Gastroenterocolitis in adults and children: infectious, acute, chronic

Gastroenterocolitis is a form of damage to the digestive tract in which the mucous membrane of the stomach, as well as the small and large intestines, becomes inflamed. Another name is toxicoinfection. This name reflects the main cause of the disease - infection, and its waste products, toxic substances. The forms and types of manifestation of the disease are different. It can be acute, subacute, chronic.

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Epidemiology

Gastroenterocolitis is a fairly common disease. Infectious gastroenterocolitis is a major health problem, which is much more common in cities and developed countries than in towns and villages. In terms of frequency of occurrence, it is second only to respiratory diseases. Children suffer from intestinal infections more often than adults. Every year, at least 500,000 episodes of childhood illness are registered in the world. As for the adult population, this figure is approximately 400,000.

According to Rosgosstat, the highest incidence rate is observed in cities such as St. Petersburg (26.7%), Novosibirsk (16.4%), and Arkhangelsk (13.7%).

The causative agents are the following microorganisms:

• Salmonella – 9%
• Shigella – 8.1%
• Compylobacter – 7.9%
• Viruses – 13%
• Mixed infection (several types of bacteria in a complex) – 21%
• Non-infectious etiology – 7%
• Allergic nature – 3.4%.

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Causes gastroenterocolitis

The main cause of gastroenterocolitis is food toxicoinfection. This implies the development of pathogenic microflora and a decrease in normal and opportunistic flora. Representatives of such genera as Proteus, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Staphylococcus predominate.

Also, intestinal viruses, toxic and poisonous substances can be the causes of infection. The most dangerous virus is Rotavirus, or intestinal flu. The body can accumulate products of the functioning of bacteria and viruses, which contribute to the development of the inflammatory process, intoxication.

Gastroenterocolitis can be a consequence of the accumulation of heavy metals, caustic substances, alkalis, acids in the body. The cause can even be residues of detergent that accumulate on dishes. They are especially dangerous for children. In addition, children, if not supervised, often drink dishwashing liquid and other liquids. This can cause acute poisoning, inflammation, and even burns of the mucous membrane.

Often a person already has some gastrointestinal disease, and the infection can provoke its spread to other sections. The transition from a chronic form to an acute one is possible under the influence of such factors as poor nutrition. Frequent consumption of foods containing fiber is especially dangerous. Drinking cold drinks has a negative effect. Increased acidity can cause the disease. You must not overcool.

Often, gastroenteritis is a disease that affects the entire family. This is due to the fact that the infection can be transmitted by contact, household means, when using the same dishes. Also, family diseases are explained by the fact that the family prepares food from the same products that can be contaminated. When organizing public catering, cases of poisoning often occur when people eat in the same institution.

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Risk factors

Gastroenterocolitis is provoked by smoking, alcohol abuse, taking medications, especially long-term. Taking antibiotics, salicylic acid and its derivatives has a particularly negative effect. These are the main risk factors.

Diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid, sepsis, syphilis can provoke gastroenteritis.

Allergic diseases can also cause gastroenterocolitis.

The development of gastroenterocolitis is facilitated by diseases such as achylia, vitamin deficiency, and anemia.

People suffering from these diseases belong to a risk group and require special monitoring and medical examination.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis features depend on the type of pathogen that provokes the disease. Microorganisms penetrate through the oral cavity. Then microorganisms penetrate inside, begin to multiply intensively in the intestine. After the death of microorganisms, endo- and exotoxins are released, which provide various reactions.

Toxins irritate receptors, causing an inflammatory process, the formation of histamine and immunoglobulin, which, in turn, intensify the inflammatory process. Then they penetrate into the bloodstream, which contributes to the development of general intoxication of the body. Neurotoxins are especially dangerous. They not only disrupt intestinal function, but also affect the nervous and endocrine systems.

No less dangerous are toxins that cause intestinal tissue necrosis. Such pathology occurs with amebiasis. In some cases, epithelial cells may be affected by toxins, which are observed with cholera. With salmonellosis, the intestinal mucosa is first affected, then blood poisoning.

