Preparations for intestinal motility for the elderly. Review of drugs for the treatment of constipation. Diet and proper nutrition are the basis of effective treatment

Good health to you, friends! Today we will again talk about how to maintain good health and avoid illnesses. And if they have already overcome us, then we will decide which methods are best suited to forget about discomfort and pain.

As you know, the coordinated functioning of the intestines and stomach is largely the key to health and beautiful appearance. The intestines are a kind of filter for our body, which distributes beneficial and harmful substances. The former are used for their intended purpose, and the latter are brought out.

For the latter to work out perfectly, it must have normal peristalsis, that is, the ability to adequately contract and make wave-like movements. This allows you to get rid of the incoming volume of food as quickly as possible, which moves from the upper to the lower sections to the end point. Normally this happens about once a day.

It is not difficult to cause a malfunction in our digestive system; it is enough to start eating incorrectly or moving in normal life like a vegetable in the garden.

Let's figure out how to improve intestinal motility and start the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Complex mechanisms of intestinal motility

Disturbance of intestinal motility, you can also find the name dyskinesia - this is the improper functioning of the muscles that are located along the walls of our intestines and have two layers.

One of them is longitudinal, and the second is circular. They work harmoniously and generate a kind of wave, and its intensity depends on which part of the intestine they are in.

For example, in the small intestine there are several types of peristaltic waves and their contractions range from very slow to rapid. Moreover, they can duplicate each other and occur simultaneously. The slowest movement of food occurs in the large intestine. Therefore, it is also normal to observe very slow peristaltic waves here.

However, even in this case there are some tricks. During the day, this intestine begins to contract strongly several times, thereby pushing its contents towards the anus.

The colon begins to reflexively contract almost immediately after you eat. That is, it reacts to the fullness of the stomach.

Normal contraction rates for the duodenum and small intestine are up to 12 oscillations per minute, for the colon - up to 4 oscillations (or about 12), and in the rectum - no more than 3. If these oscillations slow down, then nutrients cannot be fully absorbed, in the same way , just like waste food cannot leave your body normally.

It is clear that these undigested residues are an excellent source of toxins and all kinds of pathogenic microflora begin to multiply in them. The consequence is a whole range of gastrointestinal pathologies, such as diarrhea and diarrhea, various inflammations, ulcers and polyps.

To deal with these complications, it is necessary to understand what causes them.

Why is peristalsis disrupted?

Problems may occur in the following cases:

  • If you eat high-calorie foods, but in small quantities;
  • You already have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or some internal organs;
  • Oncological tumors were diagnosed in the intestines;
  • You have undergone surgical interventions in the area of ​​the abdominal organs, as well as during the recovery period after surgery;
  • The patient is elderly;
  • Negative heredity;
  • Malfunctions of the central nervous system and stress;
  • Some medications can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The main reasons are still considered to be power failures. It’s no secret: modern humanity lives so quickly that we simply don’t have time for a full lunch or dinner.

We are constantly late for meetings, in a hurry and eat on the run: a sandwich or a bun is sometimes the most impressive thing we can afford to eat in a day.

Even worse: we wash it all down with hot coffee or soda. As a result, all this flour and starch food, which contains an overwhelming amount of sugar, begins to ferment and rot in the intestines.

Toxic substances enter through the walls of the small intestine into the surrounding tissues. The consequence is the accumulation of toxins; so-called fecal stones begin to accumulate along the intestinal walls, which, passing along the delicate mucosa, seriously injure it.

The less pronounced your peristalsis, the greater your tendency to constipation, stagnation of blood in the pelvic area, the formation of tumors and polyps, as well as the appearance of. And the consequences of such complications will have to be dealt with by a coloproctologist.

If you have already encountered hemorrhoids, then you can figure out how to treat them here. in less than 48 hours.

Our intestinal microflora loves a slightly acidic environment and requires the required amount of dietary fiber, which comes to us from vegetables and cereals, as well as from fruits and dairy products.

The key to the excellent functioning of this organ is also physical activity. The more we sit in offices at desks, the more lazy our entire body becomes.

If you want to strengthen peristalsis, do physical exercises, take a course of special gymnastics. At least just stretch your legs at work or take a walk after work.

In older people, all body functions fade away, and this is accompanied by chronic diseases, hormonal imbalances, loss of former muscle tone and muscle atrophy. The innervation of nerve nodes is disrupted, including in the gastrointestinal tract.

How does dyskinesia manifest?

  • Patients complain of pain in the abdomen, and in various parts of it. Its intensity can vary: from a slight malaise to acute spasms. In addition, depending on the time of day, the pain can intensify or weaken, or even disappear altogether.
  • Exacerbations can begin after eating, or after waking up; drinks containing caffeine sometimes give a similar reaction. Even severe emotional shock or stress can cause a new attack.
  • The patient complains of bloating and flatulence. Problems with stool, most often this is, but they can also be replaced by periods of acute diarrhea.
  • If this condition is not corrected, then constipation will become chronic and can only be dealt with after using laxative medications or enemas for cleansing.
  • Patients with dyskinesia often gain excess weight.
  • Associated symptoms will be weakness and irritability.
  • Regular intoxication of your body can provoke an exacerbation of allergies, the appearance of acne on the face and body. All these symptoms, especially in combination, should alert you and force you to consult a specialist.

What methods help during diagnosis?

The problem with identifying this disease is that only talking with the patient and describing general symptoms will not help make an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that similar manifestations may be present in various gastrointestinal diseases.

To exclude all these pathologies, you will need to do scatology, then examine the stool for the presence of hidden blood, and also need irrigoscopy and endoscopy.

One of the most revealing methods is a colonoscopy with sampling of material for a biopsy. During these procedures, the doctor will determine what exactly caused the dyskinesia and develop a treatment program for it.

What can you do to improve intestinal motility?

Correction of such a pathological condition always requires complex measures.

In this matter, you should not neglect either medications, or the normalization and ordering of food intake, or specially designed exercises.

There are also many alternative treatment methods, including folk remedies.

If we talk about medications, the most common in this case are prozerin, vasopressin and aceclidine. They stimulate, enhance motility and can increase intestinal tone.

But, naturally, such medications should only be prescribed by a doctor.

Laxatives can also improve intestinal contractility, and they can affect different parts of the intestine.

Several large groups of laxatives can be distinguished.

  • The first group includes those that act on the entire intestine. In this case we are talking about Glauber's and Epsom salts. These drugs work best and fastest. Within an hour or two after taking them, you will have a complete bowel movement.
  • The second group includes laxatives that affect the small intestine. The most famous one here is castor oil. In no more than 6 hours you will completely forget about constipation.
  • Group 3 contains laxatives that affect the large intestine. Doctors have developed both herbal remedies and artificially synthesized ones.

If we talk about traditional medicine, licorice, rhubarb or buckthorn roots, as well as senna leaves, can help. These medications can be found in the form of powders, drops, tinctures and suppositories.

There is also a natural preparation, Regulax, which contains senna leaves, figs and plums, kafiol and paraffin.

The group of synthetic drugs includes Phenolphthalein, Guttalax and Bisacodyl. But remember that for all their remarkable effectiveness, they can be addictive, as well as the development of pain and colic in the abdominal area.

During treatment, the specialist, based on the patient’s health characteristics, can also prescribe antipsychotics, antidepressants and tranquilizers in order to correct the patient’s psychological state.

I have already said above that without adjusting the diet, no treatment is possible.

Foods that reduce intestinal motility

Food products, in turn, are divided into two large groups: the first includes everything that reduces peristalsis, and the second, those that increase it.

So what can reduce peristalsis?

  • Any hot drinks such as tea or coffee;
  • Red wine;
  • Fresh baked goods and any baked goods;
  • Chocolate;
  • Kissel and dishes with a high content of potato starch;
  • Some porridges are such as rice or pearl barley;
  • Cream soup or pureed vegetables;
  • Meat or egg products with a high butter content;
  • Some fruits, for example, quince or pear and dishes made from them, as well as chokeberry and bird cherry.

Foods that increase intestinal motility

  • These are any cold compotes, as well as juices from fruits or berries, kvass, wine (white) and mineral water;
  • Any fresh fermented milk products containing live lacto- and bifidobacteria;
  • Ice cream, especially fruit ice cream;
  • Vegetables that contain a lot of fiber (cabbage in any form, beets, carrots, turnips, radishes and radishes);
  • Watermelons and melons, tomatoes and cucumbers, onions and legumes perfectly cleanse your intestines;
  • This also includes some fruits and berries, including apples, plums and apricots, as well as persimmons. Also included in the list are grapes, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and blueberries;
  • Dried fruits such as figs, dried apricots, prunes and raisins help well in this case;
  • Oatmeal, buckwheat and barley cereals;
  • Almost all vegetable oils;
  • Bran and products that contain them;
  • Nuts and greens.

Among other things, doctors advise consuming large quantities of fresh vegetables, and they can even be in the form of juices from carrots, beets or cabbage. If you want, you can make a salad seasoned with a little vegetable oil.

Reduce as much as possible the amount of fried and smoked, pickled and overly salted foods, as well as baked goods and baked goods. Try using something as simple as drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach before breakfast.

There are also a lot of less radical ways to help the intestines, they are especially relevant when you need to correct this condition in a child. They will also be relevant during pregnancy.

You can make a laxative mixture from the following products: take two tablespoons of grain (preferably sprouted wheat) and the same amount of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of honey and another one of any nuts, half a lemon and 2 apples. Finely chop the apples, mix with all the other ingredients and pour in lemon juice. This mixture can be consumed during any meal.

Try mincing half a kilogram of dried apricots and the same amount of prunes. Then add 2 tablespoons of propolis, 250 milliliters of honey and a pack of senna grass. Take 2 teaspoons before bed.

In addition, you can brew a tablespoon of buckthorn bark in half a liter of boiling water. You need to insist and drink it like tea.

A good remedy is crushed plantain seeds, which you take 1 teaspoon before meals. In the intestines they will swell and help the stool move forward.

