Intestinal atony is a disease characterized by a complete lack of organ tone, which leads to dysfunction, in particular to difficulty in the process of bowel movement. Pathology can occur at any age and is often diagnosed in children.
Often the causes of this disorder are poor diet and lack of physical activity. The disease can be the result of surgery, chronic gastrointestinal diseases and many other reasons.
The symptomatic picture is nonspecific, since it includes signs characteristic of many gastroenterological problems. Among the main symptoms, it is worth highlighting flatulence, pain, upset stool, and sleep disturbance.
The diagnostic process requires a whole range of measures, starting from a thorough examination of the patient and ending with a number of laboratory and instrumental procedures.
Therapy involves the use of only conservative methods, including diet therapy, medicines(“Espumizan”, “Trimedat”, “Pancreatin”, etc.) and performing therapeutic exercises.
Etiology
Today, specialists in the field of gastroenterology know many causes of atony, which can act as an independent disease or be a consequence of other pathological conditions.
Intestinal atony is a disease that can be diagnosed in children, which is facilitated by the following predisposing factors:
- stressful situations;
- changing the nature of nutrition, for example, introducing complementary foods after breastfeeding;
- consumption of water in small quantities;
- burdened heredity, i.e. the presence of a similar pathology in the medical history of one of the close relatives.
Very often, such a dysfunction of the intestines develops during the period of bearing a child. In such cases, the problem arises due to the fact that there is an increase in the concentration of progesterone, which affects the relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue of all internal organs.
As for the elderly, atony in most situations appears due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or surgical treatment of diseases associated with the digestive system. It is worth noting that in this case the disease is considered a completely normal phenomenon that accompanies the physiological aging of the body.
Symptoms
Clinical signs are nonspecific - it often happens that people do not pay attention to them, mistaking them for banal intestinal disorders. The severity of symptoms is influenced by the following factors:
- degree of motor impairment;
- features of the human central nervous system;
- age category.
One of the first manifestations of pathology is prolonged stool retention, at least 2 days. Associated symptoms:
- severe pain during bowel movements;
- change in the consistency of feces - they become denser;
- increase in the size of the front wall abdominal cavity;
- increased gas formation;
- appearance;
- anemia, which is associated with poor absorption of iron;
- reduction or complete;
- the formation of coprolites, i.e. fecal stones;
- general weakness and fatigue;
- sleep disturbance up to insomnia;
- increased irritability;
- false urge to defecate;
- education ;
- increase in temperature indicators;
- pale skin;
- long;
- fluctuations in blood tone values;
- heaviness in the stomach and nausea;
- emergence allergic reactions against the background of reduced immunity;
- feeling of fullness and rumbling in the intestines;
- signs of intoxication of the body caused by harmful substances secreted by feces - putrefactive processes develop in the area of the small or large intestine.
Clinical manifestations occur in patients regardless of age and gender. It is important to remember that if atony is of a secondary nature, the symptoms will be accompanied by signs characteristic of the underlying disease.
Diagnostics
What is intestinal atony, how to diagnose the disease and how to cure the disease - a gastroenterologist is competent in such matters. The diagnostic process is based on identifying the etiological factor. The disorder most often appears as a symptom of the presence of a disease.
The diagnostic process must have an integrated approach. Primary diagnosis combines a number of manipulations carried out directly by the clinician:
- studying the medical history of not only the patient, but also his immediate relatives - to establish the most likely pathological factor or genetic predisposition;
- collection and analysis of life history - this includes providing information regarding lifestyle, eating habits, level of physical activity;
- assessment of the condition of the skin;
- palpation and tapping of the abdomen;
- digital examination of the rectum;
- measuring blood tone and temperature;
- a detailed survey - to determine the severity of symptoms and draw up a complete clinical picture of a disease such as atony of the large intestine.
During laboratory diagnostics, the following studies are used:
Instrumental procedures are informative in diagnostic terms:
- X-ray of the intestine using a contrast agent;
- colonoscopy;
- ultrasonography of the peritoneal organs;
- endoscopic biopsy followed by histological examination of the biopsy.
Intestinal atony and Bladder may be psychogenic in nature. Additional diagnostic measures include consultations with a neurologist, psychologist and psychotherapist - neuropsychiatric and psychological examination.
Treatment
Treatment of intestinal atony involves the use of conservative therapeutic methods:
- taking medications;
- diet therapy;
- use of alternative medicine recipes;
- abdominal massage;
- a course of therapeutic gymnastic exercises is selected individually.
