Causes of digestive diseases. Symptoms of diseases of the digestive system. What treatment is needed for acute pancreatitis?

Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, which occurs with a change in its structure and disruption of the functions of the stomach.

There are two types of gastritis:

Acute gastritis;

Chronic gastritis.

Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis is an acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by a single exposure to strong irritants.

Depending on the depth and severity of damage to the stomach, three forms of acute gastritis are distinguished:

Simple (catarrhal) gastritis;

Toxic-chemical (corrosive) gastritis;

Phlegmonous (purulent) gastritis.

Complications: bleeding in the area of ​​erosions, impaired evacuation of gastric contents, dehydration, liver abscess, peritonitis, sepsis.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of acute gastritis;

Other bacterial infections (H. heilmanii, streptococci, staphylococci, Proteus species, Clostridium species, Escherichia coli);

Cytomegalovirus infection;

Fungal infection: candidiasis, histoplasmosis, phycomycosis;

Exposure to drugs and other chemicals: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen), antibiotics, sulfonamides, glucocorticoid hormones (prednisolone, metypred);

Alcohol abuse;

Acute stress;

Food allergies;

Food poisoning;

Consumption (accidentally or intentionally) of acids, alkalis and other toxic substances;

Bile reflux from the duodenum into the stomach;

Acute gastritis is indicated by severe burning pain in the stomach, belching, heaviness in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and dizziness. Some patients vomit brown or bloody contents.

Acute gastritis is treated by a gastroenterologist.

General examination of the patient:

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

General urine analysis;

Coprogram;

Instrumental diagnostics:

Endoscopy and histological examination of biopsy samples obtained during endoscopy;

X-ray of the stomach with barium suspension;

Computed tomography and plain radiography of the abdominal organs;

Basics. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused acute gastritis: tobacco, alcohol, irritating drugs. For acute gastritis of a specific etiology, appropriate treatment is carried out - anti-Helicobacter, antifungal, anti-tuberculosis therapy.

In the first 12-24 hours, fasting is indicated, then a gentle diet is prescribed. In case of food or chemical poisoning, gastric lavage is performed.

Treatment of acute phlegmonous gastritis is carried out surgically: in this case, gastrotomy, gastrectomy or gastrectomy may be indicated.

Additional. Helps alleviate acute gastritis and accelerate the disease:

Enterosorbents: hydrolytic lignin, activated carbon, etc.;

Antispasmodics for severe pain;

Antibiotics;

H2-histamine receptor blockers - to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid;

Antacids;

Gastroprotectors.

What can you do?

Diet. After the condition improves, you must adhere to a special gentle diet for at least 3 months. Food should be consumed boiled or steamed.

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a long-term, recurrent inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, which occurs with a change in its structure and disruption of the functions of the stomach.

Chronic gastritis is divided into types:

With high acidity;

With low acidity;

With normal acidity.

Depending on the type of irritants that cause the disease, there are several types of chronic gastritis:

type A (autoimmune) – fundic gastritis. The inflammation is caused by an autoimmune reaction to antibodies to stomach cells;

type B (bacterial) – antral gastritis. The inflammation is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. This type of gastritis accounts for up to 90% of all cases of chronic gastritis;

type C (chemical) - develops as a result of the reflux of bile and lysolecithin into the stomach during duodenogastric reflux or as a result of taking certain classes of drugs.

Complications: gastritis damages the gastric mucosa, which, if not properly treated, can lead to peptic ulcers, bleeding, and even degeneration of the disease into stomach cancer. With gastritis with low acidity, the absorption of vitamin B12 is impaired, which leads to the development of B12-dependent anemia. Dangerous complications include peptic ulcer and gastric adenocarcinoma.

Risk factors leading to the development of acute gastritis:

Dietary disorders;

Smoking and alcoholism;

Long-term use of medications;

Chronic stress;

Duodenogastric reflux;

Chronic infectious diseases;

Metabolic disorders.

What symptoms indicate acute gastritis?

The presence of chronic gastritis can be indicated by heaviness and a feeling of pressure, fullness in the epigastric region that appears or worsens during meals or shortly after eating, belching, nausea, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, heartburn, bloating and upset stool.

Which specialist should I contact?

If you experience symptoms of chronic gastritis, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

palpation in the epigastric region.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Determination of the levels of pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II and their ratio in blood serum;

Determination of gastrin level in blood serum;

Determination of vitamin B12 level in blood serum;

General urine analysis;

Fecal occult blood test;

Determination of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori;

Bacteriological culture of stool.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with targeted biopsy;

Ultrasound of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas;

Intragastric pH-metry;

Electrogastroenterography;

Breath test for Heliobacter;

Manometry of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

What treatment is necessary for acute gastritis?

Basics. In the treatment of chronic gastritis the following is used:

Antacids to relieve heartburn;

Antiulcer drugs;

Antibacterial drugs.

Additional. Preparations to protect the gastric mucosa, enzyme preparations, antibiotics.

Physiotherapy: balneotherapy: galvanization of the stomach area, electrophoresis of medicinal substances (platiphylline, papaverine), ultraviolet irradiation, SMT therapy, EHF therapy.

Spa treatment: Borjomi, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Arsan-Kapal, Arzni, Archman, Ayak-Kalkan, Berezovsky mineral waters, Birshtonas, Goryachy Klyuch, Goryachinsk, Darasun, Jabal-Abad, Jermuk, Druskininkai, Java, Izhevsk mineral waters, Isti-Su, Issyk-Ata, Kashin, Kislovodsk, Krainka, Krasnousolsk, Lipetsk, Mardakan, Medvezhya, Morshin, Mirgorod, Nalchik, Odessa, Polyana, Pyatigorsk, Sernovodsk-Caucasian, Staraya Russa, Sairme, Talaya, Truskavets, Tashkent Mineral Waters, Ust-Kachka , Uchum, Feodosia, Khilovo, Chartak, Yumatovo, Shivanda, Shira, Shambary, Shmakovka, Yamarovka, Anapa, Birshtonas, Evpatoria, Yeisk, Karachi, Kemeri, Kuyalnik, Liepaja, Moltaevo, Muyaldy, Naftalan, Pärnu, Sadgorod, Saki, Slavyansk .

What can you do?

Diet. For successful treatment of chronic gastritis, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet for the entire period.

The main portion of the diet should be foods that are weak secretion stimulants: cottage cheese, milk, omelet, boiled lean meat and fish, mashed potatoes, mashed soups, semolina and rice porridge, sweet fruit puree, dried bread, still alkaline water.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that contribute to mechanical irritation of the gastric mucosa: foods rich in coarse plant fiber (radish, turnip, beans, unripe fruits, gooseberries, grapes, raisins, currants, dates, wholemeal bread), as well as cartilage and stringy meat.

For gastritis with high acidity, exclude acidic foods from your diet: kefir, cranberries, citrus fruits, sauerkraut. For gastritis with low acidity, on the contrary, it is worth including these products in the diet.

Too hot and cold food irritates the stomach. Avoid drinking ice cream, iced drinks, very hot drinks and soups.

Small meals are recommended, 5–6 times a day, since a large volume of food administered at one meal contributes to mechanical irritation of the gastric mucosa. It is necessary to develop and strictly observe a diet - you need to eat at certain hours.

Physical activity. Active physical exercise increases the production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes. On the other hand, when performing certain physical exercises (general developmental and breathing exercises, relaxation exercises) at a slow pace, with monotonous movements, the increased secretory activity of the stomach decreases. At the same time, try not to involve the abdominal muscles.

It is useful to massage the abdomen: circular strokes in a clockwise direction.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

With pancreatitis, enzymes secreted by the pancreas cannot enter the duodenum and begin the digestion process in the pancreas itself.

According to the nature of the flow, they are distinguished:

Acute pancreatitis,

Acute recurrent pancreatitis,

Chronic pancreatitis,

Exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Based on the nature of the damage to the gland, the following forms of pancreatitis are distinguished:

Edematous form – without the formation of islands of necrosis;

Destructive form – with areas of pancreatic tissue necrosis:

– small focal pancreatic necrosis;

– medium-focal pancreatic necrosis;

– large-focal pancreatic necrosis;

– total-subtotal pancreatic necrosis.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a rapidly developing inflammation of the pancreas.

There are two stages of acute pancreatitis:

Mild acute pancreatitis, occurring with minimal organ dysfunction and rapid recovery.

Severe (destructive) acute pancreatitis, occurring with impaired organ function and local complications (acute fluid accumulations, pancreatic necrosis, acute false cyst, pancreatic abscess).

Complications: intestinal obstruction, bleeding, peritonitis, septic shock.

Risk factors leading to the development of pancreatitis:

Alcohol abuse – 50% of cases;

Gallstone disease – 20% of cases;

Abdominal injury;

Long-term use of certain medications;

Diseases of the duodenum;

Infectious diseases;

Heredity;

Prolonged contact with insecticides and chemical fertilizers.

What symptoms indicate acute pancreatitis?

Clear signs of acute pancreatitis are severe, increasing pain in the epigastric region, frequent painful vomiting, diarrhea and bloating. The pain decreases when lying on the stomach. Bluish spots may appear on the left side wall of the abdomen, sometimes with a yellowish tint.

Which specialist should I contact?

It is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. But if you experience severe pain and uncontrollable vomiting, you should contact an emergency medical service.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the abdomen;

Blood pressure measurement;

Listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope;

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Determination of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Gastroscopy;

Radiography;

Computed or magnetic resonance imaging;

Electrocardiography;

Angiography of the pancreas;

CT-guided puncture biopsy;

Laparoscopic examination.

What treatment is needed for acute pancreatitis?

General. Fasting for 2-4 days is a mandatory recommendation for acute pancreatitis. Cold on the stomach is indicated. In some cases, a nasogastric tube is installed to remove gastric contents. Drug treatment of acute pancreatitis includes:

Antispasmodics for pain relief;

Drugs that reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymes;

Plasmapheresis for detoxification of the body;

Antibiotics.

In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary:

Installation of drainages and peritoneal lavage dialysis - allows you to quickly remove toxins and thereby reduce the toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and other organs and tissues;

Pancreatic resection;

Lawson's operation.

Additional. If symptoms are present, antiemetic drugs are prescribed; if hemoglobin levels drop, a blood transfusion is required.

Physiotherapy: electrophoresis of novocaine, papaverine or drotaverine on the area of ​​projection of the pancreas, diadynamic currents on the area of ​​the left hypochondrium, ultrasonic influence on the pancreas, low-frequency alternating magnetic field, mud therapy, balneotherapy: drinking warm sodium bicarbonate waters.

What can you do?

It is important to understand that acute pancreatitis is prone to relapses, and further exacerbations will further destroy the pancreas, an irreplaceable organ in our body. Therefore, the rehabilitation period is very important. Do not violate doctor's orders!

Diet. For 2–3 months, you must adhere to a diet high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates. Steamed and boiled food is recommended. The food temperature should not be too hot or cold. It is better to avoid products containing a rough texture. It is recommended to consume the products pureed.

Meals should be 5-6 times a day in small portions. Develop a diet - meals should be at the same time every day.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a constant inflammation of the pancreas, leading to changes in its structure.

Chronic pancreatitis is divided into:

Primary – an independent disease;

Post-traumatic, arising from trauma;

Secondary, which is a complication of another disease.

Based on the nature of changes in the pancreas, there are three main types of chronic pancreatitis:

Chronic calcific pancreatitis - with the formation of plugs rich in protein and calcium;

Chronic obstructive pancreatitis;

Chronic parenchymal-fibrous (inflammatory) pancreatitis.

Complications: subhepatic jaundice, erosive esophagitis, chronic duodenal obstruction, pancreatic ascites, pancreatic cancer, peritonitis, sepsis.

Risk factors leading to the development of chronic pancreatitis:

Alcohol abuse;

Cholelithiasis;

Cirrhosis of the liver;

Abuse of fatty, fried foods;

Viral diseases;

Endoscopic operations;

Abdominal injuries;

Long-term use of certain types of medications;

Smoking.

What symptoms indicate chronic pancreatitis?

The most common signs of chronic pancreatitis are periodic attacks of pain in the epigastric region or left hypochondrium and weight loss. Sometimes the pain radiates to the back. Most often, pain occurs after a heavy meal.

In chronic pancreatitis, so-called “bloody tears” often form under the skin of the abdomen - convex formations with a diameter of 1-3 mm of a purple color.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats chronic pancreatitis.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the abdomen;

Examination of the tongue and skin.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Coprogram;

Secretin-pancreozymin test;

LUNDT test;

Bentyramine test;

Fecal elastase-1 test;

Glucose tolerance test.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;

X-ray of the abdominal organs;

Gastroscopy;

C-breathing tests;

Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas;

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography;

Endoscopic ultrasonography;

Angiography of the pancreas.

What treatment is needed for chronic pancreatitis?

Basics. Treatment of chronic pancreatitis depends on the phase of the disease.

For exacerbations of pancreatitis, the following is prescribed:

Antispasmodics for pain relief;

Close-focus radiation therapy – for persistent pain syndrome;

Antacids;

Antisecretory drugs;

Enzyme preparations;

Antibiotics;

Psychotropic drugs – in case of neuropsychic disorders.

During the silent period of the disease, the following is used:

Enzyme preparations;

Antisecretory drugs;

Insulin therapy – for endocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

When the patient's condition worsens in severe cases of chronic pancreatitis, the need for surgical treatment arises. Indications for the operation are:

Forming pseudocyst;

Obstruction of the pancreatic duct;

Doubts about the correctness of the diagnosis - to exclude pancreatic cancer;

Pancreatic fistula;

Severe pain that cannot be eliminated even with narcotic analgesics.

Physiotherapy: electrophoresis with novocaine, ultrasound therapy, SMT therapy, diadynamic currents on the left hypochondrium, balneotherapy: drinking warm calcium bicarbonate and magnesium waters, carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, radon, pine baths, mud applications, galvanic mud procedures.

Spa treatment: Essentuki, Borjomi, Zheleznovodsk, Truskavets, Narzan, Dzhemruk, Karmadon, Morshin, Pyatigorsk, sanatoriums in Belarus.

What can you do?

When diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, successful treatment requires changes in lifestyle: giving up alcohol and smoking, following a diet, and regularly taking prescribed medications.

Diet. The diet should be rich in foods containing a lot of protein. The amount of fat and carbohydrates should be reduced.

Meals should be 5-6 times a day in small portions. Develop a food routine - eat at the same time every day. The calorie content of the diet should not exceed 3,000 kcal.

Physical activity. Take walks daily. In the morning, it is useful to bend and twist your torso to improve blood circulation in the pancreas area.

Breathing exercises are also useful:

Exhale, hold your breath. Gently, pull your stomach in for three seconds. Inhale and relax your abdominal muscles.

Lying on your back, slowly inhale air through your nose, sticking out your stomach. Hold your breath for three seconds. Then relax your abdominal muscles.

Duodenitis

Duodenitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the duodenum.

Duodenitis has the following classification:

Acute duodenitis:

– acute catarrhal duodenitis;

– acute erosive-ulcerative duodenitis;

– acute phlegmonous duodenitis.

Chronic duodenitis:

– primary chronic duodenitis;

– secondary chronic duodenitis.

According to the location of the lesion, they are distinguished:

Chronic duodenitis, mainly bulbitis, of acidopeptic origin;

Chronic duodenitis, combined with atrophic gastritis or enteritis;

Chronic duodenitis that developed against the background of duodenostasis;

Local duodenitis – papillitis, peripapillary diverticulitis.

According to the endoscopic picture there are:

Superficial chronic duodenitis;

Atrophic chronic duodenitis;

Interstitial chronic duodenitis;

Erosive-ulcerative chronic duodenitis.

Complications: duodenal hormonal insufficiency, intestinal bleeding, perforation of the intestinal wall, acute pancreatitis.

Risk factors leading to the development of duodenitis:

Irregular meals;

Spicy, fried, sour and too hot food;

Abuse of alcohol and coffee;

Food allergies;

Food poisoning;

Stress, diseases of the nervous system;

Helicobacter Pylori infection;

Diseases of the digestive system;

Toxic effects.

What symptoms indicate duodenitis?

In acute duodenitis, diffuse pain appears in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and pain when pressing on the abdomen. Characterized by general weakness, fatigue, and increased body temperature.

Chronic duodenitis is manifested by nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching with a sour aftertaste, constipation, and fatigue. With chronic duodenitis, the pain becomes dull, aching in the right hypochondrium. A decrease in pain occurs when turning on the left side, in the knee-elbow position, or in the squatting position.

In women, children under 12 years of age and men over 45 years of age, chronic duodenitis can occur without pain or with mild symptoms.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats acute duodenitis.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation in the epigastric region.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

General urine analysis;

Fecal occult blood test;

Coprogram;

Bacteriological culture of stool.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Ultrasonography;

X-ray of the stomach and duodenum;

Fibrogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy;

pH-metry;

Antroduodenal manometry - study of pressure in the stomach, duodenum and jejunum;

Impedance measurement of the esophagus;

Breath test for Helicobacter.

What treatment is necessary for duodenitis?

Basics. Treatment depends on the form of the disease.

Acute duodenitis. For catarrhal and erosive-ulcerative duodenitis, fasting and bed rest are prescribed for 1–2 days, the stomach is washed with a solution of potassium permanganate, and antacids and antispasmodics are used.

For phlegmonous duodenitis, treatment is carried out with antibiotics and surgical methods.

Chronic duodenitis:

Antibiotics – for Helicobacter pylori infection;

Drugs that reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid;

Antacids;

Enveloping drugs;

Enzyme preparations;

Choleretic drugs;

Duodenal intubation with duodenal lavage.

Surgical treatment is prescribed only in severe cases.

Physiotherapy: electrophoresis of novocaine and platiphylline, SMT therapy, paraffin baths, diathermy, pine, oxygen and pearl baths, drinking sodium bicarbonate mineral waters.

Spa treatment: Dorokhovo, Druskininkai, Borjomi, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Jermuk, Izhevsk Mineral Waters, Kashin, Kislovodsk, Krasnousolsk, Lipetsk, Morshin, Nalchik, Odessa, Pyatigorsk, Sernovodsk-Caucasian, Staraya Russa, Truskavets, Anapa, Evpatoria, Kuyalnik, Saki.

What can you do?

Physical activity. For duodenitis, moderate physical activity is recommended - walking, swimming.

Outside of exacerbations, do morning exercises at a slow pace. Include abdominal exercises and breathing exercises.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic disease, the leading manifestation of which is the formation of ulcers in the stomach and/or duodenum.

Peptic ulcer disease can be acute or chronic.

There are several stages of peptic ulcer disease:

Fresh ulcer;

Beginning of epithelization of the ulcerative defect;

Healing of an ulcerative defect of the mucous membrane with preserved duodenitis;

Clinical and endoscopic remission.

There is the following classification of peptic ulcer:

Stomach ulcer;

Duodenal ulcer;

Peptic ulcer of unspecified etiology;

Peptic gastrojunal ulcer after gastric resection.

Complications: bleeding, perforation of the ulcer, stenosis of the gastric outlet, peritonitis, development of the ulcer into a malignant neoplasm.

Risk factors leading to the development of peptic ulcer:

Helicobacter pylory infection;

Frequent stress, depression;

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;

Irregular diet and eating habits;

Abuse of spicy and fried foods;

Gastritis with increased secretion;

Diabetes;

Smoking;

Alcohol abuse;

Heredity.

What symptoms indicate a peptic ulcer?

Peptic ulcer disease is manifested by severe pain in the upper abdomen, occurring 3-4 hours after eating. The pain can radiate under the shoulder blade, in the lower back, or chest. Pain also often occurs on an empty stomach and at night. Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by heartburn, sour belching, vomiting without previous nausea, frequent constipation, and changes in appetite.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats peptic ulcers.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the abdomen.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Coprogram;

Fecal occult blood test;

Blood chemistry;

PCR diagnostics of Helicobacter.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Breath test for Helicobacter;

Daily pH-metry;

Endoscopic examination of the stomach and duodenum with examination of the obtained biopsy samples;

X-ray examination of the abdominal organs;

Gastroduodenoscopy.

What treatment is necessary for peptic ulcer disease?

Basics. First of all, when Helicobacter pylori is detected, treatment is aimed at destroying this causative agent of peptic ulcer disease. For this we use:

Antibiotics of various groups;

5-nitroimidazole derivatives: metronidazole and tinidazole;

Furazolidone;

Drugs that regulate gastrointestinal motility - metoclopramide, domperidone.

Additional. The following medications are used in the treatment of peptic ulcers:

Antacids;

Antisecretory antiulcer agents;

Gastroprotective agents;

Enzyme preparations.

Physiotherapy: galvanization and medicinal electrophoresis on the abdominal area, DMV therapy, SMV therapy, magnetic therapy, inductothermy, amplipulse therapy, microwave therapy, UHF therapy, electrophoresis, hyperbaric oxygenation, acupuncture, electrosleep therapy, application of ozokerite, peat mud, paraffin applications.

Spa treatment: Borjomi, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Jermuk, Druskininkai, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Berezovsky mineral waters, Truskavets, Saki.

What can you do?

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Diet. Meals should be frequent, 4–6 times a day, in small portions. It is worth removing foods that irritate the stomach from your diet: meat and fish broths, canned food, smoked foods, marinades and pickles, soft white bread, carbonated water, coffee.

Physical activity. The development of peptic ulcers is often provoked by stress and depression, and physical activity helps combat the negative influence of these factors. Therefore, during the remission phase, physical exercise will be very useful.

During the period of scarring of the ulcer, exercises involving the abdominal muscles are contraindicated.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic relapsing disease caused by spontaneous, regularly repeated reflux of stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to damage to the lower esophagus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is divided into two types:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagitis - detected by endoscopic examination;

Gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophagitis is not detected by endoscopic examination.

Complications: narrowing of the esophagus, erosions and ulcers of the esophagus, accompanied by bleeding, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Risk factors leading to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease:

Frequent consumption of fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks;

Overweight;

Taking certain medications (nitrates, antidepressants, beta-blockers, hormones, calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics);

Hiatal hernia;

Pregnancy.

What symptoms indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are: heartburn, sour belching, which often occur after eating, when bending the body forward or at night. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bad breath, excessive salivation during sleep, and substernal pain that radiates to the interscapular region, neck, lower jaw, and left half of the chest.

The likelihood of having gastroesophageal reflux disease is high if you experience heartburn at least twice a week.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Determination of serum iron level;

Fecal occult blood test;

Bernstein test;

Alkaline test;

Rabeprazole test.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Daily monitoring of pH in the lower third of the esophagus;

X-ray examination of the esophagus;

Endoscopic examination of the esophagus;

Manometric examination of the esophageal sphincters;

Scintigraphy of the esophagus;

Impedance measurement of the esophagus;

Computed tomography of the gastrointestinal tract.

What treatment is needed for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Basics. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease helps relieve symptoms of the disease. For this purpose the following is prescribed:

Antacids and gastroprotectors that neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid;

Histamine H-blockers to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid;

Proton pump inhibitors - they are more effective than histamine H2 receptor blockers and have fewer side effects;

Prokinetics are substances that stimulate gastrointestinal motility.

Physiotherapy: interference therapy, galvanization, drug electrophoresis of antispasmodics, transcranial electroanalgesia, electrosleep therapy, local cryotherapy, low-intensity UHF therapy, infrared laser therapy, low-intensity UHF therapy, low-frequency magnetic therapy, galvanization of the brain and collar area; balneotherapy: iodine-bromine, nitrogen and pine baths, sodium chloride baths, sodium-calcium mineral waters.

Spa treatment: Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, sanatoriums of the Leningrad region, sanatoriums of Belarus.

What can you do?

Diet. When eating for gastroesophageal reflux disease, adhere to the following rules:

The last meal should be no later than 2 hours before bedtime.

Meals should be divided: 3-4 times a day, in small portions.

Eliminate spicy, hot and very cold foods from your diet.

Don't drink carbonated drinks.

Reduce your fat intake.

Limit or eliminate consumption of coffee, chocolate, green onions and garlic, tomatoes and citrus fruits.

After eating, do not lie down for 2 hours.

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol;

Reduce your normal caloric intake by 10-15% if you are overweight.

Household rules:

Raise the head end of the bed by 15 cm.

Avoid work that requires bending or lifting heavy objects.

Avoid stress and exercise on the abdominal muscles.

Do not wear tight clothes, belts, belts.

Intestinal dysbiosis

Intestinal dysbiosis is a violation of the relationship between different types of microorganisms in the intestine.

Intestinal dysbiosis according to the types of reasons that caused the disease is divided into:

Dysbacteriosis in practically healthy individuals;

Dysbacteriosis accompanying various diseases of the digestive system;

Dysbacteriosis in other diseases;

Drug dysbacteriosis;

Stress dysbacteriosis.

Complications: allergies, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, gastritis, duodenitis, duodenal ulcer, caries, cholelithiasis, decreased effect of hormonal contraception.

Risk factors leading to the development of intestinal dysbiosis:

Unbalanced diet;

Age-related changes in the properties of microflora;

Allergic reactions;

Long-term use of certain medications (antibiotics, hormones, cytostatics);

Frequent respiratory viral infections;

Functional or inflammatory diseases of the digestive system;

Acute and chronic gastrointestinal infections;

Urogenital infections;

Oncological diseases;

Immunodeficiencies.

What symptoms indicate intestinal dysbiosis?

The main symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis are: belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting, decreased or lack of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, constipation, diarrhea, feeling of incomplete bowel movement after defecation. In some cases, dull, aching or cramping pain appears in the abdomen.

Also, the presence of intestinal dysbiosis is indicated by cracks in the corners of the lips, dry and itchy skin, rash, weakness and fatigue.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats intestinal dysbiosis.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Examination of the skin and tongue;

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Stool culture for dysbacteriosis;

Coprogram;

Biochemical examination of stool;

Gas-liquid chromatography of feces;

PRC diagnostics;

Hydrogen breath test with glucose or lactulose;

Breath test with C-14-glycocholate, C-14-D-xylose.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Gastroscopy.

What treatment is necessary for intestinal dysbiosis?

Basics. Therapy for dysbiosis has two goals:

1. Suppression of excess opportunistic microflora, for which the following are used:

Antibiotics;

Intestinal antiseptics;

Bacteriophages are viruses that can penetrate a bacterial cell, multiply in it and cause its destruction;

Probiotics;

Herbal antiseptics.

2. Restoration of intestinal microflora by implantation of live bacterial preparations:

Probiotics;

Prebiotics;

Probiotics are substances that contain cultures of living microbes characteristic of the normal microflora of the human intestine.

Prebiotics are substances that create an environment for the growth and reproduction of beneficial bacteria.

Symbiotics are complex preparations that include pre- and probiotics.

Additional. Intestinal dysbiosis may also require symptomatic treatment. Depending on the problem that arises, the following is prescribed:

Antispasmodics;

Antidiarrheals;

Laxatives;

Adsorbents;

Polyenzymes;

Immunomodulators;

Antihistamines;

Drugs for the correction of metabolic disorders;

Multivitamins;

Antioxidants;

Defoamers.

Physiotherapy: intestinal lavage.

Spa treatment: Pyatigorsk, Morshin.

What can you do?

Diet. Diet therapy is one of the main components of the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis. The diet should contain:

Products rich in dietary fiber: bran, buckwheat, barley, oatmeal, almonds, dried fruits, herbs, seaweed;

Natural products additionally enriched with any functional ingredient or group of ingredients;

Fermented milk products: yoghurt, kefir, cottage cheese, matsoni, etc.

From the diet you should exclude spicy, smoked, pickled foods, onions, garlic, fatty foods, fried foods, alcohol, foods that cause bloating: legumes, cabbage.

Colitis

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the large intestine.

According to the course, acute and chronic colitis are distinguished.

Colitis is classified according to the cause of its occurrence:

Ulcerative;

Infectious;

Ischemic;

Toxic;

Radiation.

Colitis is classified according to location:

Pancolitis - all parts of the colon are affected;

Typhlitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cecum;

Transversitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the transverse colon;

Sigmoiditis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sigmoid colon;

Proctitis is inflammation of the rectal mucosa.

