Introduction
Diseases intestinal are medical conditions affecting the digestive system. The digestive system is composed of parts consisting of the mouth, esophagus, anus, rectum, large and small intestine. Each plays an important part from digesting and breaking down food to absorbing and eliminating waste. The large and small intestines of the body play a big role. The small intestine is where all the nutrients are absorbed in the body before it is emptied into the large intestine, through the rectum and anus where it is excreted as solid waste.
History
Diseases intestinal occur when there is an abnormality in the large and small intestine, although the small intestine is not that affected. The most common indications that something is wrong are diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
A doctor can confirm the symptoms and diagnose whether a person has diseases intestinal based on physical examination, diagnostic testing (ultrasonography, colonoscopy, x-rays) as well as the medical history of the patient
Features
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common diseases intestinal and manifests through diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache, and a feeling of bloating. The causes are plenty ranging from stress and use of drugs to hormones and diets. Identifying the cause of the diseases intestinal is crucial so that proper treatment can be applied. For example, a person can add more fiber to the diet to improve bowel movement. Antispasmodic drugs can be given to relieve cramping while those with emotional and psychological problems might be prescribed tranquilizers, antidepressants or undergo counseling.
On the other hand, when there is an inflammation of the intestine, inflammatory bowel diseases happen such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases intestinal are different. Crohn’s disease affects the intestinal wall and is characterized by chronic diarrhea (sometimes stools have blood), abdominal cramps, fever, and loss of weight. It can also lead to complications when there is an obstruction in the intestine or presence of pus. There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but use of antidiarrheals, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics helps.
Ulcerative colitis is also a recurring disease affecting the large intestine. In this situation, the large intestine is inflamed and has ulcers causing diarrhea accompanied by blood, stomach cramps, and fever. Complications can occur such as bleeding, colon cancer, toxic megacolon (risk of intestine rupture), and toxic colitis (complete damage to the intestinal wall). Treatment of such types of diseases intestinal include use of antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory drugs.
There are other types of diseases intestinal such as collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis where the large intestine, colon, and rectum are affected. In this situation, the white blood cells invade the intestine linings leading to a watery diarrhea, nausea, cramps and loss of weight. Drugs to contain swelling and diarrhea are administered as well as antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Tips and comments
- Following regular, well-balanced diets is the best way to keep yourself healthy.
- Eat slowly without rushing to improve digestion and limit air intake causing gas and flatulence.
- Make exercise a part of your lifestyle as this can only help you stay healthy and in a good shape.
