Among diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal pathologies rank among the top. Particularly well-known are conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These are chronic conditions that can significantly deplete the body. Nowadays, intestinal diseases have started to manifest at a particularly early age.
Causes
Despite the prevalence of intestinal pathologies, the exact cause of their occurrence remains unknown. The onset of the disease is associated with infectious diseases, viruses, and tuberculosis. The basis of the disease lies in the disruption of the balance between restorative and damaging factors. If there is no immune response to the damaging factor, an inflammatory process begins.
Symptoms of Intestinal Inflammation
The symptoms of intestinal diseases are generally similar; however, there are specific signs that differentiate Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis can be identified in a child as young as 3-4 months. The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is hematochezia. In children, traces of blood are found in the stool, followed by diarrhea. In older children, diarrhea occurs immediately. Frequent diarrhea can happen, with urges to defecate occurring every 15-30 minutes. In Crohn's disease, inflammation in one area of the gastrointestinal tract leads to ulcers on the mucosa, narrowing of the lumen, and the formation of fistulas. A characteristic feature of this disease is the inflammation of fistulas, which leads to pain. Defecation occurs in large volumes and at least ten times a day. In Crohn's disease, extraintestinal symptoms are present: stomatitis, erythema, uveitis, conjunctivitis, spondylitis, and others.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Inflammation in Israel
In Israel, diagnostic methods include endoscopy, irrigoscopy, colonoscopy, serological tests, and histological tests of the mucosa. The doctor performs palpation to identify painful areas indicative of pathological changes. Rectal tests are also conducted – in Crohn's disease, the anal canal may be narrowed and altered.
Treatment of Intestinal Inflammation in Israel
The treatment of intestinal pathologies in Israel is based on diet and pharmacotherapy. With properly structured treatment, the mucosa regenerates, and the functions of the digestive organs are restored. In addition to the main treatment, hormonal therapy may be prescribed. In cases of chronic course and frequent relapses, immunosuppressants are prescribed for the child. Surgical intervention may be applied when conservative treatment is ineffective, in cases of bowel stenosis, or bleeding.
Prevention
A well-thought-out diet, maintenance of normal intestinal microflora, and timely treatment of viral diseases.