Intestinal atony: what is it and how to treat pathology

Intestinal atony is a condition associated with decreased motility (contractility) of muscles. As a result, digestion and the advancement of the food bolus are significantly slowed down, and subsequently - the feces. Against this background, concomitant diseases develop - inflammation of individual areas or the entire intestine. Atony can develop as an independent disease. But more often it appears against the background of others - chronic pathologies of the digestive, endocrine system, diseases of the nervous system, etc.

Intestine structure

The intestine is an organ in the form of a hollow tube, the length of which reaches several meters. It consists of departments of different lengths. Each part of the intestine has its own process:

• in the duodenum, food is broken down with the help of enzymes;
  

  Duodenum

• in the longest - small intestine, the main process of digestion takes place - the absorption of most nutrients;
  

  Small intestine

• water, electrolytes, some vitamins are absorbed in the large intestine, denser feces are formed;
  

  Colon

• the rectum is the final section, its function is the formation and excretion of feces.
  

  Rectum

The intestines are lined with smooth muscles throughout. They contract periodically (15-18 times per minute), which ensures the movement of the food lump. If the frequency of contractions decreases, we can talk about the presence of intestinal atony in a person.

Causes

This condition is often diagnosed in urban dwellers, especially in office workers. Residents of rural areas are practically not susceptible to this ailment, since there is a lot of fiber in their diet. But in some cases, intestinal atony appears in them - mainly in the presence of a hereditary predisposition.

The main causes of atony are:

• too high-calorie food, in which there is practically no fiber. Baking, sweets, semi-finished sausage products, fast food - far from the entire list of products, the regular use of which entails a decrease in peristalsis;
  

  Fast food harms normal bowel function

• replacing a full meal with constant snacks. Because of this, a food lump of sufficient volume does not form in the intestine;
• constant stress. The work of the nervous system is disrupted, spasms and muscle clamps appear;
  

  Stress is one of the factors in the malfunction of digestion

• sedentary lifestyle, decreased muscle tone;
• taking certain medications, especially pain relievers and antispasmodics, which reduce the frequency of muscle contractions. Also, atony can be the result of prolonged use of laxatives against the background of existing gastrointestinal diseases or inaccuracies in nutrition;
  

  Some drugs can cause atony

• alcohol abuse, taking drugs reduce the conduction of nerve impulses and the contractility of muscle tissue;
• helminthic invasions. Parasites release toxins that reduce motor skills. This helps the helminths to gain a foothold on the surface of the mucous membrane;
  

  Worms slow down intestinal motility

• age. In older people, a decrease in peristalsis develops against the background of a decrease in physical activity, as well as a slowdown in all processes in the body;
• postoperative condition - a temporary condition that develops after surgical operations on the organs of the digestive tract and abdominal cavity;
  

  After the operation, intestinal disruptions are possible.

• atherosclerosis of blood vessels, including those located in the intestines;
• tumors in the intestines. Cancer cells release toxins that slow down the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, the process of absorption of nutrients is disrupted and the intestinal lumen decreases;
  

  Tumors shrink the intestinal lumen and interfere with normal bowel function

• existing inflammatory bowel disease, insufficient production of digestive enzymes.

Important! The more factors are simultaneously present in a person's life, the more likely it is that motor skills will slow down and digestive problems appear.

Symptoms

Many patients mistake the first manifestations of the disease for a slight indigestion or exacerbation of a chronic gastrointestinal disease. Therefore, they rarely go to the doctor, which complicates the subsequent treatment.

Signs of intestinal atony

1. The so-called atonic constipation is stool retention for 48 hours or more. With frequent constipation, dense fecal stones form in the intestines. They are a source of toxins. And when leaving (for example, after an enema or taking laxatives), they often lead to damage to the rectum.
2. Increased flatulence, distention in the abdomen. They are caused by fermentation of food that stagnates for too long in the upper intestines.
   

   Gas formation occurs due to the remains of undigested food

3. Pain syndrome. It is mild, sometimes the patient is worried about aching pain associated with intestinal overflow. The pain decreases or disappears completely after a bowel movement.
4. Lack of appetite.
   

   Appetite for atony is often absent

5. Nausea.
6. Difficulty emptying the intestines, which is accompanied by pain, a feeling of bloating.
   

   Bowel movements are often painful

7. Weakness, frequent dizziness. They arise from constant intoxication, as well as anemia caused by impaired absorption of iron.
8. With prolonged (more than 3 days) constipation, the temperature and blood pressure may rise, and intestinal inflammation develops.
   

   Due to the intoxication of the body with feces that cannot escape, the temperature rises

Due to the accumulation of toxins in a patient with atony, a rash on the skin, foci of irritation may appear. In some, the secretion of the sebaceous glands increases, acne appears. This happens because the skin takes over the excretory function and tries to remove harmful substances through the pores. Also, a person with prolonged constipation develops an unpleasant body odor and sweat - even if he regularly takes a shower.

