How to check the intestines for diseases

Modern people for the most part work a lot, are constantly under stress, wrong eat and lead a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to disruptions in the functioning of the body, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. According to statistics, certain intestinal pathologies are present in 90% of the adult population of developed countries, and some of them can pose a serious threat to the patient. To prevent unpleasant consequences and identify the disease in time, you need to undergo intestinal diagnostics, which can be carried out by different methods.

What does gut health depend on?

The intestine is one of the largest human organs, which consists of two sections, thick and thin. It performs the functions of breaking down foods, absorbing nutrients, removing undigested residues and toxins, that is, the normal functioning of the intestines largely depends on the correct functioning of the intestines organism. Accordingly, diseases of this part of the gastrointestinal tract can significantly reduce the quality of human life, and in a neglected state, cause serious complications.

Bowel pathologies are caused by external and internal factors, which include:

• hereditary predisposition;
• infection with intestinal infections;
• diseases of other parts of the digestive tract;
• improper or unbalanced diet, abuse of fried and spicy foods, semi-finished products, lack of nutrients;
• smoking, alcohol, uncontrolled intake of medications;
• obesity, lack of physical activity;
• psycho-emotional stress.

For reference: bowel diseases have a negative impact not only on the digestive function, but also on the entire body - it is home to beneficial microorganisms that support the functioning of the immune system.

Intestinal symptoms

It is not so easy to recognize bowel diseases - some of them are asymptomatic, while others are characterized by general manifestations that can be observed with any disruption of the body. There are a number of signs that, in the overwhelming majority of cases, indicate bowel disease and require timely treatment.

Table. Signs of bowel disease.

Symptom	Possible diseases
Pain in the abdomen	Pain in case of intestinal dysfunction can be localized anywhere in the peritoneum and have a different character: stabbing, cutting, bursting, encircling, dull, etc., manifest before or after taking food, regardless of nutrition. The diagnosis of the disease largely depends on the characteristics of the pain syndrome - severe pain in the navel is typical for disorders of the small intestine, and if the thick section is affected, blunt bursting sensations appear on the right or left sides.
Diarrhea	It is customary to talk about the presence of diarrhea when the frequency of bowel movements exceeds 3-4 times a day, and the feces become liquid. Short-term intense diarrhea is usually a sign of poisoning and intestinal infections, and if this symptom persists, small bowel disease can be suspected.
Constipation	Stool retention, problems with bowel movements, and too dense stool are observed with inaccuracies in nutrition (lack of fiber), and diseases of the large intestine and anus, starting with dysbiosis, ending with tumors and diverticulosis (the formation of protrusions) in intestines.
Bloating, belching, flatulence	These symptoms are typical for those who abuse foods that cause gas (legumes crops, baked goods, cabbage, soda) and eats too quickly without chewing food. In addition, they are observed in neoplasms and intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease.
Pain and itching in the anal canal	Pain and itching in the anal area are characteristic of parasitic infection, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory diseases of the rectum.
Blood and mucus in stool	One of the most alarming signs of polyps, benign and malignant tumors. In addition, blood and mucus appear with damage to the intestinal mucosa (cracks, ulcers, etc.), Crohn's disease, helminthic invasions.
Nausea	Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting can occur with any bowel disease, so first of all, you should pay attention to the features of the symptom. So, nausea that occurs after eating is observed with overeating and ulcerative lesions of the intestine, and discomfort, arising regardless of meals and accompanied by repeated vomiting - with intestinal infections and poisoning.

Particular attention should be paid to nausea associated with a change in taste preferences, as it may indicate malignant neoplasms.

In bowel diseases, one or more of the above signs may be observed, their alternation (for example, in some pathologies constipation alternating with diarrhea), as well as general symptoms: fever, weight loss, insomnia, irritability, in women - menstrual irregularities cycle.

Important: the severity and duration of symptoms depends on their cause, age and general condition of the human body, but if any of them is observed for more than 2-3 days and does not disappear after the normalization of the diet, you should contact as soon as possible to the doctor.

When should you call an ambulance?

Some bowel diseases can pose a serious threat to the health and life of the patient, therefore, require immediate medical attention. It is necessary to call an ambulance in the following cases:

• all signs of intestinal diseases in the complex (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating);
• severe abdominal pain that lasts more than 1-2 hours, interferes with daily activities and is not relieved by pain medications and antispasmodics;
• tension of the abdominal muscles (when touched, it resembles a hard surface);
• repeated vomiting, especially with blood impurities;
• scarlet blood in your stool or rectal bleeding;
• black-colored stools that look like coffee grounds or tar;
• any symptoms of bowel disease that are accompanied by a high fever, confusion or loss of consciousness, severe weakness and pallor.