Pathogenesis also depends on the type of disease.

With the development of non-infectious gastroenteritis, dystrophic processes develop. Parenchymatous organs are subject to dystrophy, focal changes occur in them. In most cases, the changes remain at the level of the mucous membrane, and deeper layers are affected less often.

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Symptoms gastroenterocolitis

Gastroenterocolitis is characterized by an acute onset, sudden development of the disease. First of all, dyspeptic disorders make themselves known, which manifest themselves in the form of abdominal pain, belching, flatulence, nausea and vomiting. At the same time, there may be no appetite. If the condition is severe, fainting and loss of consciousness are observed.

Nausea becomes persistent, vomiting occurs repeatedly, and undigested food remains.

A symptom of gastroenterocolitis may be loose stools, which are observed quite often. The stool is determined by the localization and degree of the pathological process. If a person has a small intestine affected, the feces are yellow-green. Sometimes diarrhea may be preceded by constipation for 1-2 days.

If a person's large intestine is affected, the stool is scanty, and there may be blood. Defecation becomes more frequent. False urges become more frequent. A violation of the main functions of the intestine, such as digestion, absorption, and motor function, can be detected. Frequent vomiting is observed, which leads to a violation of the water-electrolyte balance, dehydration, and desalination of the body. As a result, a person can lose a lot of weight.

Spasm is felt, especially in the area of the large intestine, pain. The pain is especially intense during palpation, pressing. The main pain is localized in the navel area.

Infectious gastroenteritis is accompanied by signs of toxicosis. This can lead to liver damage, resulting in yellowing of the sclera.

In non-infectious gastroenteritis, there are no signs of toxicosis. A small amount of mucus may be observed. Blood is not detected.

With allergic gastroenterocolitis, pain occurs suddenly, accompanied by fever and manifestations of allergies.

First signs

The incubation period is quite short, and averages 1-3 days. The acute form manifests itself suddenly and sharply. The first signs are pain in the intestines, bloating, and flatulence. Gastroenterocolitis may be indicated by stool disorders, nausea, and vomiting. The pain may be vague or located in a strictly defined area. An increase in temperature above 38.0 - 39°C may indicate that the infection is progressing.

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Gastroenterocolitis in adults

Adults tolerate diseases much easier than children. This is due to the fact that children have a significantly lower immune system. Dehydration in children occurs faster than in adults. This is due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the child's body.

Gastroenterocolitis in children

Children are more susceptible to food poisoning than adults. This is due to the insufficient level of development of the immune system, with the immaturity of the digestive organs. This provides an insufficient level of protection of the body from negative influences. The disease develops rapidly, takes a more severe form.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis in children differ from those in adults. They primarily experience bowel disorders. Stool may be accompanied by the presence of red blood inclusions and mucus. Stool may acquire a dark green tint, which may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection.

Typical signs that may indicate poisoning, intoxication also appear. Temperature may rise, especially in the first 72 hours. Then it remains at a consistently high level. Persistent vomiting is also observed.

If gastroenterocolitis occurs in a child, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is due to the fact that childhood gastroenterocolitis is dangerous due to complications such as pneumonia, pyuria, otitis. In the acute form of the disease, the intestines and stomach require complete rest. To do this, you need to provide the child with plenty of fluids. It is important to give boiled, heated water.

It is also necessary to ensure the use of enveloping products and dishes. It is necessary to eat kissels, jelly. It is necessary to follow the therapeutic diet No. 4. Dairy products, spices, snacks, sweets and cakes should be excluded. Usually the child recovers within a week if all necessary recommendations and diet are followed correctly. After this, the child is transferred to normal nutrition.

Gastroenterocolitis in infants

The disease is particularly severe. Vomiting, diarrhea, and especially their combination pose a fairly high risk. They greatly dehydrate the child's body, which is not yet fully adapted to environmental conditions. The baby's immunity is weak, which means that he cannot fight the disease on his own. Therefore, exhaustion and dehydration quickly occur. Diarrhea does not stop, it lasts for more than a week. During this time, the body loses not only water, but also salts, and their ratio is disrupted.