Treatment with medications involves taking the following medications:
- prokinetics;
- cholinesterase inhibitors;
- choleretic substances;
- agents that have a laxative effect - there are secretory (of plant or synthetic origin), osmotic and increasing the volume of feces.
Patients are often prescribed the following medications for intestinal atony:
- "Pancreatin";
- "Amiridin";
- "Espumizan";
- "Regulax";
- "Prozerin";
- "Metoclopramide";
- "Amiridin";
- "Cerucal";
- "Trimedat".
The basis of treatment is a diet for intestinal atony, which involves complete avoidance of the following foods:
- baked goods and confectionery products;
- fresh bread;
- smoked meats and canned food;
- fatty meats and fish;
- mushrooms;
- cooking fats;
- semolina;
- rich broths;
- onion and garlic;
- spices and hot sauces;
- whole milk;
- legumes;
- White cabbage;
- chocolate and cocoa;
- radishes and radishes;
- strong black tea and coffee;
- carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
For intestinal atony you can use:
- vegetarian first courses;
- buckwheat, barley and millet porridge;
- pasta;
- dietary meat and fish;
- sauerkraut;
- tomatoes and cucumbers;
- zucchini;
- beets;
- apples;
- oranges;
- ice cream;
- marmalade;
- jam;
- dried fruits;
- juices;
- seaweed;
- green tea and herbal infusions.
The menu is based on dietary table No. 3, however, all recommendations regarding nutrition are provided only by a gastroenterologist or nutritionist.
Therapy is not prohibited folk remedies, which involves preparing medicinal decoctions at home based on the following components:
- aloe juice;
- senna leaves;
- rhubarb root;
- buckthorn;
- series;
- flax seeds;
- burdock;
- oregano;
- bird cherry;
- peppermint.
According to individual indications, treatment for intestinal atony is carried out using colon hydrotherapy and subaqueous baths - such procedures are necessary to cleanse the organ.
Prevention and prognosis
Avoiding the occurrence of the disease is quite simple - you just need to follow a few simple recommendations. Intestinal atony includes the following preventive rules:
- maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle;
- body weight control;
- avoiding nervous exhaustion;
- taking medications strictly as prescribed by the clinician;
- proper and nutritious nutrition;
- plenty of drinking regime;
- timely identification and elimination of those diseases that can lead to disruption of intestinal function;
- Regular visits to a gastroenterologist and other doctors for a complete preventive medical examination.
The symptoms of intestinal atony that appear and the treatment prescribed by the doctor affect the prognosis. Seeking qualified help helps to achieve complete recovery, since the disease responds well to treatment.
Ignoring clinical signs can lead to the development of complications, which may require surgery to eliminate.
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Intestinal atony is a pathological condition of the large intestine caused by low tone of the smooth muscles of the intestinal walls, which leads to a slowdown or complete disappearance of peristaltic movements at a normal rate of 15–18 contractions per minute. The main manifestation of intestinal atony is frequent, prolonged constipation, which is difficult to cope with with conventional laxatives.
Causes
Most often, intestinal atony develops against the background of general muscle weakness and impaired conduction of impulses, under the influence of which a contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall occurs with a sedentary lifestyle, after abdominal operations, and prolonged bed rest.
Another common cause of atonic constipation is an unbalanced diet, especially a lack of fiber and other coarse fibers in the diet against the background of an excess of calories, as well as non-compliance with the water regime. The systematic lack of fluid intake is compensated by the active absorption of moisture, which leads to compaction of the stool. The formation of a large number of toxic compounds during the putrefactive decay of undigested food remains, in turn, prevents the perception of impulses by muscle cells. Sometimes the movement of feces is limited by mechanical obstacles: diverticula, additional pockets of the colon, adhesions, coprolites (fecal stones), neoplasms, compression of the rectal wall by other organs, etc.
Also, a number of factors that influence the processes of neurohumoral regulation of gastrointestinal tract functions are involved in the development of intestinal atony:
- laxative abuse;
- prolonged fasting;
- taking certain medications (painkillers, antacids, antidepressants, antiulcer and antiepileptic drugs, etc.);
- prolonged stress;
- diseases of the anorectal region, prompting the patient to postpone visiting the toilet;
- bad habits: smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, use of morphine-type drugs;
- intestinal infections and changes in intestinal microbiocenosis;
- helminthiases (the waste products of some helminths contain substances that inhibit peristalsis);
- endocrine disorders and electrolyte imbalances;
- traumatic injuries or degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine and spinal cord, as well as;
- pregnancy. Intestinal atony in pregnant women - by-effect relaxing effect of progesterone on smooth muscles.