One of the simplest and most effective medicines is bran. Just 1-2 tablespoons is enough, which should be washed down with water.

A mild laxative can be fruit decoction, cabbage brine and freshly squeezed juice, tea with dried cherries and apples.

Remember also that while adjusting your diet, you definitely need to diversify your physical activity. Any physical activity will also trigger your intestines.

In addition to physical exercise, you can also do a daily abdominal massage, douse yourself with cold water, or give yourself a contrast shower.

Here are a few exercises that will jump-start any, even the laziest intestines.
We lie on our backs and begin to twist our legs, imitating riding a bicycle.
We remain in the same position and press our knees tightly to our stomach.

We stand in the so-called knee-elbow position and alternately stretch back the right leg, then the left. Try to raise them as high as possible. You can pump up your abs. The more, the better, but at first 10 - 20 repetitions are quite enough.

At the end of the exercise, do squats. We finish everything by jumping rope or just standing still, alternating legs.

That's all I would like to tell you about improving intestinal motility for today. Use these simple and affordable methods and stay healthy. I'm waiting for you again on the pages of my blog.

The intestine is an organ of the human digestive and immune system. It digests food, synthesizes hormones, produces vitamins by microflora, and removes endo- and exotoxins along with fecal matter.

The movement of chyme through the intestines occurs due to wave-like contractions of the walls of the organ (peristalsis). Digested food must not only move along the digestive tube towards the anus, but also mix, therefore, in addition to peristalsis, pendulum-like contractions and rhythmic segmentation occur in the small intestine.

Intestinal motility is the result of its stimulation by food, that is, as soon as chyme penetrates the digestive tube, a peristaltic wave reflexively occurs. Thus, two factors are necessary for normal intestinal motility: a sufficient amount of chyme and normal innervation. You can restore intestinal function with the help of medication, diet, and exercise.

When you need help

When intestinal motility is impaired, microelements are less absorbed, rotting and fermentation processes occur, the microflora changes, and bowel movements are disrupted. With intestinal atony, undigested food, feces and toxins remain in the body, slowly poisoning it. With the accelerated passage of feces, microelements and vitamins are not absorbed, the body loses fluid, and weight decreases.

The following signs indicate deterioration of intestinal functions:

  • Pain in the lower abdomen. They can be aching or cramping in nature. As a rule, they pass after defecation and release of gases;
  • Flatulence. Undigested proteins begin to rot, and undigested carbohydrates ferment; as a result of these processes, gases are released that stretch the intestinal walls, which causes discomfort, a feeling of bloating;
  • Defecation disorder. More often, stool retention occurs because stool does not move through the intestines. However, patients may experience constipation alternating with diarrhea;
  • Intoxication. If it is impossible to remove toxins, they are reabsorbed into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as irritability, weakness, fatigue, decreased performance, and insomnia. Local immunity is also disrupted, causing acne to appear on the skin, its condition worsening, and allergic reactions may develop.

Intestinal dysfunction can be caused by endogenous and exogenous factors, for example:

  • consumption of high-calorie foods;
  • lack of dietary fiber;
  • chronic or acute intestinal diseases (colitis, enteritis, rotavirus infection);
  • narrowing of the intestinal lumen (tumor, foreign body, fecal stone, strictures, adhesions);
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • age-related changes;
  • taking medications;
  • postoperative complications;
  • neurological disorders;
  • genetic predisposition.

Intestinal motility may be slow, in which case constipation develops, or increased, in which case diarrhea occurs.

Slowing down the passage of intestinal contents can occur according to a spastic or atonic principle. With spastic coprostasis, the contraction is unnatural (the wave goes in the opposite direction), and the diameter of the intestine is narrowed. Due to strong muscle tone, intestinal obstruction can form, the symptoms of which are severe increasing cramping pain, nausea and fecal vomiting, and abdominal asymmetry.

Atonic constipation, when motility is greatly reduced or absent, develops much less frequently and the pathology is mainly diagnosed in older patients. Constipation can be caused not only by diseases of the intestines, stomach or liver, but also by a lack of coarse fiber in the diet, lack of fluid, physical inactivity, holding back the urge to defecate, fasting, stress, pregnancy or a change of environment.

Functional constipation often occurs in children and the elderly.

The cause of increased intestinal motility can be prolonged stress, a neurogenic factor, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, pregnancy, chronic diseases (stomach, gall bladder, pancreas), infectious diseases, intestinal infections, poisoning. Long-term use of certain medications enhances organ motility.

To normalize intestinal function, it is necessary to eliminate the etiological factor. In most cases, the cause of dysfunction is physiological disorders that are not associated with organic pathology and can be eliminated with the help of diet therapy, physical exercise and the development of a conditioned reflex to defecation.

If organic disorders are present (neoplasms, ulcers, diverticula, strictures, fecal stones), then surgical intervention may be required. It is possible to find out the true cause of intestinal dysfunction only with the help of hardware examination (ultrasound, X-ray with contrast, colonoscopy), therefore, if a child has difficulties with bowel movements, it is necessary to contact a gastroenterologist.


