the original source of inflammation.

Colitis

Inflammation in the colon can be a separate pathology or a complication of other bowel diseases. Most often, the cause is associated with dysentery or other infection. In some cases, colitis can develop with food poisoning, a violation of the diet, and the use of spicy foods.

Chronic colitis can be a consequence of other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, non-compliance with a healthy diet.

Symptoms

Signs of acute colitis:

• sharp pains;
• diarrhea - loose stools with mucus;
• deterioration in general health, malaise;
• fever, fever.

The manifestations of chronic colitis are less pronounced in comparison with the acute form of the disease. During exacerbations, aching abdominal pains, flatulence, diarrhea occur. With a prolonged course, the patient's body weight decreases, menstruation disorders and the development of infertility are possible.

Treatment

Therapy for colitis does not differ from that shown for enteritis. It is important to determine the true cause of the disease in order to choose the most effective drug.

Video - Symptoms and treatment of ulcerative colitis of the intestine

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

These two pathologies have much in common and are associated with autoimmune inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The differences between these two pathologies are presented in the following table.

Important! With a long illness, the intestinal walls ulcerate and scar. This leads to a narrowing of their lumen, a decrease in motor skills. Therefore, patients who do not receive the required treatment in a timely manner are likely to develop intestinal obstruction.

Crohn's disease treatment regimens

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are treated by a gastroenterologist. The most effective treatment for these pathologies is Sulfasalazine... It is taken orally for life or given rectally.

Bowel diseases are usually characterized by low specificity of symptoms. Therefore, if signs of digestive disorders appear, you must consult a doctor and undergo the required examination. This will help establish a diagnosis and begin the correct treatment.