Complications: acute toxic dilatation of the colon, perforation of the colon, hypovitaminosis, anemia, endocrine disorders, ulcerative esophagitis, lesions of the tongue and gums, lesions of the iris, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, polyarthritis, spondylitis, colonic obstruction, perianal abscess, anal fissures, paraproctitis, phlegmon tissue of the pararectal space, rectal and rectovaginal fistulas.

Risk factors leading to the development of colitis:

Taking medications;

Intoxication;

Poor nutrition;

Allergic reactions;

Chronic diseases of the digestive system;

Appendectomy;

Pathologies of the nervous system.

What symptoms indicate colitis?

In acute colitis, there are sharp pains in the abdomen, painful and frequent urge to defecate, rumbling and bloating, diarrhea or alternating diarrhea with constipation, stools may contain blood and mucus. General malaise, weakness, loss of appetite appears. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur.

With chronic colitis, there are sensations of fullness in the stomach and heaviness in the abdominal cavity, a feeling of squeezing, cramping pain, which is accompanied by the urge to defecate, flatulence and stool disorders. Feces are foul-smelling, often mixed with blood and mucus.

With ulcerative colitis, general symptoms may include rectal bleeding or bloody purulent discharge.

Chronic colitis over a long period of time leads to weight loss, weakness and loss of strength, dry skin and mucous membranes, cracks in the corners of the lips, and visual disturbances.

Which specialist should I contact?

Colitis is treated by a gastroenterologist or coloproctologist.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the abdominal area;

Finger examination;

Anoscopy.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

General urine analysis;

Fecal occult blood test;

Fecal analysis for helminth eggs;

Coprogram;

Coagulogram;

Bacteriological culture of stool.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy;

X-ray of the intestine with barium;

Irrigoscopy is an X-ray examination of the intestine with its preliminary filling with a contrast agent;

Selective mesenteric angiography.

What treatment is needed for colitis?

Basics. Depending on the cause of the disease, the following treatment for acute and chronic colitis is used:

Antimicrobial drugs – for infectious colitis;

Vascular drugs: antiplatelet agents, thrombolytics, antispasmodics - for ischemic colitis;

Saline laxatives – for toxic colitis.

For chronic colitis the following are used:

Antispasmodics;

Regulators of intestinal motility;

Antidiarrheals;

Anti-inflammatory drugs;

Glucocorticoid hormones.

Surgical treatment is used only in extreme cases: with severe ulcerative colitis, progressive colon ischemia, gangrenous colitis.

Additional. Vitamins C, B2, B6, B12, broad-spectrum antibiotics, microenemas - chamomile, tannin, protarhead, from a suspension of bismuth nitrate, with peloidin, astringents and enveloping agents, sedatives, intestinal adsorbents, immunomodulators, prebiotics and probiotics.

Physiotherapy: electrophoresis, diadynamic therapy, inductothermy, UHF therapy, SMV therapy, UHF therapy, amplipulse therapy, magnetotherapy, galvanic collar, local and general ultraviolet irradiation, paraffin applications of the abdominal area, segmental massage, abdominal massage, paraffin and ozokerite applications, mud therapy: mud applications, mud electrophoresis, balneotherapy: drinking sodium chloride waters, subaqueous baths.

Spa treatment: Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Borjomi, Arsan-Kapal, Arzni, Archman, Ayak-Kalkan, Berezovsky mineral waters, Birshtonas, Goryachy Klyuch, Goryachinsk, Darasun, Jabal-Abad, Jermuk, Druskininkai, Java, Izhevsk mineral waters, Isti-Su, Issyk-Ata, Kashin, Kislovodsk, Krainka, Krasnousolsk, Lipetsk, Mardakan, Medvezhya, Morshin, Mirgorod, Nalchik, Odessa, Polyana, Pyatigorsk, Sernovodsk-Caucasian, Staraya Russa, Sairme, Talaya, Truskavets, Tashkent Mineral Waters, Ust-Kachka , Uchum, Feodosia, Khilovo, Chartak, Yumatovo, Shivanda, Shira, Shambary, Shmakovka, Yamarovka, Anapa, Birshtonas, Evpatoria, Yeisk, Karachi, Kemeri, Kuyalnik, Liepaja, Moltaevo, Muyaldy, Naftalan, Saki, Slavyansk.

What can you do?

Physical activity. For chronic colitis, physical exercise is beneficial. There are special complexes of exercise therapy and breathing exercises for this disease. Depending on the form of colitis, different exercises are required, so before engaging in exercise therapy, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Swimming, walking, and exercises for the abdominal muscles are useful for constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease with various forms of functional disorders of motility, absorption and secretion, mainly of the colon.

Under the influence of various factors, the sensitivity of receptors in the intestinal wall changes, causing its functioning to be disrupted.

Depending on the leading symptom, there are three variants of the course of irritable bowel syndrome:

With predominant abdominal pain and flatulence;

With predominant diarrhea;

With predominant constipation.

Complications: Irritable bowel syndrome has no serious complications and does not affect life expectancy.

Risk factors leading to the development of irritable bowel syndrome:

Stress and depression;

Neuroses;

Violation of the usual diet and diet;

Lack of fiber in food;

Sedentary lifestyle;

Hormonal disorders;

Alcohol abuse.

What symptoms indicate irritable bowel syndrome?

Abdominal pain that noticeably decreases or goes away after defecation, diarrhea after eating, usually in the morning and early afternoon, an uncontrollable urge to have a bowel movement, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement after bowel movement, constipation, bloating, mucus in the stool. The occurrence of these symptoms often occurs against a background of stress, nervous tension, and excitement.

You can suspect irritable bowel syndrome if its main symptoms: constipation, diarrhea or flatulence bother you at least once every 4 days.

Which specialist should I contact?

Irritable bowel syndrome is treated by a gastroenterologist. At the same time, a visit to a psychotherapist or neurologist is required.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

Before making a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, it is necessary to exclude other, more serious, diseases of the digestive system.

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the abdominal area.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Biochemical blood test with mandatory determination of electrolytes and protein spectrum;

Examination of stool for dysbacteriosis;

Immunogram.

Test for thyroid hormones.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis;

Gastroscopy;

Irrigoscopy;

Sigmoidoscopy;

Anorectal manometry;

Colonoscopy.

What treatment is needed for irritable bowel syndrome?

Basics. Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is selected based on which symptoms most often bother the patient. Use:

Drugs that block intestinal spasms are dicyclomine or goiscyamine;

Antidepressants;

Antidiarrheal drugs;

Type 3 serotonin receptor blockers – reduce abdominal pain and discomfort;

Activators of type 4 serotonin receptors (with a tendency to constipation);

Activators of guanylate cyclase (if prone to constipation);

Antibiotics.

Additional. A course of therapy is carried out by a psychotherapist to eliminate stress factors and normalize the emotional state.

Physiotherapy: acupuncture, cryomassage of the abdomen, general massage and massage of the cervical-collar area, paraffin, ozokerite or mud applications on the stomach, taking warm low-mineralized mineral waters.

Sanatorium-resort treatment: Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Narzan, Borjomi, Jermuk, Karmadon.

What can you do?

Diet. For constipation, add fiber-rich foods to your diet: vegetables, fruits, bran. If you have diarrhea, on the contrary, you should limit these foods.

Keep a food diary and note in it when you have intestinal problems - this will help identify provoking foods.

Eliminate from your diet foods that irritate the intestines: spicy, smoked, salty, sour, vinegar, alcohol, coffee. Also, do not eat foods that stimulate gas formation, such as cabbage, peas, beans, potatoes, grapes, milk, kvass.

Add foods that have an anti-stress effect to your diet: almonds, turkey, bell peppers, greens.

Physical activity. Physical exercise helps normalize intestinal motility and promotes the production of the hormone endorphin, which improves the condition of the nervous system. Walking in the fresh air, jogging, and rhythmic gymnastics are very useful.

If you are prone to constipation, abdominal exercises are useful.

Cholelithiasis

Gallstone disease is the formation of hard deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts in the gallbladder or nearby bile ducts.

Every fifth woman and every tenth man have gallstones.

Gallstone disease is divided into three stages:

The initial physicochemical stage is characterized by changes in the composition of bile, without the formation of stones. It occurs without symptoms.

The stage of stone formation is also asymptomatic, but with instrumental diagnostic methods it is possible to detect stones in the gallbladder.

The stage of clinical manifestations is characterized by the development of acute or chronic calculous cholecystitis.

Based on their chemical composition, the following types of stones are distinguished:

Cholesterol – cholesterol content 70% or higher;

Bilirubin black pigment - consist predominantly of calcium bilirubinate without cholesterol;

Bilirubin brown pigment - consist mainly of calcium bilirubinate with an admixture of cholesterol.

All stones can also be non-calcified or calcified.

Complications: obstruction of the cystic or common bile duct by a calculus, acute cholecystitis and cholangitis, herniation of a calculus into the lumen of the major duodenal papilla, acute biliary pancreatitis, chronic cholecystitis, perforation of the gallbladder, sepsis.

Risk factors leading to the development of gallstone disease:

Metabolic syndrome;

Pregnancy;

Rapid weight loss;

Taking estrogen-containing drugs;

Hereditary predisposition.

These factors relate to the risk of developing cholesterol stones. Diseases accompanied by hemolysis, portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis, and bile duct cysts are prone to the formation of bilirubin black and brown stones.

What symptoms indicate gallstone disease?

5–10 years from the onset of development, gallstone disease practically does not produce symptoms. As stones form, jaundice and attacks of sudden severe pain may occur - biliary (liver) colic, caused by the movement of the stone along the bile ducts.

All other symptoms are caused by concomitant diseases. The pain is cutting, stabbing in nature, and can radiate to the lower back, right shoulder blade, or right forearm. In some cases, the pain radiates to the sternum, causing pain in the heart, arrhythmia and difficulty breathing.

