Inflammation of the intestines can occur in many cases. She may be acute or chronictouch different parts of the intestines and have many origins. It is important to know how to recognize them to avoid the risk of complications.

Inflammation of the intestines is a reaction of the immune system at the level of the intestinal wall. It is caused by an overactive immune system. Depending on its origin and its evolution, it can be considered as:

• acute inflammation of the intestines, when it is sudden and transient;
• chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), when intestinal inflammation persists.

Intestinal inflammation can be very localized or affect several structures of the intestines:

• Small intestine : It follows the stomach and comprises 3 structures: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.
• Large intestine : Also called colon, it follows the small intestine. The first part of the large intestine corresponds to the cecum, at which the appendix is ​​attached. The colon opens into the rectum.

Inflammation of the intestines can be very localized. Depending on the area affected in the intestines, we can in particular distinguish:

• enteritis, inflammation of the small intestine;
• duodenitis, inflammation of the duodenum;
• ileitis, inflammation of the ileum;
• jejunitis, inflammation of the jejunum.
• the typhlite, which inflammation of the cecum;
• theappendicitis, which is an inflammation of the appendix.
• colitis, which is inflammation of the colon.

In some cases, the inflammation can affect several areas of the body at the same time. This is particularly the case for:

• enterocolitis, inflammation of the small intestine and colon;
• la gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and small intestine;
• la ulcerative colitis, also called ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines that more specifically affects the colon and rectum;
• la Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire intestines and can spread to other parts of the body such as the oral cavity, rectum and anal canal.

Acute inflammation of the intestines is often due to infection. This can be of viral, bacterial or parasitic origin. This is particularly the case with gastroenteritis, which is usually due to an infection of viral origin.

The causes of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less well known. Several parameters could be involved. Based on current scientific data, there is a genetic predisposition to certain IBDs such as ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease could be due to a set of risk factors including bad eating habits, smoking, pollution, consumption of contaminated food, …

Inflammation of the intestines can occur at any age. It would seem, however, that there is more cases of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Crohn’s disease is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30, while ulcerative colitis is mainly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 40.

In some cases, inflammation of the intestines can become more complicated. It may in particular spreading and affecting other areas of the body. Adequate medical treatment is necessary to limit the risk of complications. Appropriate medical monitoring is also essential in the event of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the absence of adequate management, these diseases can have serious long-term consequences.

Depending on the origin, severity and course of the inflammation, it can manifest itself through different symptoms such as:

• abdominal pain ;
• a feeling of heaviness in the belly;
• digestive disorders ;
• diarrhea which can sometimes be accompanied by traces of blood;
• the formation of a fissure anale or abscess in the anal region.

Treatment depends first and foremost on the cause of the cause of the inflammation of the intestines.

Additional examinations may be performed to deepen or confirm a diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, different treatments can be implemented. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, antidiarrhoeals and antispasmodics, may in particular be prescribed.

In the event of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, regular medical monitoring is essential to limit the risk of complications.

Some intestinal inflammations can be avoided by limiting the risk factors. In particular, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits.