Intestinal ischemia & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is intestinal ischemia?

Intestinal ischemia is a number of conditions that occur when blockages in the blood vessels (arteries) of the intestine cause less blood flow to the intestines. Intestinal ischemia can occur in the small intestine, large intestine (colon), or both.

Disorders of the digestive organs are serious conditions because they can cause pain and interfere with bowel function. In severe cases, blocked intestinal blood flow can damage tissue and be life threatening.

Even so, this blood clotting disease can be cured. That is why it is important to be aware of early symptoms and seek medical help to increase the chances of a cure.

How common is this condition?

Diseases that occur in these blood vessels are common and can affect patients of any age. However, intestinal ischemia is more common in patients over 60 years of age.

This disease can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of intestinal ischemia?

Signs and symptoms of intestinal ischemia can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Generally, there is no single set of signs and symptoms that indicate this clotting disease.

However, there are some common symptoms that occur in this digestive disease, including:

sudden stomach pain,
a strong and frequent urge to bowel movements,
bloated,
Bloody stools,
nausea or vomiting,
fever,
stomach cramps or feeling full after eating,
sudden weight loss, and
diarrhea.

There may be signs not listed above. If you have certain concerns about a symptom, consult a doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned, especially severe abdominal pain, consult a doctor immediately.

Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always better to discuss what is best for your condition with your doctor.

Cause

What causes intestinal ischemia?

Every organ in the body, including the intestines, requires an adequate supply of blood to function normally. However, blockages in the arteries to the large intestine can cause a decrease in blood supply.

As a result, the large intestine does not get enough oxygen and food to carry out its functions. If left untreated, this disease can lead to colon ischemia.

The following are types of diseases that attack the intestinal blood vessels and can cause digestive disorders.

Colonic ischemia (colitis ischemia)

Colonic ischemia is a type of intestinal ischemia that is most often seen in patients over 60 years of age. This condition occurs when blood flow to the large intestine slows down due to several things, such as:

buildup of cholesterol deposits on artery walls,
low blood pressure due to heart failure, major surgery, or trauma,
blood clots in the arteries that supply the large intestine,
blood disorders, such as lupus or sickle cell anemia,
medicines that constrict blood vessels, such as heart medications,
cocaine or methamphetamine use, and
strenuous exercise, such as long distance running.

Acute mesentric ischemia

Just like other intestinal ischemia, this type of disease blocks blood flow to the large intestine due to several factors, namely:

blood clots block the flow of blood from the heart that clog arteries,
a blockage in one of the arteries in the intestine, or
impaired blood flow due to low blood pressure.

Mesentric vein thrombosis

Blood clots can occur in veins that carry oxygenated (deoxygenated) blood from the intestine. When the vein becomes blocked, blood returns to the intestines and causes swelling and bleeding.

This condition is caused by several things, namely:

pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas,
stomach infection,
cancer of the digestive system,
intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease,
hypercoagulation disorder, or
trauma to the stomach.

Triggers

What factors could increase my risk for this?

There are various conditions that can increase a person's risk of intestinal ischemia, including:

buildup of fat deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis),
blood pressure problems,
heart disease,
certain medications, such as birth control pills,
blood clotting problems, or
drug abuse or use of illegal drugs.

Complications

What are the complications of intestinal ischemia?

Intestinal ischemia can be cured, especially in patients with mild conditions. However, this disease should not be underestimated. The reason is, this condition can lead to serious complications, such as:

gangrene, dead and damaged tissue due to obstructed intestinal blood flow,
perforation, namely the hole in the intestine,
peritonitis, the presence of inflammation of the tissue lining the stomach,
colitis, or
sepsis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How to diagnose this condition?

If your doctor suspects intestinal ischemia, you may undergo additional tests based on your symptoms, namely:

blood test,
colonoscopy,
Ultrasound,
abdominal imaging tests, which are CAT or MRI scans,
mesentric angiography, or
exploratory stomach surgery.

What are the treatment options for intestinal ischemia?

Generally, treatment for an obstructed intestine can heal on its own if the condition is mild. In addition, you may also receive the following bowel ischemia treatments based on their type.

Colonic ischemia

antibiotics to treat or prevent infection,
address the causes of intestinal ischemia, such as congestive heart failure, and
surgery to remove dead tissue when the colon has been damaged.