Inflammation of the intestines - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Inflammation of the intestines is inflammation of the digestive tract which is characterized by irritation to sores. Inflammation of the intestines can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Inflammation of the intestine or inflammatory bowel disease It can occur at any age, but is more common between the ages of 15 and 30. The exact cause of colitis is not known, but this condition is thought to be related to immune system disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease or inflammatory bowel disease consists of 2 types of disease, namely ulcerative colitis and ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the innermost lining of the large intestine or colon Crohn's disease is inflammation that can occur throughout the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

Inflammatory Bowel Symptoms

Symptoms of colitis vary from mild to severe, depending on the location and severity of inflammation in the digestive tract. These symptoms tend to recur. So, people with inflammatory bowel disease may experience periods without any symptoms at all.

These symptoms include:

  • Stomach pain or stomach cramps
  • Bloated
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • bloody stool (hematochezia)

Bloody stools due to intestinal inflammation can also cause anemia or lack of blood. This condition often causes complaints of fatigue and paleness in people with intestinal inflammation.

Causes and Risk Factors for Inflammation of the Bowel

Until now, the cause of intestinal inflammation is not known. However, this disease is thought to occur due to an abnormal immune system response called autoimmune. The immune system functions to fight bacterial or viral infections. However, in autoimmune patients, these resistance efforts actually attack the body's own tissues, which in this case is the intestines.

In addition to autoimmune, a person is more at risk of developing colitis if they have the following factors:

  • Under 35 years old
  • Have a parent or sibling with a history of inflammatory bowel disease
  • Have a smoking habit
  • Live near an industrial area
  • Frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

When viewed by gender, Crohn's disease It is more common in women, while ulcerative colitis is more common in men.

Inflammatory Bowel Diagnosis

Inflammation of the intestines is determined after the doctor knows the patient's symptoms, performs a physical examination, and performs a series of supports, which include:

  • Stool examination

    This examination is done to detect infection and the presence of blood in the stool that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  • endoscope

    This endoscopy is performed to view the lining of the intestinal cavity using a special instrument equipped with a camera. The device can be inserted through the rectum or mouth. 

  • blood test

    This test aims to determine whether the patient is anemic or has an infection.

  • Imaging test

    X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI are done to see a complete picture of the intestines or digestive tract. Imaging tests can also be used to check for complications from inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Treatment

Treatment is done to relieve symptoms that appear and prevent recurrence of symptoms. To relieve mild symptoms, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made, namely:

  • Changing eating and drinking patterns

    In addition, patients are also advised to limit the consumption of fatty foods and drink more water. Generally, the symptoms of colitis will also improve if the sufferer eats smaller portions, with more frequent meals.

  • Stop smoking habit

    Smoking habits can exacerbate intestinal inflammation, especially in children Crohn's disease.

  • Exercise regularly

    Exercising regularly can help restore normal bowel function and also reduce stress.

  • Managing stress

    Although the link is still debated, many people with inflammatory bowel disease have symptoms that recur when experiencing severe stress. Managing stress can be done with relaxation or breathing exercises on a regular basis or at any time between busy schedules.

For more serious conditions, doctors may prescribe medications to suppress the inflammatory response, including:

  • Corticosteroids

    Corticosteroids are usually given first to relieve inflammation in the digestive tract.

  • Drugimmunosuppressive

    This drug works by inhibiting the immune system from attacking the intestines and causing inflammation. Examples of this type of drug are: azathioprine, ciclosporine, methotrexate, ustekinumab, and infliximab.

  • Antibiotic drug

    This drug is given as an adjunct when an infection occurs. Antibiotics that can be used are: ciprofloxacin or metronidazole.

  • antidiarrheal drugs

    One of the drugs used to relieve diarrhea is loperamide.

  • Pain reliever

    This drug is given to treat abdominal pain. Examples of these drugs are ibuprofen and paracetamol.

  • Iron supplements

    This drug is given for cases of chronic intestinal bleeding that can cause iron deficiency anemia.

  • Calcium supplements and vvitamin D

    This supplement is given to patients Crohn's disease to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

If lifestyle changes and medications can't treat inflammation of the bowel, the doctor will recommend surgery. The surgery performed depends on the type of intestinal inflammation experienced, namely:

Surgery for ulcerative colitis

Surgery that can be performed for ulcerative colitis is to remove the entire large intestine and rectum (proctocolectomy), so that the remaining food from the small intestine is directly discharged into the anus. Sometimes the small intestine cannot be connected to the anus, so a special opening in the abdomen (stoma) is made to remove feces.

Operation for Crohn's disease

The main goals of surgery are to remove the damaged part of the digestive tract, close the abnormal passage (fistula) if it forms, or drain pus. Please note that surgery cannot cure Crohn's disease. So, surgery should still be followed by other treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Inflammatory Bowel Complications

If not treated properly, colitis can lead to a number of dangerous complications. Complications that can arise include:

  • Dehydration and malnutrition
  • Inflammation of the skin, eyes, and joints when colitis recurs
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Abnormal duct formation (fistula)
  • Blood clots in the intestinal veins
  • Toxic megacolon
  • Colon cancer