Which specialist should I contact?

If you suspect you have gallstone disease, consult a gastroenterologist.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Examination of the skin and sclera;

Palpation of the abdomen;

Percussion of the abdomen.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Survey radiography of the abdominal organs;

CT scan;

HIDA scintigraphy;

Endoscopic cholangiopancreatography;

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography;

Endoscopic ultrasonography;

Cholecystography.

What treatment is necessary for gallstone disease?

Basics. For gallstone disease, treatment is primarily aimed at removing stones. This can be done in two ways:

Chenotherapy is carried out using drugs chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic acids, which prevent the crystallization of cholesterol, suppressing its production in the liver and reducing the concentration of cholesterol in bile, which contributes to the gradual dissolution of stones. This method is suitable if gallstones do not exceed 1.5 cm in size. The duration of gene therapy is from 6 to 24 months with continuous use.

Minimally invasive treatment methods - extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy helps to destroy stones using a shock wave. This procedure is used to crush stones and prepare them for subsequent gene therapy.

Surgical treatment is cholecystectomy, i.e. removal of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more gentle than open cholecystectomy.

Spa treatment: Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Truskavets, Borjomi, Belokurikha, Morshin. If there are stones in the gall bladder with a diameter of more than 0.3 cm, sanatorium treatment is contraindicated.

What can you do?

Diet. Treatment of gallstone disease will be ineffective without following a certain low-cholesterol diet.

A high calorie diet, abuse of flour products, deficiency of vegetable oils and low fiber content in the diet contribute to the formation of stones.

For gallstone disease, foods high in magnesium are beneficial. Magnesium salts have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, contract the gallbladder, and enhance intestinal motility.

It is also necessary to consume as many fiber-rich foods as possible. Fiber helps remove cholesterol from the body.

Physical activity. Outside of exacerbations of gallstone disease, physical therapy exercises are vital. They have a tonic effect on the biliary tract and gallbladder, increase the outflow of bile, and also improve blood circulation in the abdominal cavity. Exercises for the abdominal muscles will be effective in this regard. The following exercises are also recommended:

Exercise 1

Feet shoulder-width apart, raise your arms to chest level and clasp them together. Do twists in the lower back in different directions without moving your pelvis. Rotate as much as your flexibility allows.

Exercise 2

Get on all fours. As you inhale, arch your back. As you exhale, bend at the waist and look up. Repeat slowly 10 times.

Exercise 3

Lie on your back. As you inhale, round your stomach; as you exhale, draw your stomach in. Try not to move your chest as you perform the exercise.

How to live after gallbladder removal?

The liver produces bile and sends it to the gallbladder, where it accumulates and thickens and concentrates. Then, from the gallbladder, during the digestion process, the required amount of bile is thrown into the duodenum.

After removal of the gallbladder, bile begins to flow into the duodenum directly from the liver through the hepatic and common bile ducts. Therefore, the bile is less concentrated, which affects the motility of the duodenum and disrupts digestion. In addition, such liquid bile protects the duodenum less well from microbes, which leads to their proliferation and the occurrence of dysbacteriosis.

If certain rules are not followed after removal of the gallbladder, complications may develop.

Complications: cholangitis, duodenitis, esophagitis, colitis.

Diet. Since bile, after removal of the gallbladder, begins to enter the duodenum in a less concentrated form, and also due to the lack of a reservoir for its storage, it is necessary to rebuild the nutritional system.

Firstly, you should not take long breaks between meals. If you do not eat regularly, bile will begin to accumulate in the bile ducts and stretch them. Stagnation of bile in the liver can cause the formation of stones in it. Eat 6-7 times a day. It is necessary to adapt the body to life without a gallbladder, so it is recommended that you eat food every day at the same hours for at least the first 4 months after surgery.

Secondly, you need to eat in small portions, since weakly concentrated bile will not be able to cope with the digestion of large volumes of food.

Thirdly, after removal of the gallbladder, the amount of enzymes in the bile that facilitate the digestion of fats decreases. Therefore, refractory fats of animal origin should be completely excluded from the food of such patients: beef and lamb fat, lard.

Fourthly, after removal of the gallbladder, all food is prepared either by steaming, or by boiling or stewing.

From the 3rd day, mashed boiled vegetables, pureed meat and fish, grated porridge, protein omelet, pureed soups with a weak broth, and jelly are introduced into the diet.

From the 5th day, white bread baked yesterday, biscuits, crackers are added - these products cannot be consumed dry.

From the 6th day, fermented milk products are added.

From the 8th day and for 1.5–2 months, all food is consumed pureed, steamed or boiled. Do not eat hot or cold foods; food should only be eaten warm. The diet includes: herring pre-soaked in milk, fish and lean meat - in the form of meatballs, meatballs and steam cutlets, zucchini and carrots, vegetable purees, milk porridge, cottage cheese, protein omelet, vegetarian soups, jelly, non-acidic juices, compote dried fruits

From 2 months and throughout life:

Sometimes constipation or diarrhea, as well as flatulence, may occur after gallbladder removal. This is due to the increased proliferation of microbes in the duodenum. If you have such complaints, eliminate sweets from your diet and consume probiotic products daily: kefir or yogurt with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Also avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee, which can make diarrhea worse. If unpleasant symptoms do not disappear, consult a gastroenterologist who can select medications to treat dysbiosis.

Physical activity. After removal of the gallbladder, your main task is to avoid stagnation of bile in the liver and bile ducts. Daily therapeutic exercises will help you with this. Two months after surgery, daily walking for 30-40 minutes is recommended.

In the first 6 months after surgery, exercises related to abdominal tension are prohibited: bending, lifting the legs and body from a lying position. Also avoid heavy lifting, digging beds, or carrying heavy objects.

Physiotherapy: ozone therapy, mineral water tubes, drinking mineral waters.

Fatty liver hepatosis

Fatty liver hepatosis (fatty degeneration, steatosis) is a liver disease in which fat accumulates in the liver cells.

Fatty liver hepatosis is the most common type of hepatosis.

Complications: steatohepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, liver cirrhosis.

Risk factors leading to the development of fatty liver hepatosis:

Overweight;

Abuse of fatty foods, fast food;

Alcohol abuse;

Diabetes mellitus type 2;

Itsenko-Cushing syndrome;

Thyroid diseases;

Taking certain medications: tetracycline antibiotics, hormonal drugs, antidepressants;

Exposure to toxic chemicals;

Sedentary lifestyle;

Age over 45 years;

Female.

What symptoms indicate fatty liver hepatosis?

With fatty liver hepatosis, periodic nausea, flatulence, weakness and dizziness, headaches, and fatigue during physical activity may appear. Sometimes there is heaviness or dull aching pain in the right hypochondrium.

In 60% of cases, fatty liver hepatosis is asymptomatic for many years.

Which specialist should I contact?

The treatment of fatty liver hepatosis is carried out by a gastroenterologist.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the liver area.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Serological blood test.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Ultrasound examination of the liver;

Magnetic resonance imaging of the liver using phase contrast;

Liver elastography;

What treatment is necessary for fatty liver hepatosis?

Basics. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease: lose weight, change eating habits, stop taking medications that damage the liver. For fatty liver hepatosis the following are prescribed:

Hepatoprotectors – stabilize and protect liver cell membranes;

Insulin sensitizers are drugs that increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin;

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a drug that minimizes the toxicity of bile acids and has antioxidant properties.

In most cases, with appropriate treatment, fatty liver disease is completely reversible.

What can you do?

Success in treating fatty liver disease largely depends on you.

The main reason for the development of fatty hepatosis is physical inactivity and overeating, which leads to excess weight.

Reduce weight to normal, but gradually - no more than 500 g per week;

Eliminate foods rich in carbohydrates and fats;

Eat foods rich in dietary fiber;

Add green beans and Jerusalem artichoke to your diet - these foods help lower blood sugar levels;

Drink at least 2 liters of water per day;

Walk as much as possible;

Do 40-50 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day: exercise bike, walking, elliptical trainer, swimming.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease characterized by the irreversible replacement of normal liver cells by connective tissue.

Depending on changes in liver tissue, cirrhosis is classified into:

Small nodular or micronodular cirrhosis of the liver - the diameter of the nodes is from 1 to 3 mm;

Large nodular or macronodular cirrhosis of the liver – the diameter of the nodes is more than 3 mm;

Incomplete septal cirrhosis of the liver – there are no regenerative nodes;

Mixed cirrhosis of the liver - different sizes of nodes.

Depending on the causes of the disease, the following forms of cirrhosis are distinguished:

Viral;

Alcoholic;

Drug;

Secondary biliary;

Congenital – for some congenital diseases;

Congestive – with circulatory failure;

Budd-Chiari disease and syndrome;

Metabolic and nutritional, in the following conditions: application of small intestinal bypass, obesity, severe forms of diabetes mellitus;

Liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology.

There are several stages of disease development:

Compensation stage – there are no symptoms of the disease; during diagnosis, varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach can be identified;

Subcompensation stage – the first symptoms appear, pain appears;

Stage of decompensation - liver failure appears. This stage of liver cirrhosis is life-threatening for the patient.

Complications: bleeding from dilated veins of the esophagus and stomach, jaundice, liver failure, hepatic coma, thrombosis in the portal vein system, liver cancer, hepatorenal syndrome, pneumonia, peritonitis, sepsis.