For children, the elderly and pregnant women, an ambulance should be called even in cases where the threatening signs are expressed not too much - intestinal pathologies in such patients develop rapidly, and can lead to serious consequences.

Attention: in old age, pain in the upper abdomen may not speak of intestinal pathologies, but rather disorders of the heart.

Diagnosis of intestinal diseases

To identify bowel diseases, it is necessary to undergo a series of studies that allow you to assess the anatomical and functional state of the intestine, identify violations and make an accurate diagnosis.

Medical examination and palpation

Diagnosis of intestinal diseases begins with the collection of anamnesis and patient complaints, as well as examination of the skin and palpation of the abdominal cavity. When probing the abdomen, the doctor can determine muscle tension, spasmodic or thickened areas of the intestine, large neoplasms, as well as areas of localization of pain. Inflammation and neoplasms in the anus are detected by digital examination.

Stool tests

Studies of feces makes it possible to check the functional state of the intestine, that is, the ability digest and absorb food, diagnose latent bleeding, helminthiasis (infection of the body parasites). During the analysis, a number of parameters are assessed, including the consistency and appearance of feces, residues undigested food (starch, fats, fiber, etc.), the presence of foreign inclusions, yeast and others pathological elements.

If you suspect dysbiosis and intestinal infections, a bacteriological culture of feces is done, which allows you to identify violations of the intestinal microflora. For these purposes, a smear can be taken from the anus.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy involves examining the intestines using an endoscope - a tube with an optical device at the end that is inserted into the gastrointestinal tract through the esophagus (fibrogastroduodenoscopy) or the rectum (coloposcopy), and displays the image on monitor. This is one of the most effective research methods that allows you to assess the inner surface of the intestine, the mucous membrane, identify neoplasms and take a tissue site for analysis.

Attention: to obtain accurate results of coprogram and endoscopy, you should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations for preparation for the study (diet, taking medications, etc.).

X-ray examination

Bowel X-ray is carried out using a contrast agent (suspension of barium), and makes it possible identify neoplasms, developmental anomalies, ulcerative lesions, polyps, areas of narrowing and obstruction. Depending on which part of the organ needs to be examined, the contrast agent is taken orally or is administered with an enema, and after it enters the desired section of the intestine, an x-ray is performed snapshot.

Bowel ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the intestine is performed quite rarely, since bowel loops are poorly visualized using ultrasound signals, therefore, the technique is used in conjunction with a Doppler to assess blood flow in the abdominal arteries and identify increased lymph nodes.

MRI and CT

Studies that are carried out using computer equipment (CT and MRI) give a clearer picture diseases and pathologies of the intestine than endoscopy or X-ray, and also do not cause discomfort during the procedures. It is usually recommended in the presence of neoplasms (polyps, tumors), inflammatory processes and bleeding in any of the parts of the organ. The disadvantage of these techniques is their high cost.

Capsule endoscopy

An innovative method for examining the intestines, the essence of which is as follows: the patient swallows a small capsule with a built-in video camera. The device moves along the digestive tract, recording all the information on a special medium, and after it leaves the body naturally, the doctor deciphers the data and draws appropriate conclusions about the condition intestines. This procedure is not as widespread as other diagnostic techniques, and is performed only in some medical institutions.

How to recognize bowel disease in time?

In order not to miss the development of intestinal diseases and consult a doctor in a timely manner, you should carefully relate to your health and recognize the slightest signals from the body indicating disruptions in its work:

• observe the nature of the bowel movements - normally the feces should be well formed, brown in color, free of impurities, the smell of rot, etc.;
• after visiting the toilet, examine the paper for traces of blood;
• monitor your own appetite, as well as the sensations that arise in the abdomen after eating.

General symptoms can also indicate problems with the intestines - fatigue, an unexplained fever, weight loss, rashes on the skin of the face. If such signs become constant companions of a person, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and find out the cause of the unpleasant phenomena.

Prevention of bowel diseases

The main measure for the prevention of intestinal diseases is proper nutrition, rich in fiber and nutrients, it is better to limit the use of fatty, fried, salted and smoked foods. Dishes should be warm (not cold or hot), and you need to eat slowly, chewing food well, try not to overeat, but also not to starve for a long time. An important role is played by an active lifestyle, rejection of bad habits and uncontrolled intake of medications - all medications should be taken only after a doctor's prescription, having carefully read the contraindications and side effects effects. After 50 years, when the risk of malignant neoplasms and other bowel diseases increases several times, it is recommended to undergo preventive examinations and proctologist and diagnostic examinations at least twice a year procedures.

With timely diagnosis, proper treatment and adherence to medical recommendations, most intestinal diseases respond well to treatment with simple conservative methods.

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