Intestine swelling is a condition in which the intestine enlarges and becomes inflamed. This situation affects either the large intestine, the small intestine, or both. Due to which the body experiences extreme pain, discomfort, and issues related to digestion. Understanding this condition in detail can help in early detection and a better positive plan. We will discuss the intestine swelling symptoms, causes, and treatment options in this blog.
Understand Intestine Swelling
Due to the poor diet, infections, and autoimmune disease conditions, the inner part of the intestine is inflamed or swollen, which is called intestinal swelling.
- The pain and inflammation can last for a longer time or for a shorter time, depending on the condition of the intestine.
- The intestine can’t absorb nutrients properly from food if it is swollen, which results in poor health and diet absorption to the body.
- It can be mild with little pain for a shorter time, and it can be critical too, which may require further immediate action.
Common Symptoms of Intestine Swelling
There are multiple symptoms you can notice for your intestine intestinal swelling. Some of them are:
Symptoms Related to Digestion
- Frequent diarrhea, sometimes containing blood, could be the sign of more extreme inflammation.
- Pain around the belly or below it. This could be continuous or irregular.
- When the large intestine is affected, there is a possibility of constipation as the stool does not pass through it properly.
- Vomiting makes it difficult to maintain a proper diet, which also causes dehydration.
- Even after having small intakes of food, bloating occurs.
- Gas-related issues due to improper digestion.
Systemic Symptoms
- Dry mouth, dizziness, and low or dark yellowish urination because of dehydration.
- Chills and high fever a symptoms that the body is fighting an infection, which may cause extreme inflammation.
- Weakness and fatigue due to low absorption of nutrients in the body.
- Reduction in appetite causes unwanted weight loss.
- Blood in stool is a sign of taking immediate medical examination.
Primary Causes of Intestine Swelling
There are several primary causes for this swelling, which are categorised into various categories.
Infections in the Intestine
- Contaminated food and water can cause acute inflammation in the small intestine may result in bacterial infection.
- The source of parasitic Infection is also contaminated water, and it can cause continuous inflammation inside the intestine.
- One of the most common infections among children is a viral infection, and it causes swelling in the intestine for some time.
- Uncooked, unhygienic, and improperly stored food can carry pathogens to the intestines, which can cause digestive and intestinal issues easily.
IBD- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Ulcerative colitis is a disease named affects the rectum and large intestine. It causes continuous inflammation in the inner layer of the colon.
- There is a disease named Crohn’s disease. It can affect any part of the intestine and cause extreme inflammation. This can extend through multiple layers of intestinal walls.
- Sometimes our immune system attacks the intestinal tissue mistakenly, which is responsible for counteracting the swelling and further damage.
- It requires medication for a longer time, modification in food intake, and, in some cases, there could be a need for surgical intervention.
Food-Related Causes
- Allergic to some foods, such as gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance, or allergic to some proteins also which can also cause extreme inflammation.
- Bacteria present in spoiled foods release toxins that can cause food poisoning very easily.
- Acidic and spicy food can cause temporary inflammation as the spicy food can irritate the internal lining of the intestine in those people who are sensitive.
Medication Side Effects
- Continuous medication and antibiotics can affect the digestive cycle and natural gut bacteria balance.
- A few medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can cause inflammation as a side effect of the treatment.
- Linings of the intestine can be damaged very easily by having high doses or frequent intakes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Other Contributing Factors
- Radiation therapy in the pelvic area can damage the linings of the intestine, which may cause irritation and chronic inflammation.
- Improper blood flow to the intestine can cause dysfunction of intestinal tissue.
- Mistake by the autoimmune system, as it attacks the healthy tissue of the intestine.
- Anxiety and stress can affect the involuntary connection between the brain and the intestine.
Treatment Options to Cure Intestinal Swelling
There are several treatment options to cure the intestinal swelling. But it mainly depends on the severity of the intestine and damage to it:
Lifestyle Measures and Home Care
- Drinking plenty of water and taking proper rest is very necessary to recover faster.
- Having leafy vegetables, fruits, rice, and items that can be easily prepared can be helpful during this.
- Avoid taking food items for some time that can irritate the linings, like spicy foods and oily foods.
- After taking antibiotics, consuming probiotics helps to balance the digestive bacteria, especially after any infection or after taking antibiotics.
Treatments with the Help of Medications
- Some medicines, like antibiotics, are given to counter the bacteria that cause intestinal swelling.
- To treat conditions like IBD, anti-inflammatory medicines are given to control symptoms and inflammation.
- Medicines to treat diarrhea, but they should be avoided in certain conditions.
- Drugs like pain relievers have also been given, but not in all cases.
- Using immunosuppressants to control the immune system from attacking the healthy tissue of the intestine.
- When oral intake is not possible for any reason, then intravenous fluids are required to keep the body functioning well.
Specialized Treatments
- A surgical intervention may be needed if the IBD is critical, especially when medications are ineffective to treat it anymore.
- A therapy that includes required supplements for the body is very necessary to maintain nutrition in the body, which is deficient due to poor absorption by the intestine.
- Removal of the food from the diet under supervision can cause inflammation.
Indications for Medical Attention
- So many signs and symptoms are there to help an individual ensure that they need a medical checkup:
- Symptoms like blood in stool, pain in the abdomen, and high fever that is not healing with time or lasts for more than a week.
- Monotonous symptoms related to the digestive system may require an examination from your doctor. To identify the exact problem, maybe an examination or test is required. Such as a colonoscopy and imaging studies. There could be a need for blood work in some cases, too.
- Early detection and early treatment can prevent a patient from malnutrition, severe intestinal issues, or more serious chronic Infection.
Conclusion
Intestinal swelling is a major health concern that can be caused due to multiple factors, which can result in short-term pain to long long-term chronic disease. Recognition of the intestine swelling symptoms and causes earlier can help in planning a better and appropriate treatment. Although some minor cases are cured by themselves at home with a few precautions and changes. Like hydration and resting can help to feel better, but if the condition is severe, a patient may require immediate medical guidance.