Risk factors leading to the development of liver cirrhosis:

Alcohol abuse;

Hepatitis: viral (B, C, delta, G) and autoimmune;

Metabolic disorders;

Chemical toxic substances;

Long-term use of certain medications;

Diseases of the biliary tract: cirrhosis of the liver develops 3–18 months after obstruction of the bile duct;

Long-term venous congestion of the liver: constrictive pericarditis, veno-occlusive disease, heart failure.

What symptoms indicate liver cirrhosis?

The first signs of liver cirrhosis are dull pain in the right hypochondrium, nosebleeds, weakness, increased fatigue, decreased performance and appetite, bloating, diarrhea and constipation, itching, dry skin, and increased body temperature. In the later stages of the disease, the following are observed: a yellow tint of the sclera of the eyes and skin, redness of the palms, swelling of the legs, enlargement of the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid in its cavity, the appearance of numerous spider veins, deformation of the terminal phalanges of the fingers like “drumsticks”, enlargement of milk glands in men.

Which specialist should I contact?

A gastroenterologist treats liver cirrhosis.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Examination of the sclera of the eyes and skin for the presence of jaundice;

Palpation of the liver area;

Examine the patient for the presence of edema.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

General urine analysis;

Blood chemistry;

Coagulogram;

Determination of antibodies to chronic hepatitis viruses;

Determination of the concentration of immunoglobulins IgA, IgM, IgG in blood serum;

Determination of alpha-fetoprotein;

Study of iron metabolism indicators;

Determination of alpha-1-antitrypsin activity.

Instrumental diagnostics:

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;

Computed tomography of the abdominal cavity;

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy;

Radionuclide liver scan;

Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy.

Patients with liver cirrhosis should undergo blood tests every 3 years and undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy every 2 years.

What treatment is needed for liver cirrhosis?

Basics. The main goal of treating liver cirrhosis is to slow the progression of the disease. For this purpose, specific therapy is performed for diseases that cause cirrhosis of the liver. For example, for hepatitis, interferon therapy is performed.

In some cases, surgery is necessary:

Mesenteric-caval anastomosis or splenorenal anastomosis - for portal hypertension;

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy – removal of the gallbladder, performed for hepatitis;

Sclerotherapy of dilated veins of the esophagus and stomach - for bleeding from varicose veins;

Liver transplantation.

Additional. Treatment of symptoms of liver cirrhosis is also used:

Antihypertensive drugs and beta-blockers for portal hypertension;

Enzyme preparations for digestive disorders;

Zinc sulfate to prevent its deficiency in the body;

Antihistamines for itchy skin.

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is contraindicated for liver cirrhosis.

What can you do?

Completely avoid alcohol and medications that cause liver damage.

Drugs that should not be taken for liver cirrhosis: indomethacin, ibuprofen, isoniazid, valproic acid, erythromycin, amoxicillin, ketoconazole, chlorpromazine, ezetimibe, aminoglycosides.

Diet. To improve intestinal motility and bile outflow, split meals are needed - 5-6 times a day in small portions. Eating foods rich in fiber will help remove excess cholesterol. Fried, fatty, smoked, spicy and highly salted foods are excluded. Recommended cooking methods: boiling, steaming, stewing.

Rules for swelling of the legs and accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity - ascites:

Eat more foods rich in potassium - dried apricots, raisins, prunes, potatoes, celery;

Limit your intake of table salt to 0.5 g per day, liquids to no more than 1.5 liters per day;

Eliminate foods containing baking soda from your diet: cakes, biscuits, cakes, pastries and regular bread;

Measure your body weight and abdominal volume daily;

Monitor the amount of liquid you take in and excrete when urinating.

Physical activity. During the course of the disease without complications, walking and swimming are useful.

Lifting weights and exercising the abdominal muscles can cause bleeding from varices in the esophagus and stomach. Therefore, these loads are contraindicated in liver cirrhosis.

If you experience sudden vomiting that looks like “coffee grounds” and loose stools that look like “raspberry jelly,” accompanied by severe weakness and dizziness, call an ambulance immediately.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, mainly caused by a viral infection.

There is the following classification of hepatitis:

Infectious hepatitis:

hepatitis A;

hepatitis B;

hepatitis C;

hepatitis D;

hepatitis E;

hepatitis F;

hepatitis G;

hepatitis as a component of: yellow fever, cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, mumps, Epstein-Barr virus infection, herpes, Lassa fever, AIDS;

bacterial hepatitis: with leptospirosis, syphilis;

toxic hepatitis:

alcoholic hepatitis;

drug-induced hepatitis;

hepatitis due to poisoning by various chemicals;

radiation hepatitis;

Hepatitis as a consequence of autoimmune diseases.

Complications: biliary dyskinesia, liver cirrhosis, polyarthrosis, hemorrhagic syndrome, liver cancer, hepatic coma.

Hepatitis can be acute or chronic. In this book we will look at the most common types of hepatitis - hepatitis A, B and C.

Hepatitis A (Botkin's disease)

The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, through unwashed hands: infection can occur through food, water, dishes, toys and other objects contaminated with feces.

What symptoms indicate hepatitis A?

After contracting the virus, symptoms appear within 1–6 weeks.

Initially, symptoms of general intoxication characteristic of a common acute respiratory viral infection appear: an increase in body temperature to 37.5–38 ° C, a feeling of weakness and malaise, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, chills, muscle pain. Then darkening of urine, jaundice, and discoloration of feces are noted. As a rule, during this period the initial symptoms disappear: fever, chills, nausea. Abdominal pain and itching throughout the body may occur. In some cases, hepatitis A may be asymptomatic.

Which specialist should I contact?

Hepatitis A is treated by a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist. Observation by a gastroenterologist is also necessary.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the liver area;

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

General urine analysis;

Enzyme immunoassay for the presence of IgM class antibodies in the blood.

Instrumental diagnostics:

What treatment is needed for hepatitis A?

With hepatitis A, the patient is hospitalized. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Intravenous drip administration of drugs that relieve intoxication, intravenous drip administration of glucose, and vitamin therapy are used. In most cases, the disease does not require serious treatment. After a few months, patients recover completely.

There are vaccines against hepatitis A. Vaccination is recommended before traveling to countries with high rates of this disease: African countries, including Egypt and Tunisia, Turkey, Central Asia, India and Southeast Asia, some countries in South America and the Caribbean.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through biological fluids - blood, saliva, and sexual contact. Infection can occur during medical procedures, during manicures, pedicures, piercings and tattoos, dental procedures, and when using someone else's toothbrush. Infection with hepatitis B through blood transfusion is unlikely, as careful monitoring of the quality of blood for transfusions is now ensured. Drug addicts who use one syringe for several people are at risk. The hepatitis B virus remains active in dried blood for more than a week, so you can become infected with this virus simply by stepping on a needle or blade with traces of blood while walking barefoot on the ground.

What symptoms indicate hepatitis B?

Symptoms appear 2 to 6 weeks after contracting the virus.

The symptoms of hepatitis B are similar to those of hepatitis A, but are often more severe. In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic without jaundice and is manifested only by weakness and fatigue.

With chronic hepatitis, in addition to the main symptoms, bleeding gums, spider veins, weight loss, and enlarged liver and spleen appear.

Chronic hepatitis B leads to the gradual death of liver cells and the growth of connective tissue cells in place of the dead cells - liver cirrhosis.

Which specialist should I contact?

Hepatitis B is treated by a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist. Observation by a gastroenterologist is also necessary.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

Palpation of the liver area;

Examination of the eyes and skin for the presence of jaundice.

Laboratory diagnostics:

General blood analysis;

Blood chemistry;

General urine analysis;

Enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to the HBs antigen of the hepatitis B virus.

Instrumental diagnostics:

In some cases, an ultrasound examination of the liver may be required.

What treatment is needed for hepatitis B?

Basics. The following are used in the treatment of hepatitis B:

Interferon preparations;

Nucleoside analogues;

Detoxification drugs.

For chronic hepatitis B, treatment can last from 6 months to several years.

Additional. Hormones, hepatoprotectors, immunomodulators, vitamins.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is one of the most severe forms of the disease, the consequences of which are cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.

The hepatitis C virus is transmitted in the same way as the hepatitis B virus: through contaminated syringe needles, during medical procedures, during the provision of dental services, during acupuncture, piercing, tattooing, manicure and pedicure. Infection through sexual contact is unlikely, but possible.

What symptoms indicate hepatitis C?

Unlike hepatitis B, with this type of disease, fever and jaundice rarely appear. Hepatitis C is characterized by joint pain, general weakness, fatigue, mental depression, and digestive disorders. Due to the fact that the symptoms of this type of hepatitis are similar to many other diseases, and are even perceived by the patient as a temporary general malaise, hepatitis C is often detected in the later stages.

Which specialist should I contact?

Hepatitis C is treated by a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist. Observation by a gastroenterologist is also necessary.

What diagnostics should the doctor perform?

General examination of the patient:

palpation of the liver area;

examination of the eyes and skin for the presence of jaundice.

Laboratory diagnostics:

general blood analysis;

blood chemistry;

general urine analysis;

analysis for Anti-HCV-total;

polymerase chain reaction.

Instrumental diagnostics:

in some cases, an ultrasound examination of the liver may be required;

liver biopsy.

Basics. The main point of treatment for hepatitis C is combination antiviral therapy: interferon-alpha and ribavirin drugs. Recently, protease inhibitors have been used to treat hepatitis C.

During treatment, blood parameters are monitored, treatment is carried out until the parameters are completely normalized.

Additional– hepatoprotectors, immunomodulators, vitamins.

What can you do?

Diet. For all types of hepatitis, you must follow a strict diet during treatment and for at least 6 months after recovery. Small meals 5–6 times a day are recommended. Food is steamed or boiled. Before consumption, food is wiped.

