Colitis (inflammation of the intestines): medications, causes, symptoms, etc.

x

Definition of Colitis (inflammation of the intestines)

Colitis (inflammation of the intestines) is an inflammatory disease of the lining of the large intestine. Inflammation that irritates the digestive system can be caused by infection, certain diseases that attack intestinal function, or an allergic reaction.

The large intestine is shaped like a hollow tube filled with smooth muscles. This part of the intestine functions to process food from the small intestine, absorb water, and filter it until it actually becomes feces.

The inflammation that occurs in the large intestine causes the formation of a perforated wound which is accompanied by various painful symptoms.

How common is this disease?

Colitis is a common disease of the digestive system. All age groups can experience this disease, although it generally occurs in adults than children.

Signs and symptoms

Inflammation that causes a hole in the large intestine can interfere with bowel performance as well as cause disturbing symptoms.

Symptoms of colitis or colitis that sufferers generally experience are as follows.

1. Stomach pain

Inflammation makes the inner lining of the intestinal muscles contract more frequently. This results in recurring stomach pain or cramps. The pain usually occurs in the lower part of the stomach.

2. Diarrhea

Apart from abdominal pain, colitis also makes the sufferer urinate constantly with loose stools. Diarrhea is caused by problematic bowel movements.

Usually this condition is followed by pain, either before, during, or after diarrhea.

3. Other accompanying symptoms

Other symptoms that accompany colitis include chills, weakness, and dehydration.

This disease can also cause problems outside the digestive system, such as swelling of the joints or inflammation of the eyes, mouth and skin.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience symptoms of diarrhea that persist for more than two to three weeks, see a doctor immediately.

Likewise if you experience other worrisome symptoms of colitis (inflammation of the intestines), such as:

• fever,
• Bloody stools,
• showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, continuing to feel thirsty, and dark yellow urine, as well
• severe stomach pain.

Causes of colitis

Colitis (inflammation of the intestines) has various types. This indicates that each type has a different cause. Here are among them.

1. Colitis due to infection

Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Most cases of inflammation are caused by bacteria that contaminate food and enter your digestive tract.

The types of bacteria that cause inflammation of the intestines, namely Campylobacter, Shigella , E. coli , Yersinia, and Salmonella.

Virus Cytomegalovirus it can also cause intestinal inflammation, but this condition is usually only experienced by people with weak immune systems.

In addition, there is also a parasite that causes inflammation of the intestine called Giardia. This parasite enters the body through polluted water.

2. Colitis due to ischemic

Ischemic is a condition when a body's tissue is damaged by cells due to the absence of blood flow to the tissue. This is what happens to the intestine if you have ischemic colitis or intestinal ischemia.

In this condition, inflammation and sores arise due to disruption of blood flow to the intestines so that the intestines do not get food. Over time, the intestinal tissue is damaged, causing injury and inflammation.

The following are people who are at risk for this condition.

• Elderly people (elderly). Aging results in blood flow that is no longer good and smooth anymore.
• People who have a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Patients with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat due to problems with the heart's electrical signals. This condition causes blood flow problems in the patient's body.
• People who have anemia or low blood pressure.

3. Colitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Disease inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can make sufferers experience intestinal inflammation. Digestive system diseases are usually associated with autoimmune disorders.

Inflammation occurs because the body's immune system attacks its own healthy parts of the body and eventually develops intestinal inflammation. This condition occurs in people with IBD, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

4. Microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis is quite rare and usually affects older women.

This disease is thought to be caused by genetic factors, but the exact cause is not yet known. Microscopic colitis makes sufferers experience prolonged diarrhea.

5. Allergic colitis

Intestinal inflammation can also be caused by eating foods that can trigger an allergic reaction. However, this condition is usually experienced by babies under one year of age.

When your child is allergic to a food such as cow's milk or soy milk, the body will release an allergic and inflammatory response. In this case, the part of the body that is inflamed is the intestine.

Inflammation of the intestine risk factors

Apart from the direct causes, there are several factors that can make a person more prone to developing colitis (inflammation of the intestines). Here are among them.