Sometimes the tendency to atonic constipation is hereditary. Cases of intestinal atony in close relatives are a reason to think about prevention.
Forms
Depending on the degree of inhibition of the motor-evacuation function of the large intestine, complete and partial forms of intestinal atony are distinguished. The most common is partial intestinal atony - slowing and weakening of peristaltic movements, which leads to chronic constipation. Complete intestinal atony is characterized by an absolute absence of peristalsis and paralytic intestinal obstruction.
The main manifestation of intestinal atony is frequent, prolonged constipation, which is difficult to cope with with conventional laxatives.
If acute abdominal pain is observed against the background of stool and gas retention, there is reason to suspect surgical pathology - diverticulosis, volvulus, intestinal infarction and other pathological conditions that threaten the patient’s life. The patient should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.
Symptoms of intestinal atony
A specific sign of intestinal atony is chronic constipation, which is characterized by a long and persistent course. In some cases, “lazy bowel syndrome” develops, in which the patient is unable to defecate on his own.
In this case, constipation is considered not only a long-term retention of stool, in which there is no bowel movement for two or more days. Possible symptoms of intestinal atony with regular bowel movements are quite varied:
- feeling of discomfort and straining during bowel movements;
- insufficient bowel movement;
- streaks of blood in the stool;
- compaction and hardening of feces;
- so-called Sheep feces - the discharge of a small amount of dense, dry excrement.
If there is no stool for more than three days, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine develops, preventing the absorption of nutrients. At the same time, the optimal balance of intestinal microflora is disrupted: the active proliferation of putrefactive bacteria inhibits the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms. As a result, signs of digestive disorders and general intoxication of the body caused by the absorption of toxic products of putrefaction of intestinal contents appear:
- weakness and apathy;
- irritability and fatigue;
- frequent headaches;
- pallor and/or yellowish complexion;
- pain and feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, disappearing after defecation;
- purulent rashes on the skin.
Constant constipation caused by intestinal atony seriously impairs the patient's quality of life. Patients become lethargic and apathetic or, on the contrary, irritable and touchy; the patient’s emotional lability prevents full communication and social life.
Features of the course of intestinal atony in the elderly and children
Intoxication of the body during prolonged constipation is especially pronounced in children and the elderly: body temperature may rise to 37 ° C or more, nausea and vomiting may occur. In older people, blood pressure rises sharply.
Intestinal atony is widespread in older age groups. The tendency towards muscle atrophy is one of the manifestations of aging; in addition, older people tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle, and the options for nutritional therapy for the elderly are limited. In particular, it is not recommended to increase your fiber intake without consulting your doctor, since in case of chronic constipation, eating large amounts of coarse fiber foods can worsen the patient's condition.
Atonic constipation, which first appears in old age, is sometimes a consequence of pathological elongation of the sigmoid colon or sclerotic changes in the mesenteric arteries, which can lead to mesenteric thrombosis. To exclude surgical and vascular pathology in intestinal atony in older people, consultation with a phlebologist and proctologist is mandatory.
In young children, atonic constipation often occurs with a sharp change in diet during weaning, as well as on psychogenic grounds. In this case, intestinal atony must be differentiated from intestinal obstruction and congenital anomalies of the structure of the large intestine.
To prevent “lazy bowel syndrome,” laxatives and enemas should be prescribed to children with great caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. Irritants are contraindicated in young patients; Usually, osmotic preparations based on lactulose and glycerin suppositories are prescribed, which stimulate reflex bowel movement.
Diagnostics
Intestinal atony is diagnosed by a therapist or gastroenterologist based on medical history, study of the patient’s diet and lifestyle, and clinical picture. To identify the causes of weakened tone of the intestinal walls and develop the most effective therapeutic strategy, a comprehensive examination of the intestine using instrumental and laboratory techniques is necessary.
The most informative method for studying the motor function of the large intestine is irrigoscopy - contrast radiography of the colon after a barium enema, which qualitatively visualizes hard-to-reach areas of the intestine that are inaccessible to colonoscopy (folds of the mucous membrane, bends of the colon and sigmoid colon, etc.). If perforation or obstruction of the colon is suspected, a water-soluble contrast agent is administered instead of barium suspension. After bowel movement, a study of the relief of the mucous membrane of the colon is carried out. If necessary, oxygen is pumped into the intestinal lumen to better visualize the inner wall of the intestine.
Endoscopic examination of the colon with biopsy sampling is advisable for differential diagnosis with oncopathology, Crohn's disease and other diseases characterized by specific changes in the intestinal epithelium.
