Diseases that cause inflammation in the intestine affect about five million people worldwide and have no cure, according to the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology (SBCP). In recent years, Brazil has recorded a 15% increase in diseases from these pathologies.
In the Medical Correspondent table this Thursday (5), neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes explains that inflammation in the intestinal wall can lead to very serious diseases. The doctor comments on the main symptoms.
“Abdominal pain, mainly cramping, chronic diarrhea, lack of appetite, fatigue and even weight loss,” he says.
The intestine is an important organ for the body, responsible for making the relationship with food (digestion). It takes away the nutrients needed by the body and regulates the entry of water into the body. The organ is divided into large and small intestine.
When there is a more serious inflammation, according to the doctor, the malaise interferes with the patient’s daily life with pain and bowel movements.
To identify diseases related to the intestine, Gomes says that it is necessary to carry out clinical examinations and colonoscopy.
The main diseases related to the organ are: Crohn’s disease, which is an inflammation, as if they were sores (canker sores) in the intestine. It can affect part of the small intestine and the large intestine. The doctor mentions ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis.
Causes and treatments
Gomes states that both genetic factors and environmental factors can be factors that influence the emergence of diseases.
“There is genetics, the environmental issue, stress itself can influence. There is an issue of an altered immune system,” she says.
The neurosurgeon claims that the mucosa (inside the intestine) often suffers constant wounds. “In severe cases, it can cause intestinal obstruction or perforation, which is very serious.”
According to Gomes, these diseases have no cure, but with good treatment, it is possible to improve the life of the patient, who are usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age.
“Treatment basically implies having a healthy lifestyle, dietary advice and the use of medication so that the patient can help with the immunological issue”, he said.
To raise awareness about intestinal diseases, SBCP embraces the Maio Roxo campaign, organized by the Brazilian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group (GEDIIB) and patient associations.
Source: CNN Brasil
