Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis

Digestive disorders, bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in stool — are symptoms that are often associated with diet or stress. However, in many cases, their cause is dysbacteriosis, that is, a change in the normal composition of the microflora.

Normally, the microorganisms that inhabit the intestine perform important functions: they participate in the digestion of food, the synthesis of vitamins, and support immune defense. When this balance is disturbed, the functioning of the digestive system also changes, which may negatively affect well-being.

This condition may arise after taking antibiotics, changes in diet, previous infections, or against the background of chronic diseases. Timely consultation with a doctor makes it possible to determine the cause of the disorders and select treatment to restore the normal functioning of the intestine.

Disturbances in the composition of the intestinal microflora may differ in the nature of the changes, their severity, and the causes of their occurrence. In medical practice, a conditional classification is used, which helps assess the patient's condition and determine the optimal treatment tactics.

According to the nature of the changes, the following are distinguished:

• deficiency of beneficial microflora — a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli;
• excessive growth of opportunistic microorganisms;
• combined disorders — simultaneous reduction of beneficial flora and an increase in the number of opportunistic bacteria.

According to the course, the following are distinguished:

• acute forms — arise suddenly, most often after previous infections or a course of antibiotics;
• chronic forms — develop gradually and may accompany diseases of the digestive system for a long time.

According to the degree of severity of changes, mild, moderate, and severe degrees are distinguished. In more severe cases, disturbed intestinal microflora affects not only digestion, but also general well-being, metabolic processes, and the body's protective mechanisms. Intestinal dysbiosis may proceed with minimal manifestations at the initial stages or lead to persistent disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system in a prolonged course.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis does not arise on its own — usually it is a consequence of the influence of external or internal factors that change the composition of the microflora and disrupt its balance.

The most common causes:

• taking antibiotics — they destroy not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria;
• infectious diseases of the intestine — change the normal composition of the microflora;
• nutritional disorders — irregular meals, an excess of fatty, processed, or monotonous food;
• chronic diseases of the digestive system — gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome;
• stress and overfatigue — affect the functioning of the digestive system and immunity;
• hormonal changes — may affect the composition of the microflora;
• decreased immunity — creates conditions for the active growth of opportunistic bacteria.

In most cases, disruption of the intestinal microflora is formed under the influence of several factors at the same time. That is why, for effective treatment, it is important not only to restore the balance of bacteria, but also to eliminate the cause that led to its disruption.

In some cases, manifestations of an imbalance of the intestinal microflora are not limited only to the digestive system. Fatigue or deterioration of the skin condition may appear, for example dryness or rashes. If the symptoms recur or persist for a long time, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Prolonged intestinal dysbiosis may affect not only digestion, but also the general condition of the body. Without correction of the microflora, the disorders may intensify over time and lead to the development of complications.

Possible consequences:

• chronic digestive disorders — bloating, changes in stool, abdominal discomfort;
• deterioration of nutrient absorption — deficiency of vitamins and trace elements;
• decrease in local immunity — increased sensitivity to infections of the digestive tract;
• exacerbation of concomitant diseases of the intestine, in particular colitis.

In some cases, intestinal dysbiosis may be accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations — deterioration of skin condition, allergic reactions, in particular urticaria. That is why it is important to pay attention to the symptoms in time and carry out treatment in order to prevent the development of complications.

Complaints related to the digestive system may have different causes, so an examination is carried out to clarify the diagnosis. The following are most often used:

• stool analysis — allows assessment of the composition of the intestinal microflora and the ratio of bacteria;
• coprogram — shows how digestion occurs and whether there are disorders of food absorption;
• blood tests — help detect inflammation (for example, by the level of leukocytes, C-reactive protein) or signs of deficiencies;
• instrumental examinations (if necessary) — for example, colonoscopy or ultrasound of the abdominal organs to exclude other diseases.

The scope of the examination is determined individually during a consultation with a gastroenterologist, taking into account the symptoms, their duration, and the general condition of the patient.

Treatment of dysbacteriosis in adults is aimed not only at restoring the composition of the microflora, but also at eliminating the causes that led to its disturbance. The tactics are selected individually, taking into account the symptoms, their duration, and the general condition of the patient.

Main directions of treatment:

• correction of nutrition — a diet is recommended that reduces the load on the intestine and promotes restoration of the microflora;
• restoration of the microflora — prescription of probiotics and prebiotics to normalize the composition of bacteria;
• treatment of the underlying disease — if the disturbance of the microflora arose against the background of gastritis, colitis, or other pathologies;
• symptomatic therapy — means for reducing bloating, pain, or normalizing stool.

In most cases, treatment of dysbacteriosis requires a comprehensive approach. It is important to follow all the doctor's recommendations so that the therapy is effective.

Prevention of dysbacteriosis is based on daily habits that directly affect the condition of the intestinal microflora. In most cases, it is easier to prevent disturbances than to restore balance after they appear.

To reduce the risk of changes in the microflora, it is important to:

• follow a regular diet — without long breaks and overeating, since this affects the processes of digestion;
• include in the diet foods that support the microflora: vegetables, fruits, fermented milk products;
• avoid uncontrolled use of antibiotics and other drugs that may affect the intestines;
• after a course of antibiotics, discuss with the doctor the advisability of restoring the microflora;
• pay attention to the regularity of bowel movements, since constipation may contribute to an imbalance of bacteria.

It is also important not to ignore symptoms from the digestive system. In case of prolonged discomfort or changes in bowel function, it is advisable to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to prevent the development of more pronounced disorders.

The cost of treatment of dysbacteriosis in adults depends on the scope of the examination and the necessary therapy. You can ознакомиться with the prices in advance here. The doctor will provide you with more detailed information regarding the options, program, and cost during the initial consultation. You can book an appointment at a convenient time and receive all the necessary medical services in one place.