The child quickly loses weight. Almost all microorganisms are dangerous for the child. Most often, gastroenterocolitis in newborns occurs as a result of staphylococcus seeding. The danger of the disease for the child is that the incubation period is relatively short. In children, the disorders become permanent. Constant diarrhea may occur, which will accompany the child throughout childhood.

Stages

The disease occurs in several stages. The first stage is acute. It begins suddenly, accompanied by dyspeptic disorders, a sharp deterioration in health, profuse vomiting and diarrhea.

If left untreated, the second stage may occur - subacute, moderate severity. In this case, profuse vomiting and diarrhea are observed.

The third stage is the stage of complications, in which dehydration occurs. Under favorable circumstances, the second stage can move into the recovery stage, in which gradual recovery and restoration of the body occurs.

Moderate gastroenterocolitis

For moderate severity of the disease, persistent vomiting and diarrhea are typical. Pain and spasm may be observed. Appetite is usually absent. It is possible to be treated at home. Rehydration, antibacterial therapy, and detoxification therapy are important.

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Forms

There are different types of gastroenterocolitis. Everything depends on the nature of the pathological process, the type of pathogen. The disease can be hemorrhagic, phlegmonous, catarrhal, ulcerative, fibrinous.

Based on the progression and severity of symptoms, the disease is divided into acute and chronic forms.

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Acute gastroenterocolitis

It can occur as an independent disease, which is the body's reaction to the invasion of pathogens. It can also be a consequence of other infectious and non-infectious diseases, such as flu, allergies. In addition, the disease can accompany sepsis, typhus, tuberculosis.

Acute gastroenterocolitis is characterized by its acute, sudden onset, rapid development, and rapid course. The digestive organs are seriously damaged, and an increase in temperature may be observed.

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Chronic gastroenterocolitis

It is characterized by an inexpressive, sluggish course, which may not be noticed immediately. Relapses are often observed. The disease can be observed in a person for many years, periodically bothering him with its manifestations. Most often, dyspeptic manifestations can be observed, such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, bloating. The temperature can be normal. Intoxication is long-term. Chronic dysbacteriosis develops. Against this background, there is a sharp decrease in immunity.

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Infectious gastroenterocolitis

Infectious gastroenteritis is characterized by an inflammatory reaction. The intestines and stomach are primarily affected. Inflammation occurs against the background of hyperemia, edema, and cellular infiltration. Increased exudate formation is also observed. Dystrophic changes in the surface epithelium occur.

Alimentary gastroenterocolitis

It manifests itself as a disruption of the entire digestive system. The main links of the digestive system are subject to functional insufficiency. The consequence is intestinal dyskinesia, disruption of bile secretion.

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Hemorrhagic gastroenterocolitis

The disease manifests itself in the form of hemorrhages, which affect mainly the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Erosions are also observed on the mucous membranes. The small intestine is also affected, it is affected first.

Lymphocytic-plasmacytic gastroenterocolitis

With this form of gastroenteritis, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is observed, which is accompanied by the release and accumulation of pus and mucus. As a result, purulent exudate is formed, which includes dead leukocytes and blood plasma.

Eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis

Involves the development of an inflammatory process, irritation of the intestinal walls. Most often, this is a disease of allergic etiology.

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Complications and consequences

Modern diagnostic tools and treatment methods significantly expand the capabilities of modern medicine. The disease is cured in a relatively short time. As for the acute form, it usually passes without a trace, leaving no complications. The danger arises only if the disease is not completely cured. In an advanced form, it entails serious consequences. It can easily become chronic. In this case, relapses are a common occurrence.

In both forms, the direct consequence of the disease is dehydration, which occurs as a result of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The body loses not only water, but also salts, which is an even more dangerous phenomenon.

Dehydration manifests itself in shortness of breath, fainting, loss of consciousness. If the coma lasts a long time, the disease can even end in a coma. Inflammatory processes occur in the mucous membrane. The result is edema, hyperemia. In severe cases, the mucous membrane begins to bleed, which can lead to bleeding. The easiest way to eliminate dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids.

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Diagnostics gastroenterocolitis

The diagnosis can be confirmed using various methods. The diagnosis can be confirmed based on objective and subjective data, clinical symptoms, laboratory and diagnostic test results.

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Tests

Diagnosis is based on the results of the analysis. They can provide reliable data for making further conclusions. First of all, laboratory tests are carried out. They include serological blood tests, bacteriological tests of feces, vomit, and other biological fluids.

If there is a suspicion of a viral disease, it is necessary to conduct appropriate virological studies. For this, the polymerase chain reaction method, enzyme immunoassay, and agglutination method are used. In addition, various methods are used that make it possible to diagnose allergic reactions. The main method is the determination of immunoglobulin E, as well as scarification screening.

Sometimes toxicological methods can be used, with the help of which not only biological fluids but also food products are examined. The content of food toxins, as well as endo- and exotoxins of bacterial and viral nature are determined.

Serological testing is used to determine the antibody titer, less often the antigen titer. The antibody titer can be used to indirectly judge the amount of antigen (the infectious agent that causes the disease). The antigen titer can be used to obtain direct information about the number of microorganisms in the blood. The amount of antigen can be used to judge the severity of the disease and the degree of bacterial intoxication.

Bacteriological examination makes it possible to determine (identify) the pathogen as clearly as possible, the degree of contamination and select the appropriate treatment.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental examination, if necessary, includes rectoscopy, colonoscopy, irrigoscopy. With the help of these methods, it is possible to identify pathology of internal organs, in particular, to determine anomalies of the sigmoid and rectum, which may occur with gastroenterocolitis.

An additional method of examination is ultrasound therapy, with the help of which the picture of the pathology is visualized. It is possible to clearly determine the localization of the pathology, its size, shape, and other features.

In some cases, a biopsy may be required, which is used to collect tissue from internal organs. Most often, the mucous membranes of the stomach, intestines, and microvilli are used as research material. Biopsy is performed during endoscopic manipulations.

Differential diagnosis

Gastroenterocolitis is one of the most complex diseases, which has many similar manifestations with other diseases. It is often a consequence or complication of some disease, concomitant pathology.

Gastroenterocolitis must first be differentiated from enteritis and colitis. These diseases have a similar set of symptoms. The main difference with enteritis is that it manifests itself as diffuse catarrhal changes that are localized mainly in the proximal intestine. Point hemorrhages are also observed.

Colitis is characterized by moderate inflammation. This inflammation can have various etiologies. The main forms are catarrhal, fibrinous. The disease is also accompanied by hemorrhages, erosions, ulcerative lesions.

Gastroenterocolitis must be differentiated from secondary manifestations of other diseases. For example, tuberculosis may have symptoms similar to those of gastroenterocolitis. This disease may also accompany such diseases as cholecystitis, appendicitis, pancreatitis, and be one of the complications of the postoperative period in these diseases.

Gastroenterocolitis almost completely coincides in manifestations with the symptoms of bacterial and viral infections. In this case, the most effective are bacteriological methods, in which biological material is collected, then it is seeded and incubated. The resulting cultures are identified, that is, the species and genus of the microorganism that is the causative agent of the disease are determined, its main properties are determined.

It is important to differentiate the disease from the main infectious and epidemiological diseases. Most often, gastroenterocolitis is confused with salmonellosis, dysentery. These diseases are different in that they occur as outbreaks, form foci of infection (epidemics), spread quickly and acquire drug resistance. The incubation period for these diseases is 8-24 hours. The manifestations are the same as with gastroenterocolitis: chills, vomiting, diarrhea. But the main difference between these infectious diseases and gastroenterocolitis is the combination of diarrhea with fever and high temperature.

It is important to identify the pathogen that causes the disease, as this makes it possible to choose the right treatment and achieve a speedy recovery. Therapy should be targeted.

For example, gastroenteritis can be of staphylococcal origin. Staphylococcus is indicated by cutting pains. There are signs of intoxication. The stool may contain yellow-green mucus. The temperature may rise.

A dull, aching pain indicates a disease of clostridial origin. The pain is localized in the navel area. The temperature remains normal. Since the disease is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration and hypovolemia quickly occur.

The disease also needs to be differentiated from such dangerous epidemic diseases as cholera, botulism, rotavirus infection. It is important to understand that with botulism, the nervous system and muscles are primarily affected. The muscles are sharply weakened, vision is impaired.

Gastroenterocolitis may resemble acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, meningitis. Appendicitis is characterized by pain on palpation. The mucous membrane may be irritated.

Cholecystitis is characterized by a high degree of pain irradiation. It is difficult to determine the exact localization, the source of inflammation is also not determined. Cholecystitis differs from gastroenterocolitis in that it is characterized by hepatic colic and manifestations of jaundice .

Meningitis is characterized by severe vomiting and nausea, which occurs against the background of a sharp headache, which is not observed in gastroenterocolitis. During examination, inflammation of the meningeal membranes can be diagnosed.

Sometimes it is necessary to differentiate the disease even from myocardial infarction.

The clinical picture only indirectly indicates the disease. The only means that can reliably confirm the diagnosis is a bacteriological study. Only it makes it possible to isolate the microorganism that is the causative agent of the disease from the patient's biological fluids or from the food products that he or she has consumed.

Treatment gastroenterocolitis

Treatment depends on the form of the disease and the pathogen that caused the disease. Also, the nature of the treatment is significantly influenced by the degree of damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the severity of the disease, and the person's concomitant diseases. As a rule, with a mild form of the disease, hospitalization is not required. With a severe form, a person is necessarily hospitalized, treatment takes place in the infectious diseases department. Stages of therapy:

1. Rehydration
2. Antibacterial therapy
3. Detoxification
4. Symptomatic therapy.

Rehydration is a set of therapeutic measures aimed at eliminating dehydration and its consequences. The body is saturated with water, salts, and other compounds that are excreted from the body during the disease. In case of mild dehydration, complex therapeutic solutions such as Regidron and Oralit will help restore the balance of water and salts in the body. If dehydration is pronounced and becomes severe, you can use drugs such as Disol, Trosol, Khlosol.

Antibacterial therapy is also necessary, which involves a course of antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics can only be used as a last resort. They are effective in preventing inflammation, especially if it is persistent and progressive. An infectious process also indicates the need for antibiotics. The most popular drugs are chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and erythromycin.

The main goal of detoxification therapy is to remove toxins from the blood. Gastric lavage is most often used for this purpose. The main goal of gastric lavage is to remove salts and food residues from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as toxins. The advantage of gastric lavage is that pathogenic microorganisms and toxins are also removed along with the lavage fluids. Sodium or potassium permanganate is added to the water for lavage.

Treatment also consists of symptomatic therapy. It depends on the symptoms that prevail in a person. For example, if a person has constipation, it is necessary to prescribe antidiarrheal drugs; if constipation prevails, the leading drugs in therapy are laxatives. For pain, painkillers are used; for spasms, antispasmodics.

Specific medications may also be required, such as enzyme preparations that help normalize digestion and improve motility. Multivitamins are used to improve the overall condition of the body. Probiotic and prebiotic preparations are used to normalize the microflora. If a person has allergic reactions, antihistamines will be required.

Modern treatment of chronic gastroenterocolitis

The treatment is based on eliminating the inflammatory process, as well as sluggish pathologies. The main task is to combat infection, its spread, and prevent intoxication. It is important to follow a diet. If chronic gastroenterocolitis is a consequence of other diseases, which is observed quite often, it is necessary to treat and prevent concomitant diseases. During an exacerbation, you should consult a doctor.

Medicines

Treatment for gastroenterocolitis should be comprehensive and carefully planned. Self-medication is prohibited, as it will definitely be useless. Moreover, self-medication can be dangerous. This is explained by the fact that in most cases, etiological treatment is used, that is, treatment that acts specifically against a certain factor that provoked the disease. To determine this factor, careful diagnostics are required. It is impossible to carry it out at home, as it requires specific equipment and reagents. If the treatment is initially chosen incorrectly, this can have serious negative consequences.

