Irritable bowel, whose medical name is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, is a chronic disorder whose main characteristic is abdominal pain and the changes it causes in the intestine, which is the tubular visceral part of the digestive system that runs through the whole stomach to the anus. It is divided between the small intestine and the large intestine, in the latter is the colon, a structure located between the rectum and the ileum.
It should be borne in mind that this alteration is different from inflammatory bowel disease, known as IBD, in which in the former there is a sensation of abdominal distension without causing an alteration in intestinal metabolism or morphology. If you want to know more about this pathology, at FastlyHealwe provide you with all the information about colon inflammation: symptoms and treatment .
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Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
The reasons for colon inflammation are not entirely clear. Sometimes this disorder appears after an intestinal infection , which is why it is known as postinfectious irritable bowel; However, there are other factors, stress, for example, that can cause this pathology.
As the intestine is connected to the brain through hormonal and nerve signals that go back and forth between the two organs, these indications affect the normal functioning of the intestine, which can cause different symptoms. This can be seen during times when nerves become more present from stress , causing the intestines to become more sensitive and compress or contract.
Inflammation of the colon can appear at any age, but generally begins during adolescence or early adulthood, and is much more common in women than in men.
Colon inflammation: symptoms
The severity of the symptoms varies according to each person, although generally the symptoms are mild. It can be said that a person suffers from irritable bowel syndrome when symptoms are present for 3 months or more , at least 3 days out of every month.
The most characteristic symptoms of this disorder include:
- Abdominal pain
- Gases
- Feeling of fullness
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Alterations in bowel habits
It is common for many of these symptoms, such as stomach discomfort, to disappear after a bowel movement. Symptoms can be aggravated if the frequency of bowel movements changes.
Patients with this inflammation may suffer from constipation or diarrhea and alternate between the two. Loss of appetite can also be part of the general picture, but bloody stools or involuntary weight loss is not common in this disorder, so it is important that you always visit a doctor and describe all your symptoms.
Treatment for colon inflammation
The goal of treatment is exclusively to relieve symptoms, as this disease is usually a chronic condition. In some patients with this disorder, there are lifestyle changes that can significantly help reduce symptoms, for example, regular exercise and improving sleep habits to reduce anxiety and stress . In the following FastlyHealarticle we give you some tips to reduce stress .
On the other hand, changing the diet can also be favorable. Although there is no specific diet that can be recommended for colon inflammation, since this diet differs from one person to another and requires individualized personal advice, you can avoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines to reduce or maintain low control symptoms. These foods that should be avoided are saturated fats, carbonated drinks, alcohol and other harmful habits such as tobacco, while fiber should gain prominence in the diet. In the same way, you have to change the way you eat, big binges or eating too fast, very common in cases of stress, are one of the great causes of indigestion.. That is why it is recommended to eat in small portions and slowly.
Likewise, there are numerous over-the-counter medications, although it is essential that you consult a specialist before ingesting. Otherwise, it could be counterproductive or not fight the symptoms of colon inflammation.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Inflammation of the colon: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Digestive system .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.