Dysbiosis is a condition associated with the disruption of the life activity of all microorganisms and bacteria in the intestine. This condition is also characterized by physical changes in the microflora, a decrease in the number of bacteria, and their replacement by pathogenic microorganisms. The intestinal microflora actively participates in metabolism, contributes to the circulation of vitamins and acids, and performs various protective functions of the body. Disruption of the dynamics of microflora, insufficient or excessive amounts of bacteria lead to a general deterioration of health and cause malfunctions in the functioning of all vital organs.
Causes
The cause of this condition may be the excessive influx of various microorganisms into the intestine, leading to the loss of acids and vitamins. The onset of dysbiosis is primarily associated with the activation of various intestinal infections.
In addition, the appearance of this condition may be caused by the following factors:
- Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, hormonal medications, antidepressants, and non-steroidal agents. Dysbiosis can also be provoked by laxatives, choleretics, analgesics, and narcotic drugs;
- Fasting or irregular eating patterns;
- Psychological problems, stressful situations;
- Infectious diseases, ARVI;
- Alcohol consumption, smoking.
Diagnosis of Dysbiosis in Israel
The manifestation of dysbiosis in patients varies and depends on the overall health of the body, immunity, and other physical indicators. For example, prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications that disrupt the composition of microflora may result in only temporary health deterioration for one person, while leading to complex dysbiotic forms for another.
In most cases, dysbiosis is identified by the following main signs:
- Disruption of defecation (diarrhea and constipation);
- Abdominal bloating, uncontrolled belching, vomiting, nausea;
- Active gas formation in the small intestine;
- Sharp and cramping abdominal pain;
- Borborygmi;
- Lack of beneficial substances and vitamins can lead to anxiety and irritability.
Often, the presence of dysbiosis can be provoked by Escherichia coli, either in small or increased quantities. Therefore, the primary method for diagnosing dysbiosis is stool analysis based on bacterial culture.
In addition to laboratory tests, patients at the Ichilov clinic are also assigned the following types of diagnostic procedures:
- Irrigoscopy (by introducing a contrast agent into the intestine);
- Gastroscopy;
- Rectosigmoidoscopy (examines small sections of the intestine through the anal opening);
- Colonoscopy (examination of the intestine using a thin tube with a special camera and lighting. This method allows monitoring of the intestine and taking tissue samples).
Treatment of Dysbiosis in Israel
Typically, the treatment of dysbiosis begins with selecting special diets for the patient, determining a dietary regimen that should include food rich in plant fibers. However, as medical practice shows, this is often insufficient. To restore and normalize the microflora, suppress harmful bacteria, and improve intestinal functionality, gastroenterologists use the principle of medication therapy.
At the Ichilov clinic, the treatment of dysbiosis includes the following types and groups of medications:
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial agents (for excessive phenomena in the microflora of pathogenic bacteria, as well as for inflammation of the intestinal mucosa);
- Enzyme-forming and choleretic agents (normalize metabolism and absorption of beneficial substances from food);
- Peristalsis stimulants and antiperistaltic agents (improve intestinal motility);
- Immunostimulants (stimulate the reactive functions of the body);
- Probiotics (contain microorganisms that normalize microflora), prebiotics (contain nutrients for normalizing microflora), synbiotics (universal medications combining probiotic and prebiotic agents).