Most often, intestinal atony develops against the background of general muscle weakness and impaired conduction of impulses, under the influence of which a contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall occurs with a sedentary lifestyle, after abdominal operations, and prolonged bed rest.
Treatment of intestinal atony
The first step to restoring normal intestinal motility should be nutritional correction. For atonic constipation, a study of the patient’s diet and lifestyle is indicated: therapeutic diet No. 3: the basis of the diet is milk and vegetable, while astringent products that stimulate gas formation must be excluded from the menu, as well as the calorie content of dishes must be reduced. First of all, rich soups, smoked meat and fish and canned food, mushrooms, legumes, whole milk, hard-boiled eggs, strong tea and coffee, as well as some fruits and berries - dogwood, blueberries, pears, pomegranate, cabbage, radishes, etc. onion and garlic. To compensate for the deficiency of fiber and pectin substances, the menu includes wheat bran, wholemeal bread, buckwheat porridge, fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils and melons. Particularly useful are apricots, plums, melons, apples, rhubarb and seaweed, which have a mild laxative effect.
In addition, you will have to seriously limit your consumption of instant carbohydrates - chocolate, white bread, baked goods and confectionery. It is recommended to replace sweet carbonated drinks and industrial juices with water, compote and fruit drinks; In this case, you should drink at least 1.5–2 liters of liquid per day. Normalization of peristalsis is also facilitated by a split diet with meals taken at the same time.
Increasing physical activity will help quickly improve bowel movements in patients leading a sedentary lifestyle. A good effect for intestinal atony is given by sports walking, swimming, dancing and yoga, as well as performing special exercises for the muscles of the abdominal wall and abdominal massage.
Drug treatment of intestinal atony involves the use of only mild laxatives. Preference is given to drugs with osmotic and prokinetic action and choleretic agents. According to indications, cholinesterase inhibitors may be included in the therapeutic regimen; for severe abdominal pain, antispasmodics are additionally prescribed. In order to prevent intestinal dysbiosis, the use of enemas for intestinal atony is not recommended; It is permissible to use oil suppositories and microenemas to facilitate the evacuation of feces.
Sometimes the tendency to atonic constipation is hereditary. Cases of intestinal atony in close relatives are a reason to think about prevention.
In case of severe intoxication, it is advisable to carry out detoxification therapy and deep intestinal lavage through colon hydrotherapy, subaqueous baths and intestinal irrigation. If intestinal obstruction, neoplasms and anatomical abnormalities of the intestine are detected, surgical intervention may be required.
Prevention
Prevention of intestinal atony is not difficult. It is enough to lead an active lifestyle, control body weight, give up bad habits, avoid stress if possible and monitor nutrition, avoiding deficiency of ballast substances, vitamins and minerals. At the same time, it is important to eat small portions 5-6 times a day, adhere to the optimal drinking regime and avoid long intervals between meals.
To prevent intestinal dysbiosis, you should not take antibiotics without consulting your doctor. It is advisable to teach children to go to the toilet at the same time and not suppress the urge to defecate out of false shame at school or kindergarten.
Consequences and complications
Constant constipation caused by intestinal atony seriously impairs the patient's quality of life. Patients become lethargic and apathetic or, on the contrary, irritable and touchy; the patient’s emotional lability prevents full communication and social life. The patient's appearance also leaves much to be desired: complexion deteriorates, skin rashes and bad breath appear, and skin diseases may worsen.
Putrefactive processes caused by coprostasis disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora and suppress the immune system, provoke allergic and atopic conditions, and due to a disruption of the absorption process in the intestine, people prone to atonic constipation often experience vitamin deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia. In the absence of adequate treatment, intestinal obstruction may develop against the background of intestinal atony, causing severe intoxication of the body.
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Intestinal atony– a condition in which the intestinal walls lose their tone. As a result, peristalsis weakens, which causes many unpleasant consequences that reduce a person’s quality of life. You will learn about the causes and methods of treatment and symptoms of intestinal atony from this article.
Causes
Normally, the intestinal walls contract approximately 18 times per minute. These contractions move food to the lower intestinal tract. If intestinal contractility is impaired, the interval between bowel movements is reduced, that is, long periods occur. In severe forms, colonic atony can lead to loss of the ability to independently empty the bowel without the use of an enema. This condition is sometimes called “lazy bowel syndrome.”
In rare cases, atony can be caused by the use of opiate drugs, which reduce the tone of the hollow organs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of intestinal atony cause patients a lot of anxiety. It is very important to contact the patient as soon as possible: the sooner treatment is started, the more successful it will be.