If severe vomiting and diarrhea are observed, the first step is to normalize the amount and ratio of water and salts in the body.

Regidron will help with this. This drug should be taken strictly according to the instructions. It is important to choose the right concentration and dosage of the drug. If the dosage is chosen incorrectly, the imbalance of water and salts can only worsen. As a result, the disease will only get worse.

One of the most dangerous complications of the disease is hyperkalemia, which develops as a result of improper and uncontrolled use of the drug. The essence of this disease is that the level of potassium in the body increases sharply. This entails severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and various types of failure develop, including cardiac failure. The danger is that the main properties of the blood also undergo changes, hypertension develops. Even a fatal outcome is possible.

Regidron is taken:

Children under three years of age – 1st day: 50 mg/kg of body weight, subsequent days – up to 10 mg/kg.

Children 3-9 years old – no more than 60 mg/kg, subsequent – up to 50 mg/kg. Duration of therapy – no more than 14 days.

For adults:

For diarrhea – in portions, up to 100 ml.

Antibiotics are also taken strictly according to the treatment regimen. It is necessary to take the correct dosage and also to undergo the full course. Failure to comply with the rules is dangerous because bacteria can develop resistance and they will cease to be effective, and dysbacteriosis can also develop. The following drugs and methods of administration are recommended:

Tetracycline 250 mg / 2 per day (for adults). For children, see the indications. Only after a doctor's examination.

Cephalosporins – 1 g every 6-12 hours (for adults). For children – depending on weight, no more than 2 times a day.

Biseptol: children 240 mg / 2 times a day. Adults - no more than 2 g per day - for short-term treatment, for long-term - no more than 1 g per day. Duration of therapy - no more than 14 days.

Antibiotics for gastroenterocolitis

Anti-infective therapy is necessary for the treatment of gastroenterocolitis. Antibiotics are used for this purpose. Antibiotics can only be used after they have been prescribed by a doctor. First, a bacteriological study is carried out, the pathogen that caused the disease is determined. After this, a laboratory determination of the microorganism's sensitivity to the antibiotic should be carried out. The minimum concentration of the antibiotic that has the necessary effect is also determined.

It is not always possible to conduct such a laboratory test, so many specialists prescribe an antibiotic based on the results of other tests, as well as taking into account the clinical picture of the disease.

In emergency cases, when there is not enough time to isolate the microorganism and determine its sensitivity to the drug, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. They do not have a selective effect against a specific microorganism, but act against a large number of bacteria that may be potential pathogens. The effect of such drugs is significantly lower than that of those that have a selective effect. However, they make it possible to prevent the spread of infection and relieve inflammation.

All this shows that antibiotics are quite serious drugs, and their selection requires the right approach. There are known cases when an irrational choice of antibiotics, on the contrary, contributed to the deterioration of the condition and progression of the disease.

The main drugs of choice prescribed for gastroenterocolitis are cephalosporin, tetracycline, streptomycin. Synthetic drugs such as oxacillin, ampicillin, streptocide, biseptol are also used.

Antibiotics have different effects. Some of them are bacteriostatic, others are bacteriolytic. The former only reduce the population of bacteria, reduce their numbers, and stop their growth. The latter completely kill, destroy bacteria. Depending on the form and severity of the disease, one or another type of drug may be required. The drug can only be accurately selected based on the results of bacteriological culture.

When treating with antibiotics, you must strictly follow the rules for taking them. You must take the full course, even if you feel better. Otherwise, resistance may develop, and the drugs will stop affecting the body. The drugs must be taken in the required dosage. A larger or smaller amount of the drug may also negatively affect the effectiveness of the treatment.

Moreover, there are known cases when the causative agent of the disease is a virus, then antibiotics will not have any effect at all. This is due to the fact that viruses are not treated with antibacterial drugs, they require special antiviral therapy.