Diagnostics

If symptoms of digestive disorders appear, you should seek advice from a gastroenterologist. Since chronic constipation often provokes diseases of the rectum, consultation and examination with a proctologist may be required.

The diagnosis of "intestinal atony" is made on the basis of interviewing the patient, examination and some research. A number of tests help assess the degree of damage and the possibility of complete recovery. Their implementation will allow the doctor to develop the most effective treatment tactics.

Basic research

1. Analysis of feces for dysbiosis and coprogram.
   

   Coprogram

2. A blood test to diagnose the hepatobiliary system (the state and functioning of the liver and gallbladder).
3. Examination in order to identify possible helminthic invasions (analyzes of feces for eggs of parasites and blood - for antibodies to them).
   

   It is necessary to identify if there are worms in the body

4. A blood test for thyroid hormones will help assess the condition of the thyroid gland. Often it is the problems in her work that lead to a decrease in the tone of the intestinal muscles.
5. Colonoscopy is an endoscopic method that allows you to assess the condition of the intestinal mucosa, exclude ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and other more serious pathologies. As part of this procedure, a biopsy of the intestinal mucosa is performed.
   

   Colonoscopy

6. Irrigoscopy - X-ray examination of the large intestine using a contrast agent. Helps to identify tumors, scars, ulcers and other damage that can affect the functioning of the digestive system.
7. Contrast X-ray gives a clear picture of the condition of the small intestine. It helps to identify possible neoplasms, ulcers, erosion, foci of inflammation.
   

   A contrast agent is used for X-ray

In the absence of organic pathology, the gastroenterologist may recommend that the patient consult with a neurologist or a psychologist, since intestinal atony is often caused by psychological problems, stress, anxiety and nervous exhaustion.

Treatment

The duration of treatment depends on how much the process is running. In the early stages, it is possible to restore the tone of the intestinal muscles rather quickly. For those who postponed a visit to the doctor for several years, it will take months to recover.

The nature of therapy and the number of medications depends on the reasons that led to the atony. But in any case, the basis of quality treatment is dietary nutrition.

Diet for intestinal atony

With this disease, the patient is prescribed a dietary table number 3 - as with other chronic intestinal pathologies. Its purpose is to mechanically stimulate motor skills through the consumption of large amounts of coarse food and fiber. You need to eat several times a day - at least three. The ideal option is 4-5 meals with a compulsory breakfast.

Important! The first meal within 60-90 minutes after waking up triggers the digestive tract. People who do not eat breakfast are more likely to experience intestinal atony.

Long periods of fasting should be avoided, as well as fast carbohydrate snacks. When choosing between a fruit, a handful of nuts, a cookie, or a candy bar, you should choose the first two options.

Be sure to drink a glass of water or freshly squeezed juice before breakfast. Beetroot is especially useful: it has anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, enhances peristalsis.

Exclude from the diet: sour vegetables and fruits, spices, smoked meats, too fatty foods, fried foods, pastries, sweets, alcohol, coffee. Rice, pasta, bread and eggs, sour berries and sauces, foods containing starch are also prohibited. Anything that can cause fermentation is also excluded.

Add to the diet: vegetable soups and salads, crumbly cereals, dairy products, seafood and low-fat fish, vegetable oils (add to salads and cereals), fresh, baked and dried fruits. Bran steamed for 15-20 minutes with boiling water can be added to ready-made meals (soups, cereals, vegetable purees, fermented baked milk and yoghurts). In addition, they will speed up satiety, help reduce food intake and reduce weight.

You must drink enough water. Tea, juices do not count: every day you need to drink several glasses of clean drinking water.

Medication

A number of medications are used to treat intestinal atony. Most are aimed at eliminating the causes and consequences of the disease.

The main groups of medicines

1. Prokinetics - stimulate peristalsis: Motilium, Amiridin, Metoclopramide, Proserin, Trimedat, distigmine bromide. Many drugs of this group require constant medical supervision during the course of admission, therefore they are used in a hospital setting.
   

   "Motilium"

2. Choleretic. Their reception is required if not enough bile enters the intestine during digestion, which has a stimulating effect on motor skills: "Allochol", "Cholenzym", "Holosas". Herbal preparations are gentle, but effective.
   

   "Allohol"

3. Laxatives - make it easier and easier to have regular bowel movements.
   

   "Duphalac" - mild laxative

4. Digestive enzymes normalize the digestion process and compensate for the lack of their own enzymes: "Pancreatin".
   

   "Pancreatin"

5. Probiotics normalize the composition of the intestinal microflora. They contain live cultures of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli (Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, Linex). Along with them, prebiotics are often prescribed, which allow you to create an environment in the intestines that is optimal for the reproduction of beneficial bacteria.
   