The following symptoms should alert you:
- Pain is felt during the act of defecation;
- the stool becomes dense due to the body;
- impurities of blood are noticeable in the stool;
- due to the fact that as a result of intestinal atony, iron is poorly absorbed, symptoms appear: weakness, increased fatigue, irritability;
- due to the fact that feces stagnate in intestinal tract, symptoms of general intoxication of the body begin to appear. The skin acquires a jaundiced tint, in the evenings the body temperature rises to 37 degrees, weakness, sleep disturbances, etc. are noted. Intoxication can be especially dangerous for the elderly and children, as well as for patients whose bodies are weakened by long-term illnesses;
- the time intervals between acts of defecation increase. Constipation may last up to several days.
and - one of the signs of intestinal atony Diagnosis of the disorder
If you have the symptoms described above, you should make an appointment with or, who will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Important! Self-medication for atony is unacceptable: it can lead to progression of the disease and deterioration of the patient’s condition.
As a rule, diagnosing atony of the stomach and intestines does not present any difficulties: the doctor is quite satisfied with the complaints presented by the patient. However, treatment is impossible without identifying the cause of the disorder.
To find out what led to the pathology, you must undergo the following diagnostic procedures:
- colonoscopy, which allows to detect the presence of tumors and assess the condition of the intestinal walls;
- irrigoscopy makes it possible to determine whether the patient has organic lesions of the intestinal walls or volvulus;
- X-ray, which makes it possible to detect places where feces have accumulated to diagnose adhesions and blood clots;
- stool analysis and bacteriological culture.
If the tests do not reveal the causes of atony, a consultation with a psychotherapist may be prescribed. Very often the disorder is psychogenic in nature and is associated with the patient’s psychological trauma or chronic stress.
Therapy
How to treat intestinal atony? This question plagues many patients. One of the main keys to recovery from intestinal atony is following a special diet. If the patient has constipation, he may be prescribed dietary food, for example, table No. 3, suggesting:
- eating fresh vegetables and fruits;
- introduction into the diet of products that contain angraglycosides, which are natural laxatives. Anthraglycosides are found in dried fruits: dried apricots, figs, etc.;
- It is important to eat a lot of fermented milk dishes: natural yoghurts without additives or preservatives, kefir, yogurt;
- Fresh juices are useful for atony of the stomach and intestines.
With diet No. 3, you need to limit the consumption of black tea and coffee, give up fatty foods, spices, etc. It is important that the food irritates the intestines: there is no need to prepare dishes in the form of purees. You need to eat regularly and in small portions.
A diet for intestinal atony involves changing the drinking regime. You should drink at least two liters of fluid per day. Of course, you first need to check the functioning of the kidneys and cardiovascular system. It is advisable to drink mineral water without gas.
To improve intestinal motility, you should eat bran and whole grain bread. The mechanism of action of bran is quite simple: they are not digested in the intestines, absorbing liquid and increasing in volume. Due to its volume, bran improves the ability of the intestines to contract, thereby preventing constipation.
Important! When treating intestinal atony, physical activity is very important. Patients should do exercises daily and try to walk a lot. Participating in sports clubs helps to cope with the problem. Swimming, dancing, and Nordic walking perfectly stimulate peristalsis.
The listed measures often help get rid of atony and improve intestinal motility. In this case, it is possible to do without the use of drug therapy. However, if the disease is advanced, doctors use mild laxatives to treat the disease.
Effective exercises for intestinal atony
To get rid of atonic symptoms, it is recommended to do the following exercises:
- Lying on your back, you need to make movements that imitate riding a bicycle. In this case, you should try to tense your abdominal muscles;
- lying on your back, bend your knees and press them to your stomach;
- standing on all fours, throw each leg back one by one, slightly lifting it and holding it for two to three seconds at the highest point;
- lying on your back, throw each leg behind your head in turn.
You should do 10 repetitions of each exercise.
Important! You can do exercises only if there are no complications of atony: inflammation, multi-day constipation, serious intoxication of the body. In such cases, physical activity may worsen the patient's condition.
Forecast and preventive measures
Intestinal atony is a disorder that has a fairly favorable prognosis. With timely treatment, you can quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms by increasing physical activity and changing your diet. An exception is atony resulting from malignant intestinal neoplasms, as well as congenital pathologies (Hirschsprung syndrome).
Among the main preventive measures for intestinal atony are:
- proper nutrition;
- normal level of physical activity;
- giving up bad habits, in particular smoking.
Also, under no circumstances should you abuse laxatives for weight loss. Of course, they allow you to get quick results, but you have to pay own health. Laxatives used for constipation can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Now you know how to cure intestinal atony. Please remember: the information in this article is for informational purposes only. If you have symptoms of impaired intestinal motility, you should immediately consult a doctor.