Most problems with the digestive tract occur due to poor nutrition

What to do if intestinal motility is slow

If intestinal motility decreases, it is necessary to follow a therapeutic diet. This is a physiologically complete diet, in which dietary fiber predominates (vegetables, fruits, cereals, dried fruits) and foods that cause fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines are excluded. No chopping of food is required. Vegetables are recommended fresh.

You can restore your intestines by drinking 1.5–2 liters of fluid per day so that there is enough water in the intestines and the stool does not harden. Mineral water, carrot, beet and cabbage juice are especially useful.

For intestinal atony, a laxative diet is indicated, which is designed to enhance peristalsis. It is recommended to eat foods rich in sugars (jam, honey, sweet dishes), as they absorb fluid in the intestines and make the stool softer.

For the same reason, it is allowed to eat foods containing salt. To ensure that there is more fluid in the intestines, you can add fiber and seaweed to your diet, because these products swell and increase significantly in size, and stimulate motility in the intestines and adsorb toxins.

Food rich in organic acids can make the intestines work, so it is advised to add fermented milk drinks, fruit drinks, sour fruits and juices from them, pickled and pickled vegetables to the diet. Cold dishes (below 15 degrees) stimulate motor skills; it is recommended to drink cold juice, water or kefir on an empty stomach, and eat cold soups as a first course, for example, okroshka, beetroot soup. Seasonings and spicy foods will also increase peristalsis.

It is also necessary to significantly increase the amount of dietary fiber consumed. Every day you need to eat bran, raw vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, cereals, wholemeal bread. The daily fiber intake is 25–30 grams, and one apple contains only 3 grams, so doctors recommend adding fiber to your diet (2–3 tablespoons per day).

Any vegetable oil (linseed, olive, corn, sunflower) is useful for constipation. It stimulates intestinal motility and facilitates the passage of feces. The oil can be drunk a teaspoon on an empty stomach, and also added to vegetable salads, but it cannot be heat treated.

At the same time, it is necessary to remove foods that strengthen from the diet. This is black coffee, chocolate, strong tea, cocoa, pears, blueberries, lingonberries, pomegranate, slimy soups, jelly, pasta, hot dishes. If constipation occurs due to an exacerbation of a chronic intestinal or stomach disease, then it is necessary to adhere to a more gentle diet.


The most useful cereals are buckwheat, pearl barley, and oatmeal.

You should not eat coarse fiber, but you need to stimulate motor skills in gentler ways (drink cold sweet drinks before the first meal, introduce vegetable purees from beets, carrots or cauliflower into your diet, eat baked apples, pureed prunes, fermented milk products). If coprostasis occurs due to an exacerbation of liver disease, then it is allowed to consume coarse fiber; you also need to add magnesium-rich foods to the menu.

Drugs

If the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, medications are prescribed. Laxatives have no effect on the underlying cause of the pathology, but provide quick results. Antispasmodics relieve spasm of smooth muscles, as a result of which the lumen expands and fecal movement becomes possible. Tranquilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can be used to treat dyskinesia. For dysbiosis, probiotics or prebiotics are prescribed.

Among laxatives, it is necessary to give preference to harmless drugs that increase the mass of intestinal contents and do not irritate the walls of the organ. These drugs include mucous substances consisting of fiber and polysaccharides. In water they swell and form a mucous mass that prevents stool from hardening. These medications include products based on seaweed or flaxseed.

Castor or Vaseline oil can also help restore motility, as they lubricate the intestinal wall and facilitate the passage of feces. Saline laxatives, such as magnesium sulfate, are also quite effective. They change osmotic pressure and accumulate water, which increases the amount of intestinal contents and dilutes it.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies can also be used in conjunction with diet therapy. To enhance peristalsis it is recommended:

  • take a tablespoon of sprouted wheat grains, 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 2 apples, lemon and a spoon of honey. Grate the apples, mix with the rest of the ingredients and add water. Use the product for a week;
  • prepare a mixture of 500 grams of prunes and the same amount of dried apricots, add 50 grams of propolis, 200 grams of honey and 200 grams of senna. There is a mixture of 2 teaspoons before bedtime, with a glass of cold water;
  • Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a spoonful of buckthorn and leave to steep for 3 hours. Drink a decoction instead of tea;
  • Before eating, eat a teaspoon of crushed plantain seeds. They swell in the intestines, which promotes rapid excretion of feces;
  • drink more fruit and vegetable juices, cabbage pickle, cherry and apple compote.

Physical exercise will help improve bowel function. With an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, blood circulation in the intestines improves and motility normalizes. Any exercises that work the abdominal muscles (bending over, “bicycle”, “kitty cat”, lifting legs from a lying position), walking, cycling, swimming are useful.


Abdominal massage will help improve intestinal motility

Recovery is only possible if you do not restrain the urge to defecate, since stool becomes dehydrated, hardens and moves slowly through the intestines. Fecal stones can form, which block the lumen and injure the mucous membrane of the organ.

What to do if motor skills are increased

If intestinal motility is increased, then it is necessary to remove foods containing fiber from the diet; only eating a small amount of vegetables is allowed, and they should be boiled and pureed. Food should be consumed in small portions, but often, and overeating should not be allowed.