Physical activity. In case of hepatitis, intense physical activity is contraindicated: active sports games, running, aerobics. Lifting heavy objects is also prohibited. Low intensity exercise is recommended: walking, therapeutic exercises, stretching exercises.

Spa treatment for chronic hepatitis: Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Truskavets, Zheleznovodsk, Mirgorod, Arzni.

Causes of digestive diseases

Each disease of the digestive system has its own specific causes, but among them we can distinguish those that are characteristic of most diseases of the digestive system. All these reasons can be divided into external and internal.

The main ones are, of course, external reasons. These, first of all, include food, liquids, medications:

Unbalanced diet (lack or excess of proteins, fats, carbohydrates), irregular meals (every day at different times), frequent consumption of “aggressive” ingredients (spicy, salty, hot, etc.), quality of the products themselves (various additives such as preservatives) - all these are the main causes of diseases of the stomach and intestines and often the only cause of digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, increased gas formation and other digestive disorders.

Among liquids, primarily diseases of the digestive system can be caused by alcohol and its surrogates, carbonated and other drinks containing preservatives and dyes.

And, of course, medications. Almost all of them, to one degree or another, have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa.

External causes of diseases of the digestive system also include microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause specific and nonspecific diseases), worms (flukes, tapeworms, roundworms), which come mainly from food or water.

Smoking, as an independent cause of diseases of the stomach and intestines, is rare, but it, together with insufficient oral hygiene, causes diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease, lip cancer).

External causes of stomach and intestinal diseases include frequent stress, negative emotions, and worries about any reason.

Internal causes of diseases of the digestive system include genetic ones - this is a predisposition (that is, the presence of a disease of the digestive system in previous generations), disorders of intrauterine development (mutations in the genetic apparatus), autoimmune (when the body, for one reason or another, begins to attack its organs).

The main symptom of diseases of the digestive system is pain along the digestive tract. This symptom is present in almost every disease of the stomach or intestines, but depending on the disease it will have one or another character. According to localization, pain can occur in the right (cholecystitis) or left hypochondrium, encircling (pancreatitis), without a specific localization, along the esophagus, often the pain can radiate (give) between the shoulder blades (inflammation of the esophagus), in the area of ​​the heart, etc. The pain can be constant aching or, conversely, at some point very strong (perforation of a stomach ulcer), and over time it goes away, appearing upon palpation, tapping (cholecystitis). It may be associated with meals or not, or when taking a specific food (for example, fatty food as in chronic pancreatitis or cholecystitis), or, conversely, when taking a certain food it goes away (for example, dairy in hyperacid gastritis), or occur when you don't eat anything (peptic ulcer). In diseases of the rectum, pain may occur during defecation.

In diseases of the stomach, a symptom such as dyspepsia is often encountered. It can be divided into upper and lower. The upper level includes symptoms such as heartburn (a burning sensation behind the sternum or in the upper abdomen with gastritis), belching (sour with stomach diseases, bitter with damage to the gallbladder), nausea, vomiting (peptic ulcer), feeling of fullness and pressure in the epigastric areas (for disorders of the evacuation function of the stomach), dysphagia (swallowing disorders due to diseases of the esophagus), anorexia (loss of appetite).

Lower dyspepsia includes a feeling of fullness and distension in the abdomen, flatulence (excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines due to digestive disorders), diarrhea (infectious diseases), constipation (irritable bowel syndrome).

Other symptoms include changes in stool color (discoloration with hepatitis, melena - tarry stool with stomach bleeding, “raspberry jelly” with amoebiasis, green with salmonellosis, scarlet blood in the stool).

There are also various changes on the skin, as manifestations of symptoms of various diseases of the digestive system (rash - infectious diseases, spider veins and changes in skin color due to liver diseases).

Diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system

Prevention of diseases of the stomach and intestines.

The main and most important prevention of diseases of the digestive system, and not only them, is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.), regular physical exercise, avoiding physical inactivity (lead an active lifestyle), adherence to work and rest schedules, adequate sleep, and more. It is very important to have a complete, balanced, regular diet, which ensures that the body receives the necessary substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, trace elements, vitamins), and monitoring of the body mass index.

Preventive measures also include annual medical examinations, even if there is no concern. After 40 years, it is recommended to conduct an annual ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. And in no case should the disease be allowed to progress; if symptoms appear, consult a doctor, and not self-medicate or only traditional medicine.

Compliance with these measures will help to avoid or promptly identify and promptly begin treatment of diseases not only of the digestive system, but also of the body as a whole.

Nutrition for diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Nutrition for diseases of the digestive system must be special. In this regard, in our country, at one time, the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences developed special diets that are suitable not only for diseases of the digestive system, but also of other systems (diets are indicated in articles on the treatment of certain diseases). A specially selected diet is necessary in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and is the key to successful treatment.

If regular enteral nutrition is not possible, parenteral nutrition is prescribed, that is, when the substances necessary for the body enter directly into the blood, bypassing the digestive system. Indications for the use of this diet are: complete esophageal dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis and a number of other diseases. The main ingredients of parenteral nutrition are amino acids (polyamine, aminofusin), fats (lipofundin), carbohydrates (glucose solutions). Electrolytes and vitamins are also introduced taking into account the body's daily needs.

Digestive diseases include:

Diseases of the mouth, salivary glands and jaws
Diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Diseases of the appendix [vermiform appendix]
Hernias
Non-infectious enteritis and colitis
Other bowel diseases
Peritoneal diseases
Liver diseases
Diseases of the gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas
Other diseases of the digestive system

More information about diseases of the digestive system:

Medicinal plants used to treat diseases of the digestive system have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiputrefactive, and antispasmodic effect. They normalize appetite, restore intestinal microflora, promote tissue regeneration (this is especially important for gastric and duodenal ulcers). Along with herbal medicine, the doctor may prescribe medication.

So, let's look at the basic terms:

• Gastric atony- loss of normal tone in the stomach muscles due to exhaustion.
• Achylia of the stomach- temporary or permanent absence of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in gastric juice with gastritis, poor nutrition.
• Gastritis- inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa due to poor nutrition, exposure to alcohol, nicotine, food poisoning. Gastritis can be acute (pain in the pit of the stomach, nausea, vomiting) and chronic (feeling of heaviness and pain in the pit of the stomach, heartburn, belching, etc.).
• Haemorrhoids- expansion of the veins of the lower rectum in the form of nodes, sometimes bleeding, inflamed and pinched in the anus. Stagnation of blood and the rectum (constipation, sedentary lifestyle) predisposes to hemorrhoids.
• Dysbacteriosis- imbalance of microflora in the intestines, often occurring after taking antibiotics.
• Dyspepsia- indigestion due to insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes or poor nutrition. It manifests itself as heartburn, belching, heaviness in the stomach, bloating, cramping pain, and diarrhea.
• Colitis- acute or chronic disease of the colon, caused by infection, gross errors in nutrition.
• Flatulence- accumulation of gases in the digestive tract with bloating, belching, cramping pain.
• Paraprocti t - inflammation of the tissue around the rectum.
• Proctitis- inflammation of the rectal mucosa.
• Enteritis- inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the small intestine.
• Enterocolitis- inflammation of the large and small intestines.
• Peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum - a chronic disease characterized by the formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, pain in the epigastric region after a certain time after eating or on an empty stomach (“hunger” pain), vomiting, seasonal exacerbations (spring, autumn). Complications are possible in the form of perforation of the organ wall, narrowing of the pylorus of the stomach, etc. Neuropsychic stress, malnutrition, smoking, and alcohol abuse play a role in the development of peptic ulcer disease.

When treating intestinal diseases, the effect of plants on intestinal motility should be taken into account.

Laxative plants: alexandria leaf (senna), aloe vera, anise, ivy bud, elderberry, elderberry, valerian officinalis, valerian, field bindweed, knotweed, sweet clover, oregano, fumaria officinalis, centaury, stinging nettle, buckthorn alder, cinquefoil, sugar kelp, spreading quinoa, burdock, lemon balm, sea buckthorn, white mistletoe, borage, Tangut rhubarb, chamomile, rowan, licorice, common cumin, dill, fennel new, greater celandine, horse sorrel (root powder).

Fixing plants: calamus, marshmallow, pendulous birch, medicinal cap, stinking cornflower, willow (white willow), speedwell, meadow geranium, snake knotweed, knotweed, elecampane, common oak, St. John's wort, wild strawberry, Icelandic moss, calendula officinalis, fireweed (willowherb), viburnum, meadow clover, burnet, meadowsweet, cinquefoil erect (kalangal), flax, common raspberry, coltsfoot, common juniper, peppermint, oats , gray alder, walnut, shepherd's purse, large plantain, black currant, common yarrow, horsetail, common thyme, bird cherry, common blueberry, sage, horse sorrel.

Food plants as medicines

To stimulate appetite

• , gooseberry, apples,plum- for food in any form.
• Parsley. Seed powder 0.5 g 3 times a day before meals.
• Radish. Juice half with water, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals; for food in any form.
• . Powder from crushed seeds on the tip of a knife before eating.
• Horseradish. Spread 1 teaspoon of grated horseradish with sugar or honey on bread (before eating).

When drooling

• Grape. Juice and berries in any form.

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Diseases of the digestive system are determined by many specific factors. Nevertheless, doctors identify a number of reasons that are characteristic of most ailments of this type. They are divided into external and internal.

External reasons play a decisive role in this case. Basically, these are the effects on the body of low-quality food, liquids, and medications.

