Intestinal inflammation causes diarrhea, inflammation, and deep penetration of the intestinal wall. Over time, this condition can lead to many dangerous complications, even life-threatening ones.
Essential Information about Intestinal Inflammation
Intestinal inflammation is part of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. It causes diarrhea, inflammation, and deep penetration of the intestinal walls. If left untreated, the disease can lead to many dangerous complications.
What Causes Intestinal Inflammation?
The exact cause of intestinal inflammation is still unclear. However, several factors are considered triggers for this disease, including:
Dietary Factors
Diet: Consuming high-fat or processed foods may increase the risk of intestinal inflammation.
Dietary habits and stress can also elevate the risk. Due to climate characteristics, people living in Northern regions are at a higher risk compared to those in the South.
Dietary habits and stress can elevate the risk of intestinal inflammation.
Viral Infections
Intestinal inflammation can also be caused by viruses. Some common viruses that can lead to intestinal inflammation include:
- Salmonella: This bacterium is known for causing diseases like typhoid fever, bloodstream infections, food poisoning, and intestinal inflammation. Common symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, typically occurring 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food.
- Escherichia coli (E. Coli): These bacteria primarily reside in the intestinal tract and are abundant in the body’s microbiome. Normally, E. Coli bacteria are harmless. However, if the body encounters issues, conditions may arise that allow certain pathogenic strains of E. Coli to thrive, potentially producing toxins that cause diarrhea in humans and livestock. E. Coli infections can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and in severe cases, bloody stools or kidney failure.
- Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni): This agent causes acute intestinal inflammation, primarily through consumption of contaminated food and water, or contact with infected animals. C. jejuni-related intestinal inflammation can lead to acute diarrhea in humans, especially in children and travelers from developed countries to tropical regions.
- Shigella: This bacterium causes bacillary dysentery, affecting the intestines. Shigella is considered a leading cause of diarrhea worldwide. According to a 2006 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Shigella was responsible for 165 million cases of severe dysentery, with one million fatalities.
Genetic Factors
Intestinal inflammation tends to be hereditary. A person is at a higher risk of developing intestinal inflammation if there is a family history of the condition. Approximately 5% to 20% of individuals with intestinal inflammation have a first-degree relative (parent, child, sibling) who has suffered from the disease. Other genetic risk factors include:
- The hereditary risk of Crohn’s disease is higher than that of ulcerative colitis.
- The risk of developing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is elevated if both parents have a history of intestinal inflammation.
Although genetic factors are considered one of the many triggers for intestinal inflammation, they cannot solely predict who may develop Crohn’s disease.
Chronic untreated intestinal inflammation can lead to dangerous complications. (Image source: Shutterstock).
Risk Factors for Intestinal Inflammation
Intestinal inflammation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can occur at any age. Certain individuals are at higher risk than others, including:
- Having a family member with a history of intestinal inflammation
- Having a personal history of intestinal inflammation
- Traveling to regions where intestinal inflammation is prevalent
- Using untreated or contaminated water sources
Symptoms of Intestinal Inflammation
The most common symptom of intestinal inflammation is diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by blood and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain can range from moderate to severe, leading to frequent bowel movements throughout the day. If diarrhea persists, it can result in dehydration, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. In cases where blood is present in the stool, prolonged diarrhea can lead to significant blood loss.
In addition to diarrhea, individuals with intestinal inflammation may also experience constipation. This condition often occurs in Crohn’s disease patients due to blockages in certain parts of the intestine. In ulcerative colitis, constipation may indicate rectal inflammation.
Fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, sudden weight loss, and the presence of blood or mucus in the rectum are also signs of intestinal inflammation.
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- Ulcers in various parts of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, with the appearance of fistulas around the anus, leading to discharge and pain.
- Symptoms may worsen as the disease advances, including severe skin inflammation, arthritis, anemia, reduced mobility, and difficulty breathing.
The above symptoms are merely suggestive; the expression of the disease may vary among individuals. If unusual symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly to facilitate early treatment and prevent dangerous complications.
Medical Advice
To prevent gastrointestinal inflammation, the following measures should be undertaken:
- Drink boiled water, ensure food is prepared hygienically, and avoid using unsafe water sources such as well water, spring water, or pond water.
- Wash hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap before and after cooking and using the restroom.
- Consume well-cooked, hygienic food and store leftovers in the refrigerator if not consumed immediately.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Additionally, engage in regular exercise to stimulate bowel movements, boost immunity, improve mood, and reduce stress. Schedule regular digestive check-ups every 6 to 12 months to screen for and monitor gastrointestinal disorders in general.
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