Chronic Enterocolitis

Chronic enterocolitis

Chronic enterocolitis is a chronic inflammatory-dystrophic disease of the small and large intestines, leading to changes in the stricture of the mucous membrane and disruption of the motor, secretory, absorption and other functions of the intestine.

Depending on the causes leading to the occurrence of chronic colitis, the latter are divided into the following groups:

1. Infectious: specific (as a result of exposure to pathogens of intestinal infections - Shigella, salmonella, dysentery pathogens) and nonspecific (or post-infectious), arising after previous dysentery or salmonellosis.

2. Parasitic (amoeba, trichomonas, giardiasis, etc.).

3. Toxic (intoxication with medications and other chemicals).

4. Nutritional (as a result of prolonged violation of the diet, monotonous and irrational nutrition).

5. Mechanical origin (as a result of prolonged constipation).

6. “Secondary” enterocolitis occurs as a consequence of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most common are infectious, nutritional and “secondary” chronic enterocolitis.

Symptoms

Manifestations of chronic enterocolitis are very diverse and are associated with the phase of the disease, the state of the body’s immune and nervous systems, and the severity of dysbacteriosis.

Most often, patients complain of a disorder of bowel movement, which manifests itself in the form of diarrhea or constipation, alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements and the release of unformed feces. The most common cause of diarrhea is increased intestinal motility, as a result of which water does not have time to be absorbed in the colon.

Constipation is insufficient or rare (once every 3 days or less) bowel movements.

Another manifestation of chronic enterocolitis is abdominal pain.

Patients with chronic enterocolitis often experience bloating (flatulence) due to increased gas production.

Intestinal dyspepsia syndrome is also characteristic, in which there is a disturbance in the digestion processes in the intestines.

With a long course of chronic enterocolitis, asthenoneurotic syndrome occurs.

A decrease in body weight is observed with predominant damage to the small intestine.

Forms

1. Chronic infectious enterocolitis is one of the most common forms of intestinal disease.

2. Chronic parasitic enterocolitis is characterized by a persistent and long-lasting course.

3. Alimentary enterocolitis develops due to poor nutrition.

4. “Secondary” enterocolitis occurs as a consequence of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

Treatment of chronic enterocolitis begins with eliminating factors that may cause the disease.

Then measures are taken to combat dysbiosis and eliminate intestinal dyspepsia:

1. Dieting.

2. Antibacterial drugs.

3. Enzyme preparations to improve digestion processes.

4. Means for normalizing intestinal flora.

5. Means for eliminating movement disorders.

6. Local agents (therapeutic microenemas, suppositories).

7. Sanatorium-resort treatment using mineral waters.

8. Phytotherapy.

Improvement of the neuropsychic state is achieved with the help of psychotherapy, sedatives and tranquilizers, and autogenic training.

Prevention includes timely treatment of intestinal infections, proper balanced nutrition, and adequate treatment of diseases of the digestive system.