It is necessary to exclude foods that activate motility and gas formation from the diet. The menu should consist of dishes that weaken peristalsis and have strengthening properties. This is rice porridge, jelly, strong tea, coffee, slimy soups. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks are contraindicated.

With increased motility, it is necessary to take enterosorbents (activated carbon, Smecta, Enterosgel). They bind toxins and remove them from the body. To eliminate pain, antispasmodics (No-Shpa, Drotoverin) are prescribed. For normalization, you may need to take antidiarrheal drugs (Loperamide, Imodium).

Often the cause of chronic diarrhea is irritable bowel syndrome; in this case, antidepressants, antibiotics, serotonin receptor or guanylate cyclase antagonists, and probiotics may be prescribed. After diarrhea, you may need to take medications to improve electrolyte balance.

In most cases, the cause of impaired motor skills is nutritional, that is, it is associated with poor nutrition, non-compliance with the water regime, and in order to normalize motor skills, it is enough to follow a diet, give up junk food and monitor the compatibility of foods. If treatment is delayed, this can lead to the development of more serious disorders (inflammation of the mucous membrane, formation of fecal stones, lack of vitamins and microelements).

Constipation is a disease caused by intestinal atony. Many patients do not pay due attention to constipation, citing the fact that it can go away on its own, and are embarrassed to consult a doctor on such an “intimate” issue. In fact, fecal retention in the intestines can have a very negative impact on the general condition of the patient, leading to intoxication, the appearance of inflammatory processes, and even the need for surgery.

Intestinal atony - what is it?

Intestinal atony is a violation of the tone of the intestinal walls, as a result of which they cannot contract and relax normally to push feces to the rectum and subsequent exit. With atony, intestinal motility (the contractility of the muscles of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract) is disrupted, which leads to constipation in humans, difficulty or impossibility of excreting feces. In summary, atony is not constipation, but a dysfunction of intestinal motility, which leads to stagnation of feces.

Causes of intestinal atony in adults

Atony occurs as a consequence of one or more factors that adversely affect gastrointestinal motility. It can be an independent disease (for example, genetically determined), a side effect of another disease or taking pills (for example, intestinal infections, helminthiasis, taking antispasmodics), or an unhealthy lifestyle (excessive drinking, sedentary lifestyle). At increased risk of developing atony are people who:

    They experience constant stress that overloads the human central nervous system, which can lead to organ failures;

  • Poor diet (eating high-calorie foods with low fiber content);
  • Lead a sedentary lifestyle (as a result - a decrease in the innervation/impulse conductivity of the intestinal muscles, which forms peristalsis);
  • Antispasmodics and painkillers/anesthesia containing morphine are taken for a long time, in large doses;
  • Suffer from intestinal dysbiosis (toxins produced during indigestion reduce peristalsis);
  • Suffer from intestinal infections;
  • Have a genetic predisposition to atony;
  • Have malignant intestinal tumors (they release toxins that disrupt the functioning of the nervous system);
  • Smoking, abusing alcohol (affect the functioning of the nervous system);
  • Use opiate drugs (reduce the tone of the hollow organs);
  • They suffer from helminthiasis (worms produce toxins that affect peristalsis);
  • Survived an unsuccessful caesarean section.

In children

Atony in a child may occur for the following reasons:

    Hereditary during pregnancy and lactation;

  1. Stress of various kinds;
  2. Change in the nature of nutrition (for example, as a result of weaning from food);
  3. Insufficient water consumption.

The appearance of childhood atony can be prevented by proper abdominal massage. For treatment, glycerin suppositories are prescribed, which promote reflexive rejection of feces (placed 20 minutes after the first meal) and improve gastrointestinal motility.

In older people

Senile atony occurs:

    due to a sedentary lifestyle;

  • as a side effect of operations.

Steps to treat and reduce the risk of intestinal atony in older people:

    frequent walks, chamomile enemas;

  • introducing an abundance of vegetable and dairy foods into the diet,
  • eating grated, liquid and soft foods, as well as foods that have a laxative effect, improves gastrointestinal motility.

Symptoms of the disease

There are a number of symptoms by which a patient may suspect atony. If such signs are detected, you should consult a doctor, because... they indicate a disruption in intestinal motility, and this, without appropriate treatment, can lead to dangerous complications. Symptoms of atony are as follows:

    Constipation (you should pay attention even when bowel movements occur less than once a day);

  • Bloating and gas;
  • Hard stool;
  • Weakness and poor sleep;
  • Pale complexion;
  • Anemia (anemia);
  • The skin takes on a marbled color.

Signs

Spastic type

Atonic type

Intestinal colic Pulling, aching Rumbling, flatulence (increased gas production)
Rectal condition Mostly empty More often filled
Type of stool Most often fragmented (“sheep”) More often voluminous
Feeling in the intestines with constipation Tension, compression Expansion, fullness
Gastric acidity Promoted Reduced or zero

Diagnostics

If you suspect a disturbance in intestinal motility, including the presence of atony, you must consult a proctologist or gastroenterologist to establish an accurate diagnosis, determine the severity of the disease and the cause of its occurrence. Since self-medication can lead to worsening of the condition and atony!

