Our intestines are the most important part of the digestive system. We distinguish between the small intestine and the large intestine. Directly after the stomach follows the small intestine, divided into duodenum, as well as empty and curved intestine.
The main tasks of this section of the intestine are digestion, absorption of nutrients, minerals and water, as well as parts of the immune system. At the Bauhin valve (Valvula ileocaecalis) the small intestine merges into the large intestine. Bacteria located in the large intestine help digest food components that are difficult to split (e.g. plant fibres).
The large intestine also plays an important role in the thickening of stool. If sections of the intestine become inflamed, various symptoms can occur. These include diarrhoea, pain or vomiting.
A basic distinction is made between acute inflammatory (e.g. enteritis) and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis). The cause of the inflammation can be bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi or autoimmune processes.
Symptoms
If the stool frequency increases to more than 3 per day, the stool weight is more than 200 grams per day, or the stool has a watery consistency, this is called diarrhoea. Often two mechanisms in the intestine go hand in hand and thus cause the symptom: On the one hand, the intestinal movements change so that food passes through the digestive tract more quickly. As a result, the water content in the intestine also increases, so that the food is excreted even faster.
Possible reasons for these processes may be: Inflammations in the intestine can cause severe pain. Depending on the quality, location and duration of the pain, the doctor can draw conclusions about the type of inflammation. For example, in the case of inflammation of diverticula (bulges) in the colon, pain in the left lower abdomen is very common.
The pain can therefore be traced back to a specific section of the dram loops. If, on the other hand, the appendix is affected, patients experience pain in the right lower abdomen. Such well localised abdominal pain is also called “somatic”.
They are typical for inflammations in the intestinal area and usually have a burning, sharp character. The “visceral” pain is to be distinguished from this. It is rather difficult to localise and is of a dull, diffuse nature.
Typically, it occurs, for example, when the digestive organs are stretched or lack oxygen. – Poor absorption of food components
- Increased absorption of water-binding substances, e.g. certain sweeteners
- Active fluid release of the intestinal mucosa cells
- Inflammations of the intestinal mucosa lead to the admixture of blood and cells
When vomiting occurs, a reverse, involuntarily controlled emptying of the gastrointestinal tract occurs. Accompanying nausea is observed in almost all cases.
Vomiting can be triggered by three different mechanisms: In the classic “gastro-enteritis”, vomiting is one of the most common symptoms. Put simply, our body uses this mechanism to remove harmful pathogens from the organism. In the context of an inflammation of the intestine, those affected often experience a feeling of weakness to varying degrees.
Responsible for this is the loss of water and minerals, either through vomiting or diarrhoea. The body lacks volume and electrolytes, so that the cardiovascular system in particular has to provide more energy to ensure sufficient blood and oxygen supply to the organs. In severe cases, the administration of fluid and electrolytes via the vein (infusion) must therefore be considered.
Severe inflammation of the intestine can cause fever. Especially patients with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease can develop a higher fever in a severe flare-up. In almost all cases, food intake and symptoms of intestinal inflammation are closely related. It is therefore not surprising that those affected often suffer from weight loss. – Damage to the function of internal organs, especially the digestive system, especially by bacteria, viruses or parasites
- Substances (poisons) in the blood, such as alcohol and medicines
- Psychological strain like disgust, stress or even emotions
