Small Intestine Diseases

Small Intestine Diseases

The intestines are part of the digestive system and are of great importance for the healthy functioning of the human body. This organ, which is important for the healthy progress of human life, consists of two parts. These two parts, which are connected to each other, are called the small and large intestines. The small intestine is located between the stomach and large intestine, with one end connected to the stomach and the other end to the large intestine. The intestines, the longest organ in the body, are about 6 meters in adult individuals. The total length of our intestines, together with the large intestine, is 8.5 meters on average. The large intestine comes after the small intestine and is located at the very end of the digestive tract. Only physical digestion takes place here. Both sections of the intestine have critical functions for our body.

The small intestine plays a role in the absorption of ground food from the stomach and mixing with the blood. These nutrients reach the intestine from the stomach by the contraction of the muscles, both physically and chemically broken down. Food coming from the stomach is broken down into very small molecules here. In this way, the broken down nutrients pass from the intestines to the blood vessels. This process is  called absorption  . Digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins is completed here, and non-absorbable water and minerals are absorbed in the large intestine.

What are the Symptoms of Small Intestine Diseases?

These diseases can have mild, moderate or severe symptoms. Among the general symptoms;

• Stomach ache,
• Tiredness,
• Diarrhea,
• Mucus or bloody stools
• Cramp,
• There may be weight loss.

For small intestine diseases and their treatments, it is necessary to consult a specialist without wasting time. So,  how is small bowel disease diagnosed? In the diagnosis of these diseases, different diseases that can cause symptoms are also taken into account. The detailed history of the patient is listened to by the doctors who are experts in the field. In this process; blood analysis, stool test, endoscopy and radiological methods can be used.

What are Small Intestine Diseases?

As seen in many organs, various problems and diseases may occur in our small intestine. It is possible that diseases that are not to be worried about and that can be treated easily, as well as diseases that cause very serious problems can occur. Every big or small problem that occurs in the intestines should be addressed and taken seriously. Because most of the digestion takes place here. We have listed the names of some  small bowel diseases  for you below.

Occlusion (Obstruction)

Small bowel obstruction is the inability of food to travel through the digestive tract. The cessation of movement causes a blockage in the intestine. The cessation of progression can occur in the form of complete occlusion or partial occlusion. With intestinal obstruction, nutrients such as gas, stomach acid, food and drink accumulate in a certain area. All the accumulated substances exert a pressure on the intestinal wall over time. Too much of this pressure can also cause the intestine to rupture and the intestinal contents may spread into the abdominal cavity. This situation is vital and requires immediate intervention. Symptoms of obstruction include bloating and pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting, inability to pass gas or stool.

Bleeding

Small intestinal bleeding  can be slow or rapid. It is possible for the stool to appear black in rapid bleeding, but when the bleeding is slow, it may not be noticeable in the stool. The most common finding in slow bleeding is anemia. Common causes of bleeding include; abnormal vessels, polyps, tumors, Crohn’s disease and ulcers. Endoscopy, computed tomography and enteroscopy may be used to diagnose the source of bleeding.

Infection

Small intestinal infection  can occur due to bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucus in the stool. Because of the loss of minerals and water that diarrhea will cause, it is important to drink plenty of fluids in case of infection.

inflammation

The type of inflammation that takes place in the gut   is also called enteritis. Similar to infection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and mucous stools are among the symptoms of inflammation. Diagnosis is made by biochemical tests and blood tests. In addition, the patient’s history is also important for diagnosis. In addition to bacterial and viral infection, Crohn’s disease, radiation, drug and alcohol use can be among the causes of inflammation. If the disease progresses severely, hospitalization and serum therapy may be required to prevent mineral and water loss.

Celiac Disease

Another important small bowel disease is celiac disease. So what is  celiac disease ? In this disease, which can be expressed as the damage caused by the effect of gluten consumption on the small intestines to the body, foods containing gluten protein cannot be consumed. Consumption of gluten-containing foods by celiac patients causes an excessive immune response. As a result, the villi structure in the intestine is damaged and there is a problem in the absorption of nutrients.

Common symptoms of celiac disease include:

• Stomach ache,
• diarrhea or constipation,
• Swelling,
• weight loss,
• Weakness,
• Gas.

What Causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac  patients; shows an abnormal response to gluten in barley, wheat and rye. The reasons that trigger this situation may be the person’s genes or gluten consumption. In addition to these, trauma, childbirth, surgery, stress and stopping breast milk and starting complementary foods are among the factors that cause this disease. Despite all this, it is not clear exactly why celiac disease occurs.

In the diagnosis of the disease, endoscopy can be applied or it can be checked whether antibodies against gluten are formed.  Unfortunately, there is no medicine for the treatment of celiac disease . The only treatment method is to consume gluten-free foods. Therefore, celiac patients should regulate their diet correctly.

So, what should celiac patients eat? It is possible to give the following answer to this question:

• Bread, bulgur etc. Meat, fish and eggs not containing flour and not fried with flour,
• Milk and dairy products, provided that they are not processed derivatives,
• Rice, starch, buckwheat, corn, flax, soybean,
• Bread made from gluten-free flour,
• Vegetable and fruit
• A small amount of butter, vegetable oil and margarine,
• Dry beans,
• Beverages other than boza.

Cancer

Small bowel cancer occurs as a result of mutations in the DNA of the cells of the tissues here. Thus, mutated cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. It is not a very common type of cancer, but genetic factors, weak immune system, celiac and crohn-like diseases are risk factors for cancer. Cancer in the small intestines can occur in different types. Different types of cancer that can be seen here; lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor and sarcoma.

Small bowel cancer mortality rate , like many types of cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the lower it will be. While the life expectancy of small bowel cancer was about 1 year before, thanks to the developing technology and techniques, this period has increased 3-4 times today.

Among the topics that people who have some ailments frequently wonder about, ” What are the symptoms of small bowel cancer ?” has a question. These symptoms are:

• blood in stool,
• weight loss,
• Diarrhea,
• Vomiting,
• Nausea,
• Stomach ache,
• Tiredness,
• Skin rash.

What Is Good For Bowel Cancer?

In general, it will be beneficial to consume gut-friendly foods to protect our gut health and   against many diseases that can be lethal, such as cancer . These foods include:

• Kefir,
• Yoghurt,
• Cereals and legumes,
• Pickle,
• Apple, Banana,
• Spinach,
• Salmon,
• Coconut oil.

What is Small Intestinal Inflammation?

This ailment is termed  crohn’s disease  and affects the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus and can cause inflammation anywhere there. It is possible to see this inflammation in more than one place. Although the cause of the disease is based on environmental and genetic factors, the exact underlying cause is still unknown. Crohn’s disease, which can be seen in individuals of all ages, is most common between the ages of 20 and 30 and has no definitive treatment. However, the findings can be controlled with dietary changes, medication or surgical intervention.

Small Intestine Diseases Treatments

In the treatment  process, drug therapy or surgical methods can be applied. Medicines; It is used to eradicate infection, reduce inflammation, and reduce the immune system’s response. If necessary, a part of the diseased intestine is surgically removed.

Small bowel disease doctors  are gastroenterologists and general surgeons. Gastroenterologists deal with the drug treatment of both small and large bowel conditions. When surgical intervention is required, general surgeons step in. It would be the right step to consult a gastroenterologist when symptoms pointing to intestinal diseases are seen. Many other things you wonder about diseases and their treatments are   waiting for you here !