Intestinal ischemia, a blockage of blood vessels leading to the intestine

The whole body requires an optimal supply of blood, including the intestinal organs. When blood flow to the large intestine is obstructed, of course this will affect the work of the intestines, even causing pain. In the medical world, this condition is known as colon ischemia or ischemic colitis. So, what is the main cause of this condition? Is this disease dangerous?

What causes colon ischemia?

The work of all organs of the body, including the intestines, can function normally if supported by adequate blood flow. However, when there is a blockage in the arteries to the large intestine, it can result in reduced blood supply.

This prevents the large intestine from getting enough oxygen and food to function. If left untreated, this condition will cause colon ischemia.

Blockages that occur in these arteries are not always the same for everyone. Certain things can result in obstruction of blood flow, such as due to a buildup of fat or plaque in the artery walls. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

In addition, the presence of blood clots that block the arteries, can also result in reduced or even stopped blood flow to the intestines. Usually, these blood clots often attack people with arrhythmias. Low blood pressure (hypotension) due to heart failure, major surgery, and trauma can also trigger a decrease in blood flow.

Signs and symptoms of colon ischemia

Colon ischemia is generally more common in elderly people who are around 60 years old and over, but it does not rule out the possibility that younger ages can experience it too. Be alert if you suddenly feel pain and cramps in your left abdomen, this is the most typical symptom of colon ischemia.

Especially if accompanied by bleeding in the stool, but usually not too severe. Some of the signs and symptoms that you should be aware of if you have colon ischemia, namely:

Stomach pain after eating
The urge to always have a bowel movement
Diarrhea
Bloated
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Body weight gradually decreases

The longer the abdominal pain will develop on the right side, possibly due to a blockage of an artery leading to another part of the large intestine. It is important not to delay consulting a doctor whenever you feel suspicious symptoms.

What is the proper treatment for this condition?

Treatment for intestinal obstruction usually resolves on its own. In addition, you may receive intravenous fluids to keep your body optimally hydrated, as well as to give your intestines rest while it heals.

In conditions that are still relatively mild, treatment with drugs can be one way to enlarge narrowed arteries and destroy clotting blood clots, for example the consumption of thrombolytic drugs and vasodilators.

If your case is more serious, surgery may be needed to remove and repair damaged intestinal tissue.

Are there any complications from colon ischemia?

Although it can heal on its own for the mild category, colon ischemia cannot be underestimated. The reason is, the most serious complications can arise, namely gangrene. Gangrene occurs when blood flow to the colon is blocked, as a result, the tissue dies and is damaged, so surgery is needed to remove it.

Various other complications that can arise, such as:

Perforation, which is the hole in the intestine
Peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue that lines the stomach
Inflammation of the intestine
Sepsis, due to a bacterial infection that spreads through the bloodstream and can be fatal

Can this condition be prevented?

Not much different from other diseases, the risk of colon ischemia can be suppressed by routinely adopting a healthy lifestyle from an early age which includes regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and reducing or avoiding smoking.

Always regularly monitoring cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and heart health can also help prevent blockage of blood flow in the intestines.

Meanwhile, for those of you who have experienced colon ischemia, doctors usually recommend stopping taking any type of drug that can trigger recurrence of blockages in blood flow. For that, make sure you tell your doctor about what types of drugs you are regularly taking.