What is intestinal atony? The disease in question is a decrease in the tone of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. IN difficult cases there is no peristalsis. With a healthy gastrointestinal tract, the frequency of contractions of the walls of the colon is 15 times per minute.
Medical indications
Atony of the large intestine can be provoked by concomitant diseases of the internal organs. Poor nutrition and lack of dietary fiber contribute to the development of intestinal atony. Some pharmaceutical drugs can reduce the level of fiber in the intestinal microflora.
Constipation is a common occurrence with intestinal atony. Improper treatment or lack thereof can lead to intestinal muscle atrophy. A gastroenterologist should treat intestinal atony, since the disease is accompanied by other serious diseases.
Functional disorders of peristalsis can be provoked by various factors. The main cause of atony is a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of movement leads to innervation of the intestinal walls and a decrease in peristaltic contractions. Constant stress reduces the number of nerve cells, which leads to a decrease in the tone of the organ walls. The development of the disease may be due to the use of antispasmodic, analgesic and antidepressant medications.
Genetic predisposition is of great importance in atony. Decreased colon tone occurs due to hormonal imbalances. Malfunctions of the hormonal glands can be caused by pregnancy, menopause, endocrine and oncological diseases. In exceptional cases, the patient experiences postoperative intestinal atony, which is caused by the development of adhesions (due to surgical intervention).
During pregnancy, the risk of developing atony increases. This is due to mechanical pressure. Excess progesterone produced by the body during pregnancy has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of internal organs. In adults and elderly people, the occurrence of the disease is associated with physiological processes - aging, atherosclerotic lesions of blood vessels.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of atony is an increase in the intervals between bowel movements. Often there are difficulties in the process of defecation, slow or incomplete emptying. The patient may have digestive problems. At proper operation gastrointestinal tract, defecation occurs at least 3 times a week and no more than 3 times a day. Constipation is characterized by a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, dryness and hardness of stool.
The gastrointestinal tract of each person has individual characteristics, so a violation of the usual bowel habits is also a sign of atony. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent belching, nausea, abdominal pain and infertile urge to stool may occur.
Bloating and discomfort often occur. Increased fatigue is observed, as the disease contributes to a deterioration in the absorption of microelements and vitamins. This phenomenon causes vitamin deficiency or anemia.
Diagnosis of pathology
The main goal of diagnosing intestinal atony is to identify the primary cause of the development of pathology. More often than not, atony is a symptom of someone's illness. To identify the disease that provoked atony, it is necessary to conduct a detailed survey of the patient. When determining the picture of the disease, the characteristics and diet are assessed. Special attention is paid to peristaltic noises and the nature of abdominal bloating.
Intestinal motility functions are assessed using barium passage radiography. Carrying out irrigoscopy and colonoscopy is necessary to determine the degree of damage to internal organs, assess peristalsis, the relief of the mucous membrane and the general functionality of the intestine. The colon is examined using irrigoscopy.
Colonoscopy using the endoscopic method allows you to identify the condition of the intestine. This study excludes Crohn's disease and oncology. Biopsy and histology are performed to identify Hirschsprung syndrome - a congenital pathology, the absence of nerve ganglia in the muscles and intestinal submucosa. If the above diagnostic methods do not determine the cause of atony, then it is caused by a neuropsychiatric condition.
Therapy methods
Treatment of intestinal atony includes a balanced diet. The diet should include vegetables and fruits. For constipation, anthraglycoside products - dried apricots, figs and prunes - have a positive effect. An introduction to daily diet fermented milk products and vegetable fats. Bran improves intestinal permeability. They are poured with boiling water and then added to various dishes. The absorbent properties of bran increase the volume of feces.
Forbidden foods include tea, blueberries, and cocoa. Food should provoke the stomach to work, so you need to give up purees. Meals - 5-6 times a day. Fluid intake is no less important than diet. You need to drink at least 2 liters of liquids per day. If the patient has diseases related to the kidneys or cardiovascular system, it is recommended to drink only water. Physical activity plays an important role in the treatment of atony. This is important when observing bed rest.
Before treating atony with medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Drug therapy is effective if the above methods do not have the desired effect. Prokinetics are prescribed to increase tone and improve motor functions. Cholinesterase inhibitors have the main effect on the diseased body.
At the initial stage, the use of a choleretic agent is indicated. The drug used affects the intestinal walls. It is contraindicated to constantly take laxatives. They are used to normalize bowel movements. There are several groups of laxatives, which are classified according to their mechanism of action.