Doctors easily diagnose atony by asking the patient about the symptoms of the disease that are bothering him. It is much more difficult to establish the cause of the disease. For this, the following methods of treating atony are used:

    A survey to find out the patient’s lifestyle, the characteristics of his diet and hereditary predispositions to atony;

  1. Stool analysis and stool culture;
  2. Colonoscopy;
  3. X-ray (in some cases, X-ray images reveal areas of accumulation of stool, which helps identify places of possible adhesions or fecal blood clots in the intestines).

How to cure intestinal atony

Treatment of intestinal atony should be comprehensive, aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease and eliminating factors that negatively affect intestinal motility.

For atony, the following are used simultaneously:

    drug treatment(homeopathic remedies that restore normal innervation of the muscular walls of the intestine, remove the effects of fecal stagnation, regulate fecal excretion, eliminate the underlying diseases);

  • treatment with diet which helps normalize stool (loose, laxative, rich in fiber);
  • physical exercise(special gymnastics that helps normalize the excretion of feces);
  • general normalization of lifestyle(fighting a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits and stress).

By combining all of the above treatment methods, you can quickly achieve a good result and prevent the recurrence of atony by improving gastrointestinal motility.

Treatment with drugs

When treating intestinal atony, medicine uses the following medications:

    Laxatives(for example, regulax);

  • Enzyme preparations aimed at improving food digestion (for example, pancreatin);
  • Anti-bloating remedies(espumisan);
  • Antiemetics and peristalsis enhancers(cerucal, metoclopramide);
  • Drugs that improve impulse transmission to muscles(amiridine). Use only under medical supervision;
  • Prozerin(used on an outpatient basis if other means have not led to an improvement in intestinal motility).

Special diet and nutrition regimen

When diagnosing “intestinal atony”, the patient needs to include in his menu products that facilitate the passage of feces through the colon:

    Vegetable juices, fruit compotes, jelly;

  • Curdled milk, yoghurts, sour cream, kefir;
  • Stale bread, dry biscuits;
  • Vegetable soups, borscht, cabbage soup;
  • Lean meat, poultry, veal;
  • Sausages;
  • Cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots;
  • Barley, millet and buckwheat cereals;
  • Pasta;
  • Sea kale, greens;
  • Baked apples;
  • Prunes, dried apricots;
  • Lingonberries, oranges, peaches;
  • Pumpkin;
  • Rhubarb.

It is advisable to eat small portions - 5 times a day, at the same time, combine proper nutrition with walks and exercises. It is advisable to eat food not dry, cook or bake food, and not smoke or fry. By adhering to this treatment, you can improve gastrointestinal motility.

The absence of the following products in the diet also helps to normalize intestinal function and motility:

    Canned food;

  • Salty fish;
  • Rich broths;
  • Peas, beans;
  • Mushrooms;
  • Garlic;
  • Chocolate, coffee;
  • Pomegranates, quince;
  • Smoked meats;
  • Blueberries, pears.

Folk remedies

Promote the treatment of atony with folk remedies, including in the diet the frequent use of mixtures made from products that have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility.

    Aloe mixtures: Wash a few aloe leaves, remove thorns, and chop. Heat one and a half glasses of honey in a saucepan (the temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees, otherwise honey may lose its beneficial properties), add aloe and leave for 24 hours. Reheat again, take 1 tbsp every day 1 hour before breakfast. within 7-10 days. After completing the treatment, take a week break and repeat the course again.

  1. Leaf tea powder: Grind loose leaf tea in a coffee grinder and take half a dessert spoon in powder form four times a day before meals.
  2. Roast pumpkin and beans: cut a quarter of the pumpkin into cubes, chop the onion, mix with the pumpkin and simmer in a frying pan in vegetable oil. When the pumpkin becomes soft, add the boiled beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.

    Remember that all this is done only when the person does not experience critical complications due to fecal retention (bleeding, inflammation, tears and perforations). In this case, physical activity can aggravate the patient's condition with atony.

    Video

    Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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    How to identify and treat intestinal atony

Well-functioning gastrointestinal tract is the basis of good health. The gastrointestinal tract absorbs nutrients from food. A person receives most of the nutrients and elements necessary for the body through the work of the intestines. It is important to ensure that it works correctly. With a modern lifestyle, he is most susceptible to negative influences and irritants. The incidence of gastroenterological diseases in the Russian population is more than 10%. Common diseases are dyspepsia and poor intestinal motility.

The cause of impaired intestinal motility is various factors, ranging from poor nutrition to stress. We will look at them in more detail below. This disease entails a number of consequences that are detrimental to the human body. You should pay close attention to the functioning of the digestive system and go to the hospital if you notice the first symptoms of the disorder.

Important! Abdominal pain cannot be ignored. It indicates serious violations.

How the intestines work

In order to recognize the symptoms of dyskinesia and get rid of the disease in a timely manner, we will analyze the specifics of the work of this organ, possible diseases, and their causes.