1. Genetic

A person is at high risk of developing colitis if there are family members who have a similar disease.

Most likely this is due to a problematic genetic mutation that affects the immune response in the large intestine.

2. The microbiome in the gut

Your digestive tract contains various types of bacteria, fungi and viruses. All of this is referred to as the microbiome.

The microbiome in a balanced amount should not cause disturbances to the digestive system.

Conversely, changes in the microbiome in the gut can trigger an immune response that causes inflammation abnormally. In some cases, these changes can be caused by inappropriate use of antibiotics.

3. Environment

Apart from genetic factors and microbiome conditions, various things from the surrounding environment can also increase a person's risk of developing colitis. These factors include:

• eating less healthy food,
• smoking habit,
• often exposed to pollution, and
• not maintaining cleanliness.

Inflammatory complications of the intestine

Colitis (inflammation of the intestine) is a disease that requires medical treatment because it can cause complications.

Launching the George Washington University Hospital website, below are various complications that can occur.

1. Intestinal perforation

Intestinal perforation indicates long-term inflammation that weakens the intestinal wall and eventually forms a hole.

The existence of a hole in the intestine invites a large number of bacteria to multiply and eventually cause infection.

2. Fulminant colitis

Fulminant colitis indicates a problem with the thickness of the intestinal wall. This condition makes normal intestinal contractions stop temporarily so that the large intestine loses muscle mass

The gas produced will be trapped in the paralyzed part of the intestine.

3. Toxic megacolon

This complication of inflammatory bowel signals an enlarged colon. This condition makes the intestines lose the ability to contract properly. If not treated promptly, the intestine is at risk of rupture.

4. Colon cancer

Untreated inflammation makes the cells around the intestine abnormal. In the end, the abnormal cells can develop into cancerous tissue that causes colon cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment

What are the usual tests for colitis?

Colitis (inflammation of the intestines) causes symptoms similar to several digestive problems, one of which is Crohn's disease.

In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask you to perform the following medical tests.

• Common tests include imaging tests of the large intestine, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy.
• Additional tests such as blood tests and observing the presence of pus or blood in the stool.
• Advanced test in the form of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to measure the number of red blood cells.

What are the treatment options available?

Colitis treatment is generally done to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. However, the drugs given will be adjusted to the cause of the inflammation.

Here are some drugs that are commonly used to treat colitis.

1. ORS

ORS solution is not actually a drug that directly treats inflammation. However, this medication is usually prescribed when you have severe diarrhea that puts you at risk of dehydration.

ORS is a solution containing electrolytes from salt and sugar that can prevent dehydration. You can get this medicine at a pharmacy or you can make it yourself from salt and sugar in your home.

2. Antibiotics

If the cause of intestinal inflammation is bacteria, the doctor will recommend antibiotics. This medication is given to reduce infection by killing bacteria that cause inflammation.

Examples of antibiotics used are ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.

3. Anti-inflammatory drugs

This medication is often given as the main treatment for colitis. Some of the drugs prescribed are corticosteroids and aminosalicylates, such as mesalamine, balsalazide, and olsalazine.

4. Anti-pain and anti-diarrheal drugs

Both of these drugs are given to treat diarrhea and stomach pain. Usually, the drugs that will be prescribed are acetaminophen and lopemirade.

If the symptoms do not improve or are at risk of causing complications, the doctor will recommend surgical surgery.

However, surgery is rarely performed considering the symptoms of colitis tend to be treated with medication and lifestyle.

Home colitis treatment

What are some home remedies that can be done to treat colitis?

Apart from doctor's medication, home care must also be done so that intestinal inflammation does not get worse and the intestinal condition improves. Here are home remedies that you can do.

• Stay away from foods that can trigger symptoms, such as foods that are spicy, sour, dairy, or high in sugar.
• Quit smoking and try to stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Overcome stress with sports that suit the conditions or pursue a hobby that you like.
• Get enough rest.

Although fairly common, colitis can cause complications if not treated properly. One of the complications is the formation of ulcers in the intestines.

If you experience symptoms of colitis, see your doctor immediately so you can undergo further tests. The examination will help your doctor determine the right treatment for you.