Diseases of the digestive system can be a consequence of an unbalanced diet, in which there is an excess or deficiency of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body. Sometimes diseases of these organs appear as a result of prolonged irregular nutrition, too frequent inclusion in the diet of salty, very spicy, hot dishes, which negatively affect the state of the digestive system. The presence of preservatives in those foods that a person eats every day can provoke symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. That is why the prevention of this type of disease in children and adults involves a minimum amount of such products in the diet. And at the slightest manifestation of symptoms of diseases of the digestive system, the list of undesirable foods increases.

Some liquids also have a negative effect. Digestive diseases are caused mainly by alcoholic drinks and their surrogates, soda and other drinks containing large amounts of dyes and preservatives.

The provoking factor is tobacco smoking, as well as regular stressful situations and experiences.

Internal causes of diseases of the digestive system are genetic factors, intrauterine developmental defects, and the development of autoimmune processes in the body.

Symptoms and diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system

When a person develops diseases of the digestive system, the main symptom that indicates their manifestation is pain of varying intensity that occurs along the digestive tract. A similar sign is detected in almost all diseases, but its nature, depending on what kind of disease of the digestive system develops, may differ.

In particular, with cholecystitis, pain develops in the hypochondrium, left or right. Pancreatitis is manifested by girdle pain that does not have an exact localization; sometimes it can radiate to the heart area or between the shoulder blades. In some diseases, the pain is aching, in other cases, for example, with perforation of a stomach ulcer, the pain is very sharp and intense. Sometimes the pain depends on food intake. Patients with cholecystitis or pancreatitis suffer after taking fatty foods. With a stomach ulcer, the pain intensifies when a person does not eat for a long time. With hyperacid gastritis, the pain, on the contrary, subsides after the patient drinks milk.

Dyspepsia is one of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Doctors define upper and lower dyspepsia. Upper dyspepsia is manifested in the patient by heartburn, constant belching, periodic vomiting and nausea. There is also discomfort and a feeling of fullness in the epigastric region, dysphagia, and loss of appetite.

Manifestations of lower dyspepsia are a feeling of fullness inside the abdomen, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea. In addition, with diseases of the digestive system, a person may change the color of their stool, develop rashes and other changes on the skin. Symptoms can be discussed more accurately when considering a specific disease of the human digestive system.

Initially, if the development of diseases of the digestive system is suspected, the doctor will certainly conduct a thorough examination of the patient. During the examination, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are practiced. You need to ask in detail about the complaints and study the anamnesis.

Usually, for diseases of this type, the patient is prescribed laboratory tests (general and biochemical blood tests, general urine analysis, stool analysis). Radiation research methods are also widely used in the diagnostic process. An informative method is ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, radiography, fluoroscopy with the use of contrast agents, CT, MRI. Depending on the disease, procedures may also be prescribed that allow one to assess the condition of the internal organs of the digestive system and at the same time obtain material for a biopsy. These are colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, laparoscopy.

To examine the stomach, it is practiced to use functional tests that provide detailed information about the acid secretion of the stomach, its motor function, as well as the condition of the pancreas and small intestine.

Digestive diseases- this group of diseases occupies one of the leading places among diseases of internal organs. The fact is that the digestive system is constantly influenced by various environmental factors - the nature of nutrition, working and living conditions.

In addition to structural changes in the organs of the digestive system, functional disorders may also occur. The internal digestive organs include the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. The bile ducts are also involved in digestion.

Digestive diseases are widespread. Most often, these are various inflammatory processes associated with the presence of infection or disruption of the endocrine glands. Any of these diseases in the acute stage requires immediate treatment, since when it becomes chronic, surgical intervention may be required.

Digestive diseases

Diseases of the digestive tract are distinguished by the diversity of their clinical and morphological signs.

They include independent primary diseases, which are studied by a science called gastroenterology, as well as other secondary ones, which are a manifestation of a number of diseases of an infectious and non-infectious nature, acquired or hereditary origin.

These diseases may be based on various general pathological processes, such as alteration, inflammation, hyper- and dysplastic processes, autoimmune disorders and, finally, tumors.

Descriptions of diseases of the digestive system

Causes of digestive diseases

The causes of digestive system disorders are:

Diseases of the digestive system can be caused by exogenous, endogenous, and genetic factors.

Exogenous

These primary causes of the disease include:

• eating dry food,
• eating very hot foods,
• abuse of various spices and spices,
• excessive alcohol consumption,
• smoking,
• consumption of poor quality food,
• lack of diet,
• hasty eating,
• defects of the human masticatory apparatus,
• uncontrolled use of medications,
• unfavorable environmental conditions.

Diseases caused by exogenous factors include gastritis and enteritis, colitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, cholelithiasis, as well as dyskinesia and cirrhosis of the liver.

Endogenous

Secondary (or endogenous) causes of gastrointestinal diseases are diseases such as diabetes and anemia, obesity and hypovitaminosis, various kidney and lung diseases, and stress. Diseases provoked by endogenous factors are hepatitis and cholecystitis, pancreatitis and enterobiasis.

Genetic

This group includes genetic factors, as well as developmental anomalies, including malformations of the esophagus and benign tumors (both esophagus and stomach), diagnosed abnormal development of the pancreas (for example, cystic fibrosis of the pancreas itself), as well as congenital hypoplasia of the pancreas .

It should be noted that most often gastrointestinal diseases arise from a combination of both endogenous and exogenous factors.

Symptoms of digestive diseases

The symptoms of diseases of the digestive system are varied, but the main signs of the presence of the disease are always present:

• nausea;
• frequent change of stool;
• belching;
• vomit;
• flatulence;
• loss of appetite;
• fast fatiguability;
• weight loss;
• abdominal pain of various locations;
• insomnia.

Other characteristic symptoms are different and depend on the type of disease. In many cases, digestive diseases are accompanied by rashes on the skin.

Diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system

Initially, if the development of diseases of the digestive system is suspected, the doctor must conduct a thorough examination of the patient. During the examination, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are practiced. It is necessary to ask in detail about the complaints and study the anamnesis.

As a rule, for diseases of this type, the patient is prescribed laboratory tests:

• general and biochemical blood tests,
• conducting a general urine test,
• stool analysis.

Radiation research methods are also widely used in the diagnostic process. An informative method is ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, radiography, fluoroscopy with the use of contrast agents, CT, MRI.

Depending on the disease, procedures may also be prescribed to assess the condition of the internal organs of the digestive system and at the same time obtain material for a biopsy:

• colonoscopy,
• esophagogastroduodenoscopy,
• sigmoidoscopy,
• laparoscopy.

To examine the stomach, it is practiced to use functional tests that provide detailed information about the acid secretion of the stomach, its motor function, as well as the condition of the pancreas and small intestine.

Treatment of diseases of the digestive system

The treatment method is determined after diagnosis. For infectious and inflammatory pathologies, antibacterial therapy is required. The following medications are used: Ciprofloxacin, Cefazolin, Metranidazole.

To treat enzyme deficiency, the drugs “Mezim” and “Pancreatin” are used. Anti-inflammatory and antisecretory agents are also used. Surgical treatment consists of eliminating intestinal obstruction, removing stones, tumor formations, suturing an ulcer, etc.

Nutrition for diseases of the digestive system

Nutrition for diseases of the digestive system must be special. In this regard, in our country, at one time, the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences developed special diets that are suitable not only for diseases of the digestive system, but also of other systems (diets are indicated in articles on the treatment of certain diseases). A specially selected diet is necessary in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system and is the key to successful treatment.

If regular enteral nutrition is not possible, parenteral nutrition is prescribed, that is, when the substances necessary for the body enter directly into the blood, bypassing the digestive system. Indications for the use of this diet are: complete esophageal dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis and a number of other diseases.

The main ingredients of parenteral nutrition are amino acids (polyamine, aminofusin), fats (lipofundin), carbohydrates (glucose solutions). Electrolytes and vitamins are also introduced taking into account the body's daily needs.

Prevention of digestive diseases

The main and most important prevention of diseases of the digestive system, and not only them, is maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This includes giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.), regular physical exercise, avoiding physical inactivity (lead an active lifestyle), adherence to work and rest schedules, adequate sleep, and more.

It is very important to have a complete, balanced, regular diet, which ensures that the body receives the necessary substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, trace elements, vitamins), and monitoring of the body mass index.

Preventive measures also include annual medical examinations, even if there is no concern. After 40 years, it is recommended to conduct an annual ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

And in no case should the disease be allowed to progress; if symptoms appear, consult a doctor, and not self-medicate or only traditional medicine.

Questions and answers on the topic "Diseases of the digestive system"

Question:I eat, go to bed and a bitterness appears in my throat and mouth.

Answer: Bitterness in the mouth and throat is considered a manifestation of many diseases of various types: from otolaryngological and dental pathologies to disorders of the digestive tract. The most likely cause of the feeling of bitterness in the throat is a disruption in the functioning of the biliary tract. You need a face-to-face consultation with a doctor for examination.

Question:Hello! I am 52 years old. Somewhere in 2000, I was examined by a doctor, diagnosed with gastritis and hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, in general, a whole bunch of diseases. There were stones in the gall bladder. She took various medications, herbal decoctions, and then stopped her treatment. But for many years I have been tormented by heartburn, there are pains in the stomach and liver. I take various medications for heartburn, and for a year, after every meal, I feel heaviness in my stomach and after a while I constantly feel sleepy and have frequent heartburn again. I almost always save myself only with antacids. Please tell me why I start to feel sleepy after eating and whether frequent use of Rennie and Almagel A is harmful?

Answer: First of all, you need to decide on gallstones. If they are present, all your problems will only get worse. An examination by a gastroenterologist is necessary.