Gastroenterocolitis: symptoms and treatment in adults

Gastroenterocolitis is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that can lead to the destruction of its walls. It covers all departments, but is most expressed in the small and large intestines.

Symptoms of gastroenterocolitis develop rapidly and, in the absence of treatment, lead to dehydration of the body. But with the timely provision of medical care, the condition stabilizes after 3 days.

disease forms

According to current forms of the disease are divided into:

• Acute gastroenterocolitis, which is characterized by a sharp and sudden onset, progressive deterioration of health.
• Chronic gastroenterocolitis that flows with alternating periods of remissions and exacerbations and develops against the background of other diseases, leading to the defeat of the gastrointestinal tract.

Depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, the following types gastroenterocolitis :

• Hemorrhagic. In the submucosal layer, vascular microcirculatory disturbances are formed, as a result of which hemorrhages, inflammation and erosion develop.
• Catarrhal. The mucous membrane becomes hyperemic, edematous. Exudation is exudate.
• Phlegmonous. The mucous membrane of the digestive tract not only becomes inflamed, but also begins to accumulate pus.
• Ulcerative. On the mucous membrane defects are formed( ulcers).
• Fibrous. When exudate is allocated on the surface of the mucous membrane, fibirinogen accumulates, under the influence of thromboplastin it turns into fibrin, and a thin film forms.

Causes of gastroenterocolitis

gastroenterocolitis may occur in the following cases:

• for bacterial infection - proliferation of Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia, Proteus, E. coli leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane;
• when infected with viruses - rotavirus, ECHO-virus;
• for the development of an allergic reaction to food, medicines or products of microorganisms and viruses;
• toxin in the gastrointestinal tract - heavy metals, alcohol, acids and alkalis develop intoxication.

Symptoms

Often, gastroenterocolitis has a short incubation period, the first symptoms appear a few hours after exposure to an infection or allergen.

disease makes itself known by the following features:

• increased flatulence, bloating develops and bloating;
• diarrhea appears at the onset of the disease or on the 3rd to 4th day as a sign of intoxication, blood and mucus may be present in the stool;
• the appetite is broken, interest to meal disappears;
• increases body temperature, develops general malaise, headache, dizziness, in severe cases - fainting;
• begins to ache in the abdomen, most often in the navel, sensations can be cramping or pulling;
• appears heartburn, bitterness in the mouth, belching;
• nausea increases, vomiting becomes more frequent;
• sometimes occurs constipation for 1-2 days.

Symptoms of acute gastroenterocolitis often develop quickly, within 2-3 hours after infection, exposure to toxins or allergens. But sometimes a complete clinical picture is observed only on 2-3 days.

The earlier the diagnosis is made and the treatment is started, the less risk of the disease transition into a chronic form with relapses, which is much more difficult to eliminate.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of gastroenterocolitis begins with the collection of anamnesis and clarification of symptoms. The doctor specifies when the first signs of the disease appeared, in what order they grew, what foods were consumed shortly before the deterioration of well-being, etc. The basic examination is performed by a gastroenterologist, in addition, an infectious disease specialist may be required.

A number of laboratory tests are performed to establish an accurate diagnosis:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• bacteriological analysis of feces;
• coprogram.

For more detailed examination and differentiation of gastroenterocolitis with other diseases, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, irrigoscopy, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis can be performed. Imaging methods help the doctor to identify lesions in the intestine, changing its width. If necessary, tissue particles are taken for biopsy.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of gastroenterocolitis in adults can be performed without hospitalization if the symptoms indicate an mild or moderate degree of the disease. In severe forms, it is necessary to place the patient in the infectious disease ward.

Therapy includes the following:

• Rehydration is a procedure for eliminating dehydration. The body is saturated with water, salts and other important compounds that were excreted with vomiting and diarrhea. If the disease proceeds in a mild form, then it will be sufficient to take oral salt solutions( Regidron, Oralita).When the loss of fluid is more pronounced, the drugs are administered intravenously( Dysol, Trisol, Chlosol).
• Antibiotic therapy - taking antibiotics is required for certain types of infectious gastroenterocolitis( Levomycetin, Ampicillin, etc.).
• Detoxification - elimination of toxins. To do this, gastric lavage is usually performed, during which the remnants of food, pathogenic microorganisms, toxins are removed. Used sodium bicarbonate( 2% solution) or potassium permanganate( 0.1% solution).If there is constipation, then enemas and laxatives are used( Dufalac, Sorbex, glycerin).
• Symptomatic therapy .To eliminate pain, spasmolytic drugs are prescribed( No-shpa, Riabal), enzymes( Festal, Mezim) and probiotics( Lactofiltrum, Linex) for normalization of digestion, and multivitamins for general recovery.

Diet

The diet for gastroenterocolitis is an important condition for recovery. On the first day after the onset of the disease, you are only allowed to drink. You can eat compotes, tea, water, decoctions of cereals.

The next 2 days in the diet are introduced products that will not irritate the mucosa: curd mass, viscous boiled rice porridge, oatmeal, jelly. When the acute period of the disease ends, you can eat cutlets, schnitzel, meatballs, fish - for a couple, as well as casseroles, soft-boiled eggs( limited), broths and grinded cooked vegetables. Take food often and gradually.

Smoked, fatty, spicy and roasted dishes, vegetables, fruits and meat with coarse fibers are prohibited. Also, we will have to abandon the products that cause fermentation: beans, fresh baked goods, bread, milk.

These same principles of nutrition should be adhered to in the chronic form of gastroenterocolitis.

Complications of

One of the most frequent and dangerous complications of gastroenterocolitis is dehydration. Loss of fluid and salts is due to frequent frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration of the body leads to a decrease in blood pressure, dizziness, the appearance of dyspnea, and in severe cases - to fainting and coma.

For this reason, first aid to the patient should be to provide him with a liquid. Drink the best water, in small portions every 10-15 minutes, so as not to provoke a vomiting attack. At the same time, it is necessary to call a doctor who sends the patient to a hospital.

Consequences of

Gastroenterocolitis is accompanied by pathological changes in the digestive tract. When the disease proceeds in a mild form, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, swells, becomes hyperemic. Sometimes there is bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

If treatment of gastroenterocolitis is not initiated on time or carried out incompletely, then its course is delayed. This leads to a deep lesion of the walls of the digestive tract, periviscelal fissures. The mucous membrane thickens, while the muscle fibers and glandular ducts atrophy. Appear polyps, which in time can be reborn into cancerous tumors.

Prevention

Treatment of acute gastroenterocolitis lasts about a week, the chronic form is more difficult to cure, sometimes the therapy is performed several times a year, but relapse all the same develop.

To prevent the disease, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures:

• Observe the rules of personal hygiene - wash hands before meals, after visiting the toilet or street, do not use someone else's towel and other accessories.
• Observe the sanitary and hygienic standards when preparing food - wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, heat meat and fish to the end, monitor the cleanliness of the cutting boards, knives and other tools.
• Acquire products only in proven locations: large stores, food markets that undergo sanitary and epidemiological control.
• Timely and under the supervision of a doctor, eliminate infectious diseases.
• Maintain the activity of the immune system - take multivitamin courses, eat right, exercise or other physical activity( walking, dancing), avoid emotional upheavals and stress.

Gastroenterocolitis is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It appears as a result of the development of infection, allergy, exposure to toxic substances. With the correct and timely treatment of gastroenterocolitis, symptoms recede after 3 days.

Author: Olga Khanova, doctor,
specially for Moizhivot.ru

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