   "Bifiform"

6. Drugs to reduce the manifestations of flatulence (do not cure, only remove symptoms): "Espumisan".
   

   Espumisan helps eliminate bloating

Laxatives deserve special attention. Most are sold over the counter without a prescription, so people often abuse them and harm their own health. If the correction of the diet did not help to normalize the stool, or the changes in the diet did not have time to have the desired effect, the doctor temporarily prescribes laxatives. But only those that are really suitable for a particular patient.

Table. Laxatives

Group	Action	Drugs
Osmotic	They enhance the flow of fluid to the intestines, accumulate fluid, and liquefy feces. The action is gentle, not accompanied by pain and spasms. Disadvantage: they do not act immediately - the effect occurs after a few hours or even days.	● "Lactulose"; ● "Duphalac"; ● “Normolact; ● Fortrans.
Increasing the volume of feces	Natural laxatives that you can use on a regular basis. Most are not medicines, but doctors recommend using them in a certain dosage during the course of treatment. During digestion, they increase in volume, increase the pressure on the intestinal walls, thereby stimulating muscle contraction. They do not cause addiction and side reactions - except in cases of individual intolerance.	● bran; ● polycarbophil calcium; ● plantain seeds; ● seaweed; ● "Mucofalk".
Secretory	They reduce the volume of liquid absorbed in the intestine, keep the stools soft, and liquefy them. Disadvantages: Cause painful cramps, lead to electrolyte imbalance.	● castor oil; ● preparations based on senna herb ("Senade"); ● "Bisacodyl"; ● "Regulax".
Softening and improving the excretion of feces	They play the role of a lubricant: they enhance and accelerate the "sliding" of feces through the intestines.	Vegetable oils, liquid paraffin.

Folk remedies for intestinal atony

Traditional medicine offers dozens of ways to improve intestinal motility, normalize stool.

Calamus and rhubarb tincture

Effective and fast-acting remedy. For cooking, you need gentian, calamus and rhubarb root in equal proportions. The mixture must be poured with 70-degree alcohol (for 1 part of plant materials - 10 parts of alcohol). Insist for two weeks in a dark place, then drink a teaspoon twice a day before meals.

Aloe and honey

Delicious and effective way. Peel and chop a few leaves, mix with honey heated to 40 degrees. Let it brew for a day. Then take a tablespoon half an hour before breakfast.

Important! The product itself is stored in the refrigerator. But to enhance the effect, a single serving must be warmed up before use.

Oregano tea

Herbal teas help to reduce the manifestations of flatulence, as well as calm the nerves, and help to tolerate stress more easily. Pour a tablespoon of dried oregano with a glass of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes. Drink a glass in the morning on an empty stomach, and also in the evening shortly before bedtime.

Mint milk

This remedy eliminates spasms, gently stimulates motor skills, and has a mild sedative effect. Heat a glass of milk, add half a teaspoon of mint leaf juice and the same amount of honey. You need to take half a glass 3 times a day before meals for two weeks. If you are lactose intolerant, milk can be replaced with warm water.

Rowan tincture

Cover the berries of a red-fruited mountain ash with sugar, stand for at least 4 weeks in a well-lit room. Then squeeze out the syrup, add a little alcohol (for half a liter of syrup - no more than 25 ml). You can store the ready-made mixture in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Drink a small glass in the morning on an empty stomach.

Important! This method is undesirable for the treatment of atony in children, patients with heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as those who have previously had problems with alcohol.

Vegetable oil

A gentle remedy that will help eliminate constipation and normalize bowel function. It is enough to drink 1 tablespoon of oil in the morning on an empty stomach. In the presence of an inflammatory process in the intestines or stomach, sea buckthorn can be used for this purpose.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of atony, you must adhere to a healthy lifestyle and diet. To do this, it is necessary to limit the consumption of refined and processed food, convenience foods, baked goods and alcohol. To improve motor skills, it is worth adding fruits and vegetables, cereals and other fiber-rich foods to the diet. You should not give up fatty foods, but they should be consumed in moderation. One and a half to two liters of drinking water will help soften stool and prevent constipation.

Another condition for prevention is physical activity. If there is no time or opportunity to go in for sports, you should at least walk more in the fresh air. An hour of walking will be enough. If there is a tendency to delayed peristalsis, it is important to perform at least a minimal set of gymnastic exercises. Those that engage the abdominal muscles are especially helpful.

Healthy sleep and the absence of constant stress are other conditions that will help to avoid an atonic state of the intestine.

Remember that atony is a reversible condition: the work of intestinal smooth muscles can be restored if the process is not allowed to take its course.

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