The intestine is a hollow tube covered with muscle fibers; the total length of the intestine reaches 6 meters. It is divided into two sections: thick and thin. The length of the large intestine is 2 meters, the small intestine is 4 meters. Muscle fibers are lined in two layers. One is longitudinal, the other is circular. Thanks to this structure, the intestines are able to contract in waves. The phenomenon of peristalsis is observed.

Peristalsis plays an important role in the digestive process. When food enters the esophagus, then into the stomach and intestines, thanks to the contraction of the intestines, it moves to the lower sections, then to the anus, and then out. Good motor skills ensure complete absorption of nutrients.

As the digested food passes along its path, it “gives” all the substances the body needs. Certain zones are responsible for the absorption of nutrients, others for the removal of toxins. The bolus of food lingers for an unequal amount of time in different parts of the digestive system. This is due to the fact that each department contracts with different strength and frequency.

So, for the small intestine up to 12 contractions per minute are typical, for the large intestine - 3-4, for the duodenum - up to 12, for the rectum the norm is up to 3 contractions per minute. These indicators are typical for healthy organs. In case of failure, increased intestinal motility is observed. This leads to various diseases.

Motor impairment

With poor peristalsis, food entering the abdominal organs moves poorly and lingers there. This leads to the retention of toxins, the inability to absorb useful substances, as a result of which waste products accumulate and create an environment for the development of pathogens that provoke inflammatory processes, the formation of polyps, ulcers, and stool disorders.

95% of people have suffered from a bowel disorder at least once in their life. The most common consequence is a change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).

Causes of pathology

To control the functioning of the intestines, you need to know the reasons that disrupt its functioning.

The causes of poor gastrointestinal motility are divided into two categories. The first includes pathological processes occurring in the abdominal cavity. This includes growths and ulcers on the inside of the intestine, previous operations in this area, and pressure from the outside. Experts consider genetic predisposition and weak tone of the muscle tissue of internal organs as pathological processes.

The second category includes disruption of the regulation of the digestive system by the nervous and endocrine systems. The causes of the disorder are constant stress, nervous tension, overwork, lack of sleep, and hormonal imbalance. These factors affect the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems that regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

The main causes of intestinal motility disorders:

  • lack of diet, consumption of junk food;
  • physical inactivity;
  • predisposition due to genetic factors;
  • weak muscles of internal organs, atony;
  • previous operations on the abdominal organs;
  • taking antibiotics that affect digestion;
  • tumors on the internal walls of the organ;
  • dysfunction of the nervous system, constant stressful situations.

Poor nutrition is the main reason that disrupts the functioning of the digestive system. Fatty, salty, fried foods irritate the intestinal walls, which leads to deterioration of motility. Quick snacks and lack of proper nutrition have a negative impact on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of dyskinesia

The following signs usually indicate a violation of intestinal motility:

  • pain in different parts of the abdomen;
  • change in stool;
  • bloating;
  • weakness, irritability;
  • weight gain;
  • skin rashes.

Here are the main symptoms indicating impaired intestinal motility. You shouldn't ignore them. It is not a fact that skin rashes can be a consequence of this disorder (a hormone imbalance is possible), but this cause cannot be ruled out, and it is necessary to check for disruptions in the digestive system. 60% of cases show that acne is the result of a bowel disorder.

The most common symptom is a change in bowel habits. No need to panic. The intestines react to minor changes in external and internal factors, which can result in diarrhea. You can get rid of it yourself, just purchase over-the-counter medications for diarrhea: such as Linex (available in a form for children), Imodium, Smecta, Bifiform.

For constipation, medications that increase peristalsis will help. Constipation occurs due to poor muscle contraction, which prevents food from moving through the digestive tract. These symptoms are not difficult for a person to diagnose and eliminate on their own. If diarrhea or constipation continues after taking the drug, you should go to the hospital immediately. When the phenomena are protracted, they may indicate serious disorders and develop into a chronic form.

Important! If diarrhea or constipation continues for more than a day, consult a doctor immediately!

Constant pain of various locations in the abdomen clearly indicates dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. They can be caused by various reasons, including weak peristalsis. The pain can bother the patient either constantly or in waves, disappearing periodically. They may become smaller in the evening, after the release of gas or feces. Unpleasant belching and heartburn may indicate dyskinesia. Frequent repetitions of these symptoms should alert the person and prompt them to go to the hospital.

If your general condition worsens, weakness, insomnia, or unexpected weight gain appear, it is worth checking the state of the digestive system, as it reacts sharply to stressful situations. Unexpected changes in body temperature and heavy sweating may indicate peristalsis disorders.

Poor functioning of the digestive organs leads to a painful state of the entire body. The symptoms listed above may be a signal that you need to check the functioning of your digestive system. Neglecting symptoms increases the risk of developing acute and chronic diseases.

What are the dangers of intestinal dysfunction?

Good peristalsis ensures the coordinated functioning of the whole organism. In case of failure, changes occur. They can become inevitable and lead to protracted illnesses if the symptoms are ignored and treatment is not started on time.

