Frequent Severe Stomach Pain? Beware of Bowel Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or also known as inflammatory bowel disease (colitis) is a disorder condition that causes the digestive system to become inflamed. The digestive system consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. They play a role in breaking down food, getting nutrients from food, and removing waste products that are not needed.
What kind of inflammatory bowel disease?
There are three types of intestinal inflammation that are most common. The most common types of inflammatory bowel disease are ulcerative colitis, pancolitis and Crohn's disease.
1. Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis can be classified according to the location of inflammation and severity of symptoms:
- Ulcerative proctitis. This is the mildest type of ulcerative colitis. Inflammation often occurs near the anus.
- Proctosigmoiditis. Inflammation occurs in the rectum and the lower end of the large intestine.
- Left-sided colitis. Inflammation extends from the rectum through the sigmoid and descending colon.
- a different, but usually attacks the ileum (the end of the small intestine) and the large intestine
Do not trade between intestinal inflammation (IBD) and irritable bowel sydrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by abnormal contractions of the intestinal wall, whereas IBD refers to conditions that cause inflammation.
2. Pancolitis
Pancolitis is inflammation of the entire lining of the large intestine. Pancolitis includes chronic inflammation, which can cause the growth of boils in the intestine or even make the intestine hurt. Inflammation of the intestine is often associated with appendicitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But when specific inflammation only attacks the large intestine, this condition is called pancolitis.
Over time, inflammation in the lining of the intestine causes injury. The intestinal wall then loses the ability to process food, food scraps to be thrown away, and absorb water. This causes diarrhea. Small wounds that develop in the intestine then cause you to experience abdominal pain and bloody bowel movements. Reduction in appetite, fatigue, and weight loss can ultimately trigger sex. Pancolitis symptoms
Other symptoms can also be affected by inflammation of the large intestine, including joint pain (usually in the knees, ankles, and wrists). Does not rule out the possibility of symptoms of pancolitis can also affect the eyes. If not treated properly, inflammation of the large intestine can cause fatal complications such as severe bleeding, intestinal perforation (intestinal perforation), hypertrophic intestines (intestinal stretching), to inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Pancolitis also makes you more at risk for colon cancer.
3. Crohn's disease
Disease Crohn's is a chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the intestine that occurs along the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. However, this condition most commonly occurs in the small intestine (ileum) or large intestine (colon). The cause is most likely due to immune system reactions and also hereditary factors.
Basically mental and physical health are very related. For example, when you feel nervous you often feel nauseous and even upset stomach. Well, so too with inflammatory bowel disease caused by an autoimmune disorder or what is called Crohn's disease. Quoted from WebMD , research proves Crohn's disease is closely related to depression.
What are the signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?
Although the conditions are very different, both ulcerative colitis, pancolitis or Crohn's disease have some of the same symptoms:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anal bleeding
- Cramps or spasms in the muscles
- Weight loss
- Fever and fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Over time, inflammation in the lining of the intestine causes injury. The intestinal wall then loses the ability to process food, waste, and absorb water, causing diarrhea. Small wounds develop in the intestine and cause stomach pain and blood in your stool.
This can affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin and joints. People with IBD can continue to suffer inflammation of the eyes, skin disorders, and arthritis.
There may be times when symptoms are active and times when symptoms disappear. In Crohn's disease, 35% of people who have recovered experience one or two relapses in the next 5 years. Remission of ulcerative colitis sufferers is higher, where 30% of people in remission will experience active disease next year.
What are the causes and triggers of the risk of inflammation of the intestine?
There is no definite cause of inflammatory bowel disease. Several factors can trigger or make symptoms worse. The two most common causes are damage and decreased immune system.
- Abnormal immune system: The immune system attacks the lining of the intestine instead of bacteria and viruses.
- Heredity: People with family members who have this condition often have inflammatory bowel disease.
- Dining Menu: High eating menus of meat and fish protein can cause cell poisoning and sores on the intestines.
- Age: IBD is often diagnosed in people under 35 years, but can happen to anyone.
- Gender: IBD can affect both sexes. But more cases of ulcerative colitis occur in men, while Crohn's disease is more common in women.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of Crohn's disease also makes the symptoms worse. However, smokers tend to be more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than nonsmokers and former smokers.
- Isotretinoin (Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Sotret®; formerly Accutane®): There is no clear relationship between IDB and isotretinion, but some studies show this drug is a risk factor. Isotretinoin is usually used to treat cysts or pimples.
- NSAIDS . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin IB®, etc.), naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®), diclofenac sodium (Voltaren®, Solaraze®) and others: These drugs can increase the risk of developing IBD or worsen the existing IBD disease.
Causes of intestinal inflammation based on the type
Actually, it can occur in several types depending on the cause of each. What are the types of intestinal inflammation when seen from the cause?
1. Inflammation of the intestine due to infection
symptoms of inflammation of the intestine the characteristics of intestinal inflammation
Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the intestine that can be caused by the following three types of infection.
Bacteria. Mostly, these bacteria pollute food so that it can enter your peru. some types of bacteria that cause intestinal inflammation are Campylobacter, Shigella, E. Coli, Yersinia, and Salmonella
Viruses, which cause intestinal inflammation, are cytomegalovirus, which usually attacks people who have a weakened immune system. This type of intestinal inflammation, is rather rare.