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Vitamins

Gastroenterocolitis requires various vitamins. The main vitamins are:

• PP – 45 mg/day
• H – 100 mg/day
• C – 1000 mg/day
• B – 5 mg/day.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is an important component of complex treatment against gastroenteritis. It is not used in acute form. But it can contribute to a speedy recovery to prevent relapses at the chronic stage, as well as at the recovery stage.

Visceral abdominal massage, acupuncture, reflexology, and electrophoresis of medications have a positive effect.

Folk remedies

Along with traditional therapy, complex treatment may also include traditional medicine, which has been used for a long time.

Perga is a highly effective remedy in the fight against various types of infection, including intestinal infection. It has both a preventive and therapeutic effect. Perga is represented by plant pollen collected by bees. It has a particularly intense effect on children, the elderly and the elderly. The action of perga is based on stimulating, restorative properties. It stimulates growth processes, promotes cell and tissue regeneration. For elderly people, it slows down the aging process, maintains normal functioning of the immune and endocrine systems.

Sea buckthorn has proven itself well for use in enemas. Oil extracted from the seeds is used. Each enema requires approximately 15-30 ml of oil. A full course of treatment is required, which includes 15-20 enemas. Additionally, the fruits can be taken internally, in the form of juice, infusion, aqueous solution, syrup. Methods of use are usually indicated on the packaging.

Often in folk medicine, sowing carrots are used, mainly juice from root vegetables. For treatment, 100-125 ml of juice is used. 2 doses per day are enough, preferably on an empty stomach.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal remedies have proven themselves to be effective in treating the stomach and intestines.

Decoctions and infusions of silver cinquefoil are widely used. To prepare a solution, take about 15 g of the herb, chop it, and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Then the plant is infused in a thermos. After the decoction has acquired a dark shade, it is necessary to strain it and take about 75 ml orally, about three times a day.

Melissa officinalis is also useful. It is used mainly in the form of a decoction. It is necessary to take the leaves and tops of the shoots. There is no need to separate the flowers. To prepare the decoction, it is enough to take 4 tablespoons of the plant, pour a glass of boiling water. The solution is infused in a thermos, after acquiring a stable shade, filtered. Take as tea or an additive to tea, no more than 500-1000 ml per day.

An infusion of carrot seeds is also used. To do this, take about 15 g of seeds and brew them in boiling water. The infusion is made in a thermos, and it takes about 5-6 hours to prepare. Drink one glass a day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are no less effective than traditional medicine. However, the maximum effect can be achieved only with complex treatment and the competent inclusion of homeopathy in the general therapy. For this, you need to consult a doctor. Self-medication, even with such harmless, at first glance, means, is dangerous. In addition, homeopathic remedies make it possible to consolidate the effects of therapy, to avoid further relapses.

When used correctly, these products are safe. Their effect lasts for quite a long time. They act gently, in a sparing mode, protect the walls of internal organs from negative effects, irritation. They also have a systemic effect, thereby improving the general condition of the body, well-being.

When treating with homeopathic remedies, it is necessary to take precautions. First, before taking them, you need to consult a doctor. He will help you decide on the choice of remedies, tell you which combination will be the most effective and safe. It is necessary to take into account that the effect of some remedies does not occur immediately, but after some time. This is the so-called cumulative effect. Their effect can be quite strong.

Also, some drugs may not be compatible with each other. When combined, they can reduce each other's effectiveness, completely neutralize the effect, or have a completely opposite effect. A similar picture can be observed when combined with other drugs.

Side effects are rare. In case of intolerance or overdose, dizziness and drowsiness may be observed. In some cases, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may increase. The following remedies can be recommended:

• Collection No. 1. For diarrhea with pronounced inflammatory process, colic

To prepare the mixture, take 3 parts of chamomile flowers and mix them with 1 part of calamus rhizome. Add 1 part of fennel fruit and chamomile root to this mixture. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and pour about 500 ml of water over them. Drink the infusion warm, about 100-125 ml/2-3 times a day.