Increased intestinal peristalsis contributes to the frequency of stools up to 8-10 times a day. This leads to water-electrolyte imbalance. Beneficial substances from digested food do not have time to be absorbed in the small intestine and are excreted along with toxins. Thus, a person does not receive vital elements, which leads to a general weakening of the body and a painful state. During frequent bowel movements, dehydration occurs, resulting in exhaustion of the body. If measures are not taken in time, this can even lead to death.

Reduced peristalsis is no less dangerous. With proper functioning of the intestines, waste products and toxins are removed from the body. If motility is weakened, harmful substances from the stool are reabsorbed. This leads to intoxication of the body. Retention of feces in the intestines causes the formation of polyps, ulcers, papillomas, and tumors. Weak peristalsis causes the development of hemorrhoids due to stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. There is an inflammatory process that provokes internal bleeding.

The main function of the intestines is the absorption of nutrients from incoming food and the removal of toxins. If peristalsis is impaired, this function is not performed. The intestinal microflora is disrupted, the immune system is weakened, resulting in an increased risk of developing not only diseases of the digestive system, but also other organs in general. Violation can cause either mild illness or death.

Important! Be alert to changes in bowel conditions. Timely treatment can prevent death.

Treatment of dyskinesia

Before starting treatment, the patient needs to undergo a series of studies to determine the cause and localization of the disorder in order to determine methods of therapy and appropriate medications. The doctor should refer the patient for the following studies:

  • scatology;
  • endoscopy;
  • irrigoscopy;
  • colonoscopy;
  • checking discharge for dysbacteriosis and occult blood.

These studies are necessary to exclude other gastrointestinal diseases. According to the general complaints of the patient, it is difficult to diagnose poor intestinal motility.

Treatment should be comprehensive, it will consist of taking medications, performing appropriate exercises, and following a diet. For constipation, the doctor prescribes medications that increase peristalsis. For diarrhea - lowering.

Nutrition adjustments are being made. With increased peristalsis, the diet should contain fresh baked goods, hot drinks, chocolate, warm cereals, eggs, meat dishes, pears, quinces, chokeberries, preferably drinking red wine. When low - fermented milk products, juices and other cold drinks, vegetables, sour apples, apricots, gooseberries, dried fruits, herbs, seafood, bran bread.

Moderate physical activity for this condition is used for treatment. Running, yoga, and swimming are recommended. Daily long stays in the fresh air are required. A set of therapeutic exercises and abdominal massage are also prescribed.

How to cope with the disease at home

If the symptoms of the disorders are minor, you can cope with them at home on your own. Folk remedies are used to provide first aid.

For constipation, laxative mixtures are used.

Recipe 1

You will need:

  • sprouted wheat grains (1 tablespoon);
  • apples (2 pieces);
  • honey (1 tablespoon);
  • chopped walnuts (1 tablespoon);
  • oatmeal (2 tablespoons);
  • Half a lemon.

Grate the apples and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of warm boiled water, stir. Take 3-4 times a day.

Recipe 2

Ingredients:

  • prunes (400 grams);
  • dried apricots (400 grams);
  • propolis tincture (2 tablespoons);
  • liquid honey (200 grams).

Grind the dried fruits in a blender, add the remaining ingredients, let it brew for half an hour. Take 2 teaspoons orally at night to normalize peristalsis and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

For weak intestinal motility, herbal decoctions are used to stop diarrhea.

A decoction of consolid flowers (popularly known as sokyrka) helps to normalize stool. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of herb and let it brew. Take as tea after meals.

Wheat bran will help reduce peristalsis - take 1-2 tablespoons half an hour before meals. Drink plenty of water. A good remedy is plantain seeds. You can buy them at a pharmacy without a prescription. They need to be crushed using a coffee grinder, take 1 teaspoon of bran before meals.

To prevent disturbances in intestinal motility, it is enough to follow simple rules. Adjust food:

  • eat more fiber-rich foods;
  • use first courses;
  • observe drinking regime;
  • Reduce fast food snacks to a minimum.

Try not to drink alcohol.

Walks in the fresh air are required. Experts recommend spending at least a third of the day outdoors. Don't forget about exercise and moderate physical activity. Yoga, swimming, running, and tennis are recommended. Implement these simple rules into your life, and your intestines will be healthy.

Intestinal motility- These are rhythmic muscle contractions of the wall of the digestive system, ensuring the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Normal motor skills ensure rapid digestion of foods and reduce the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory processes.

Drugs

Agents that stimulate peristalsis are classified into several groups.

Prokinetics

Laxatives

Nutrition


Exercises

To normalize peristalsis, the patient should engage in physical therapy. The set of exercises includes:

  • Abdominal exercises. While lying on your back, bend your legs slightly and lift your torso towards your knees. Another exercise, on the contrary, involves raising the legs while the body is fixed.
  • Swing back. Kneel with emphasis on your hands, alternately straighten your legs back.
  • Pistol squats. From a standing position, slowly squat on one leg, extending the other forward parallel to the floor.

Any type of adequate physical activity has a beneficial effect on intestinal motility. This can be either training in the gym or playing sports, cycling, tennis.