List of medications
More often, patients are prescribed secretory medications on a plant or synthetic basis. Their action is aimed at reducing the absorption of water in the intestine, diluting stool, and irritating the chemoreceptors of the mucous membrane. This group includes medicines based on senna leaves and rhubarb root. Their action is aimed at accelerating the transit of intestinal contents and stimulating the process of defecation. The disadvantage of this group of medications is loss of electrolytes, addiction, dosage adjustment, pain.
The second group of laxatives includes osmotic drugs (Lactulose). Polymers located in the intestinal lumen increase the osmotic pressure of feces, stimulating the secretion of water into the intestinal lumen. The stool becomes liquid, which facilitates its easy and rapid passage. At the same time, motor skills are stimulated.
The third group includes drugs that help increase the volume of stool. These are natural laxatives that are used systematically. They have no side effects, and peristalsis is stimulated naturally ( mechanical impact stool volume).
For intestinal atony, medications are used that facilitate the passage of feces due to a lubricating effect (Proctosedyl, liquid paraffin). If necessary, the doctor cleanses the intestines using colon hydrotherapy or a subaqueous bath.
Therapy for young patients
In a child, treatment of intestinal atony is carried out after differential diagnosis with various anomalies of the development of this organ. Before treating a small patient, the doctor determines the stage of the disease. Complex therapy includes a diet for intestinal atony. Children suffering from of this disease, should take food separately and in small portions.
The menu includes natural juices and fermented milk products. The diet for intestinal atony does not include eggs, smoked meats, or pears. It is recommended to eat foods rich in fats and fiber. They increase intestinal motility, changing chemical composition in the large intestine.
Plantex or extracts of other plants are used. For intestinal atony, treatment includes special gymnastics, which promotes constant and easy bowel movements. If atonic constipation is permanent, then special medications are used. When pain antispasmodics are used. To stimulate intestinal peristalsis, Proserin is indicated. For intestinal atony, symptoms can be eliminated with the help of glycerin suppositories with oil, cocoa and belladonna.
The pathology in question is characterized by a positive prognosis if a comprehensive examination is carried out, the cause of the disease is identified in a timely manner, nutrition is adjusted, and adequate treatment. The exception is organic damage to the organ, lack of innervation and other serious illnesses. Prevention of intestinal atony includes a balanced diet, mandatory physical exercise, timely detection and treatment of ailments that can disrupt intestinal tone.
The result of a decrease in intestinal tone and a failure of its normal functioning is discomfort, disruption of the digestion process and constant constipation. Intestinal atony is main reason such a condition, and implies a decrease or complete cessation of peristalsis of the hollow walls of the small or large intestine. What role does peristalsis play for the human body and what it is is a little-known concept, especially for people who do not specialize in medical matters.
Peristalsis is the process of contraction of the muscles of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the movement of the food contained in them to the exit.
Violation of peristalsis and the norms of contraction of the intestinal muscles lead to atony, disharmony in the gastrointestinal tract, and an increase in the time interval between bowel movements.
The prospect of weak muscle function threatens the appearance of frequent and painful constipation, which without proper treatment over time turns into a chronic condition.
Symptoms and signs of atony
Disruption of the digestive process, which is accompanied by a long and frequent delay in bowel movements, may signal the initial stage of intestinal atony.
Experts note that normally the process of defecation should occur at least three times a week and no more than three times a day.
With constipation and impaired peristalsis, stool is noted to have a hard consistency, and the patient’s condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Cramping pain in the abdominal area, combined with an ineffective urge to go to the toilet.
- Impaired absorption of vitamins and nutrients, leading to the development of intestinal anemia (iron deficiency in the body).
- Discomfort, feeling of heaviness and bloating.
Diagnosis of pathology
You can normalize intestinal function and improve peristalsis by adjusting your diet and lifestyle, medications, training and sports exercises. But before self-medicating, or even worse, ignoring the problem, you should consult a gastroenterologist.
If atony is suspected, the specialist makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the patient’s complaints and accompanying symptoms of the body.
Treatment of atony and improvement of intestinal motility will be effective only if the diagnosis is made correctly.
To confirm the examination, the doctor prescribes an additional laboratory examination: and a detailed analysis that allows you to assess the effectiveness of the digestive processes of the gastrointestinal tract -.
To rule out hypothyroidism, a test is prescribed to determine hormone levels. thyroid gland, since such a pathological state of the body may be one of the causes of intestinal atony.