• Collection No. 2. For diarrhea with blood discharge

It is recommended to take the rhizome of erect cinquefoil and snakeweed in equal parts, make a decoction and take it approximately 100-125 ml per day, three times a day.

• Collection No. 3. For chronic gastroenterocolitis accompanied by constipation

Take alder buckthorn herb, fennel fruits, black elder flowers, and flax seeds in a ratio of 5:2:2:3, make a decoction, and take 1 tbsp orally 2-3 times a day.

• Complex powder with licorice root

A powder is prepared from senna leaves, licorice roots, and fennel fruits. Purified sulfur powder and sugar are added to this mixture. Each of the substances is taken in the ratio 20:20:10:10:40. The powders are mixed together, taken 10 g per day with water.

Surgical treatment

Treatment is mainly drug-based. But there are cases when surgical intervention is unavoidable. For example, it may be necessary to remove part of the stomach or intestines. Such operations are performed in advanced forms of pathology. The main indication is bleeding of the mucous membranes, ulcerative lesions of the intestinal walls, stomach. Also, surgical intervention may be required in the development of necrosis, spread of infection. This allows you to avoid the spread of infection, extended necrosis, sepsis, bacteremia.

Nutrition and diet for gastroenterocolitis

Diet has an important preventive, supportive, and therapeutic effect. If the disease is at an early stage, it is necessary to provide plenty of fluids. This is not only a diet, but also a therapeutic agent. In addition to water, you can drink cereal decoctions, preferably enveloping ones.

Starting from the 2nd-3rd day, light foods are used in food, which have a softening effect, relieve irritation. It is necessary to eat in parts, in small quantities, but often. Fatty, smoked, spicy dishes, spicy or pickled snacks, coarse meat products, hard vegetables and fruits are excluded.

It is recommended to gradually introduce low-fat cottage cheese, boiled fish, kefir, and cheese into the diet. The consumption of crackers and compote is limited.

To maintain the body on a permanent basis, you need to stick to such a diet constantly. In the absence of exacerbation, you can take steamed cutlets, schnitzels, meatballs, lean fish, casseroles, boiled eggs. Semolina, rice, oatmeal porridge is used in limited quantities. Porridges are cooked in water, with a small addition of oil, crackers. You can also drink tea with lemon, juice.

Prevention

The peculiarities of prevention are that it is carried out not only individually. Prevention acquires a nationwide character. It manifests itself in the form of a set of public and state measures aimed at ensuring constant sanitary and hygienic, veterinary control. These measures are carefully developed, acquire a permanent character. Food products, products and goods of animal and plant origin are subject to control. Additionally, the condition of spontaneous markets, meat processing plants is checked.

The state also provides for educational work, introductory lectures, and preventive medical examinations. Citizens are warned about the dangers of food poisoning, the first signs, and the procedure to follow when these signs are detected. The state also calls on people to adhere to personal safety rules, which makes it possible not only to protect themselves, but also to prevent the mass spread of infection.

Personal prevention is based on following the rules of personal hygiene. It is also necessary to know and follow the rules for preparing meat and fish products. Products should be purchased only in trusted places that are subject to scheduled inspections and government supervision.

A complete and comprehensive prevention of infection has not yet been developed. In any case, it is aimed at protecting against infection, preventing further spread of infection. It is also important to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system. It is important to take multivitamins, follow a diet.

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Forecast

If a person has acute gastroenterocolitis, the prognosis can be favorable only if timely treatment, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids are taken. The acute form in most cases does not last long. It usually ends with complete recovery. Symptoms completely stop bothering a person on the 5-7th day. Complete recovery occurs approximately in the 3-6th week.

If you do not follow the doctor's recommendations, the correct therapy, the acute form can flow into a chronic one. The chronic form is characterized by a more unfavorable prognosis. Usually the disease lasts a long time, relapses are often observed. The disease can be long-term, sluggish. Therapy should also be long-term. Constant adherence to a diet is required. This makes it possible to avoid exacerbations. If proper care is not provided, the disease can again turn into an acute form. Also, the chronic form is dangerous due to its complications, consequences. Dehydration is especially common.

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