Parasites, the cause of the inflamed intestine, giardia, which enters the body through contaminated water. Usually, these parasites are in the pool water, river water, to lake water, so it is very easy to infect the body of people who like to be creative to the place.
2. Inflammatory bowel due to ischemia
Ischemia is a condition in which a body's tissues experience cell damage, due to the absence of blood flow to that part of the tissue. This is what happens to the intestine if it has ischemic colitis. In this condition, inflammation and injury arise due to disruption of blood flow to the intestine, so the intestine does not get food. Over time, intestinal tissue is damaged and wounds and inflammation appear. People who are at risk to experience this are:
- Elderly people (elderly). Aging causes blood flow to be no longer good and smooth, besides, elderly who have a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol have a higher chance of experiencing ischemic colitis.
- Patients with atrial fibrillation , who do have blood flow disorders in their bodies
- People who experience anemia or low blood pressure
3. Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD) or irritable bowel can cause inflammation in the intestine. This health problem is related to autoimmune disorders. Inflammation occurs due to the body's immune system attacking its own healthy parts and eventually experiencing intestinal inflammation. This condition occurs in patients with IBD, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease .
4. Microscopic intestinal inflammation
This condition is quite rare and usually affects older women. Allegedly strong, this disease is caused by genetics. However, the exact cause is unknown. This health disorder causes the sufferer to experience prolonged diarrhea.
5. Inflammation of the intestines due to allergies
Be careful, inflammation of the intestine can also be caused by food allergies which are usually vulnerable to occur in infants under one year. When your child is allergic to a food such as cow's milk or soy milk, the body will issue an allergic and inflammatory response. In this case, the inflamed is the intestine.
What treatment should be taken if you have inflammation of the intestine?
Treatment of this disease will actually be adjusted according to their type. However, some of the first aid that will be done is in the form of prevention so that the body does not become dehydrated and provides drugs to relieve symptoms.
1. Medication
Your doctor may recommend medications to treat inflammation and reduce symptoms of intestinal inflammation. The drugs commonly used are aminosalicylates, antibiotics (such as metronidazole , ciprofloxacin , rifaximin), corticosteroid drugs, and drugs to prevent diarrhea and stomach cramps.
- Colitis due to bacterial infection will be treated by giving antibiotics
- Ischemic colitis is treated by giving medicines that make blood flow improve again. Patients with this disorder will usually be given more fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea are treated by administering painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen . While the drug used to stop diarrhea is Loperamid .
- There are several treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment often starts with medication, or surgery may be needed if the drugs do not work
2. Operation
Surgery can be used to cure ulcerative colitis. However, Crohn's disease may still return even with surgery.
Ulcerative colitis surgery will remove the entire large intestine and rectum. The surgeon will attach a bag to connect the end of the intestine to the anus, which allows you to discharge normally. This procedure is called ileoanal anastomosis. If the bag is not possible, the surgeon will make a permanent opening in the abdomen and attach the bag to collect bowel movements.
Crohn's disease surgery does not cure the condition. Most people with Crohn's disease need at least one operation in their treatment. Surgery will remove the damaged part of the intestine and connect it to healthy tissue.
Inflammation of the intestine can affect anyone. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. The best way to treat inflammatory bowel disease is to prevent relapse and control symptoms. You can ask for prevention methods and notify any changes in your diet.
Can colitis be prevented?
For intestinal inflammation caused by infection and allergies can be prevented, while inflammation of the intestines due to autoimmune or genetic diseases, it is not known how to prevent it. Infection causes inflammation of the intestine can be prevented by maintaining food / drink hygiene and personal hygiene. Meanwhile, for food allergies you should avoid foods that can make allergies appear.
Avoid foods that will make inflammation of the intestine worse
food now makes you hungry
The following are things you need to avoid if you have inflammatory conditions in the intestine:
Food triggers and food allergies : People with inflammatory bowel disease often have foods that trigger inflammation of the intestine, which is food that can make their symptoms worse. They may also have food allergies, which are foods that cause an immune reaction. You should avoid this food if you suffer from inflammation in the intestine.
Fruits and vegetables (especially skinned fruits) : Fruits and vegetables have high fiber content. Your stomach can't digest fiber and eating high-fiber foods can make symptoms worse. You can make fruits and vegetables easier to eat by steaming, baking, or boiling.
Fiber . Generally, vegetables have a higher fiber content such as broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, seeds, corn, and popcorn. You might be told to limit fiber or take a low-residual diet if you have a narrowing of the intestine (stricture).
Nuts, prunes and popcorn : Nuts, nuts and seeds are full of nutrients. However, they are high in fat and protein, which is bad for your digestive disorders. Plus the food is hard, difficult to digest so that it can irritate your stomach.
High-fat foods: Fatty foods, such as butter, margarine, cream sauce, and fried foods can cause diarrhea. Especially if you have Crohn's disease, you cannot digest normal fat.
Caffeine and alcohol : Alcohol and caffeinated drinks make diarrhea worse, while soft drinks often produce gas. Try to drink lots of fluids every day. Water is the best choice.
Spicy food : Spicy food can make signs and symptoms worse.
Dairy products : For people with lactose intolerance , milk is not an option. However, people with colitis also report that dairy products cause diarrhea, stomach aches and gas.
Large meal portions : You might find it better to eat five or six small meals a day rather than two or three larger servings.
