Enteritis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis with bleeding are common diseases of the intestinal tract.
The intestine is the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus, including the small intestine (small intestine) and the large intestine (colon). This organ is responsible for transporting and digesting food, fighting microorganisms, and controlling the amount of water in the body.
Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary - Pancreatic, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, said that some common conditions and diseases in the intestinal tract include:
Enteritis is an intestinal infection caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Symptoms usually last about 10 days, mainly abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever...
Patients should drink enough water and replenish electrolytes to help control symptoms. Depending on the specific cause and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation.
Constipation is a condition in which the digestive tract cannot excrete feces, caused by a diet lacking in fiber, lack of water, hormonal disorders, side effects of medication or a sedentary lifestyle. Constipation is common in the elderly and children.
To prevent constipation, people should eat a lot of fiber, yogurt containing probiotics, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. When the patient has severe constipation, the doctor will prescribe laxatives and fiber supplements to help improve symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur simultaneously and recur repeatedly, changing intestinal motility, causing diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, and irregular bowel movements.
This syndrome is common in women, has no clear cause, and is not accompanied by any signs of intestinal damage. Prolonged stress and anxiety can increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome. Building a balanced lifestyle, increasing physical activity and living a moderate life can help prevent the disease.
Doctor Vu Truong Khanh examines a patient at Tam Anh General Hospital in December 2023. Illustration photo: Provided by the hospital
Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms of abdominal pain, bloody and mucous stools. This disease is directly related to the immune system, when the body causes damage to the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon.
After medical treatment as prescribed by a doctor is not effective, the patient may undergo surgery.
Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, classified as a chronic inflammatory bowel disease along with ulcerative colitis. Inflammation of the bowel can occur anywhere in the digestive tract but mainly affects the end of the small intestine and the site of its connection to the large intestine.
The damage caused by Crohn's disease can go deep, spreading into the muscle layer or all the layers of the intestinal wall. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loose stools mixed with blood, fever...
Doctors often prescribe immunosuppressants or corticosteroids in the acute phase, apply biological therapy or surgery for patients.
Colorectal cancer is quite common, a common malignancy in people over 50 years old, can occur anywhere in the colon and rectum. Factors that increase the risk of the disease include obesity, being overweight, drinking alcohol and smoking regularly, lack of exercise, eating a lot of red meat, meat containing preservatives.
Depending on the size, location of the tumor and stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment method, the most common of which is surgery.
Malignant tumors occur in the colon and rectum causing cancer. Illustration: Freepik
Dr. Khanh recommends that patients proactively prevent intestinal diseases early to avoid affecting their health. Important measures include eating foods rich in fiber, supplementing enough protein (from fish), fat, and starch in the daily menu, not eating too much red meat, spicy foods, and greasy foods... In addition, drinking plenty of water, sleeping on time, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a relaxed and comfortable mood, and quitting smoking are also helpful.
Some serious cases can develop into many dangerous complications later. Dr. Khanh recommends that people with intestinal abnormalities should proactively monitor and have regular check-ups.
Le Thuy
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