Great importance, to confirm the diagnosis, has an analysis for enterobiasis, especially in children. When prescribing treatment, based on the degree of advanced disease, the specialist gives recommendations on how to cope with constipation and how to improve peristalsis with the help of medications, diet and sports.
Traditional and folk methods of treatment
Atony brought to an advanced stage must be treated comprehensively: with medications that stimulate and normalize peristalsis, laxatives for primary bowel cleansing, cleansing enemas, and diet. For elderly patients, people leading a sedentary lifestyle and obese patients, special gymnastics and physical activity are relevant.
Diet for atony
A diet for atony, containing the right amount of fibrous substances, fiber, vitamins, and observed with the utmost rigor, in most cases helps restore impaired peristalsis and normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, without drug therapy or long-term treatment.
The patient should refrain from eating confectionery, fatty and high-calorie foods, the process is important heat treatment products, the ideal option would be steamed, baked or boiled dishes.
To improve digestion, eat small, frequent meals up to 5-6 times a day. “Eat breakfast yourself...”, a well-known proverb, speaks for itself; at the beginning of the day, enrich the body with the substances it needs, and in the evening, limit yourself to light meals and fermented milk products.
| Products | Consumption without restrictions (products that improve peristalsis) | Moderate use | Taboo (products leading to impaired peristalsis, subsequently to atony) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken, rabbit, lean fish | Beef | Lard, smoked meats, fatty pork, canned food |
| Vegetables | Beets, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots | Radish, cabbage | Mushrooms, onions, garlic |
| Fruits | Apricots, oranges, peaches, plums, apples | - | Pomegranate, pear, quince |
| Fermented milk products | Kefir, curdled milk, yogurt | Cottage cheese, sour cream | - |
| Confectionery, desserts | Dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, figs) | Galette cookies | Chocolate, cream desserts, baked goods |
| Cereals | Buckwheat, millet barley groats | Pasta | Rice and semolina cereals, legumes |
| Beverages | Mineral water, juices with pulp | Tea, cocoa | Strong coffee, alcohol |
| Flour products | Wholemeal bread, diet bread | Unfortunate pastries | White bread, loaf of flour premium grades |
Be sure to follow the drinking regime; a person should saturate the body with 1.5 - 2 liters per day clean water, not counting the drunk compotes, juices, and broths. Laxatives
Medicines and drugs that enhance peristalsis, increase its tone and are aimed at combating intestinal atony are divided into stimulants and laxatives.
Laxatives are used at the initial stage of the therapeutic fight against atony, in order to normalize the process of defecation and cleanse the sections of the large intestine from feces.
The laxative medicine does not eliminate the causes of atony, does not stimulate the intestinal walls, so it is not recommended to take it constantly to avoid the addictive effect.
When using laxatives for constipation, the degree of cleansing effectiveness is taken into account. Medicines are divided into several groups:
- Products containing lactulose - have a mild effect and safe bowel movement, are applicable for constipation in pediatrics (, lactuvit, goodlac);
- Medicines created on the basis of macrogol are not intended for long-term treatment and improvement of peristalsis, in most cases they are applicable in preparation for examination or surgery (,);
- Irritant laxatives – medicines, irritating sensitive receptors of the intestinal walls, and thus stimulating peristalsis and motility of the gastrointestinal tract (senadex, laksatin);
You can combat atony by taking medications that increase wave-like contractions of the intestinal walls, aimed at restoring the normal digestive process.
- Prozerin– enhances the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the secretion of gastrointestinal glands. The medicine will help speed up the healing process and improve intestinal motility.
- Amiridine enhances the process of contraction of the muscles of the smooth walls of the colon, applicable only under the supervision of a specialist.
- Metoclopramide is an active stimulator of digestive organ motility, improves peristalsis upper section gastrointestinal tract.
Folk remedies
Is it possible to fight atony with folk remedies and what effect do they have on improving intestinal motility? Herbal treatment, folk recipes will not harm you, but consult your doctor first; some prescriptions may not be combined with medications.
Taking vegetable oil internally will help eliminate constipation and improve the digestive processes of your body.
Prevention measures that improve peristalsis
Proper and balanced nutrition in combination with an active lifestyle will be an excellent prevention of the development of atony.
Take walks in the fresh air more often, spend some time 30 minutes a day for physical exercise, light gymnastics, drink more water - this will be the key to health, smooth bowel function, and the need for taking medications will fade into the background.
Timely request for medical care will allow you to avoid serious consequences in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the transition of intestinal atony to the chronic stage. Give up bad habits: alcohol and smoking are not the best “friends” for the peristalsis of the hollow organs of the digestive tract, as well as for all body processes.
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