Intestinal dysbacteriosis in adults

Hundreds of species of bacteria live in the human intestine and perform many beneficial functions. Some help in the digestion of food, others are involved in the synthesis of vitamins and the absorption of trace elements, others prevent the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms.¹. As long as beneficial and pathogenic bacteria exist in a certain balance, nothing threatens the human body.

However, there are times when this balance is upset. The cause may be stress, intestinal infections, malnutrition, prolonged uncontrolled use of antibiotics. This condition is called dysbacteriosis, in which the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, and the concentration of pathogenic microflora increases.

What is the intestinal dysbiosis?

Intestinal dysbiosis in adults is a condition in which the normal composition of the intestinal flora is altered.¹. Dysbacteriosis is rarely an independent disease, more often it occurs due to disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and systems.

With dysbacteriosis, the protective functions of the body are reduced, which can contribute to the development of other diseases.

Norms of microorganisms in the intestinal microflora

Causes of intestinal dysbiosis in adults

Intestinal dysbacteriosis can develop under the influence of external factors. The causes of dysbacteriosis include:

• Abuse of food with a lot of dyes, preservatives and other chemical additives;
• Prolonged unbalanced nutrition;
• Abrupt change in diet;
• Stress;
• Long-term use of drugs (especially hormonal drugs, laxatives and antibiotics).

Internal factors causing intestinal dysbacteriosis can be chronic diseases and pathological conditions:

• Inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines (gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.);
• Endocrine disorders;
• Metabolic disorders (for example, diabetes mellitus);
• immune disorders;
• Oncological diseases.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis can occur even in an absolutely healthy person, for example, with chronic stress, a sudden change in climate or changes in diet.

Symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis in adults

In its manifestations, dysbacteriosis is similar to other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, so it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based on symptoms. Most often, with intestinal dysbacteriosis in adults, the following symptoms appear:

1. Loose stools with an unpleasant odor;
2. Constipation;
3. Bloating;
4. Pain in the navel or iliac region;
5. Decreased appetite, belching and nausea;
6. Deterioration of general well-being (increased fatigue, weakness, sleep disturbances).

If you notice the above symptoms in yourself, do not try to self-medicate. Consult a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in adults

Treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis is a simple but painstaking process. First you need to identify and eliminate the cause that provoked an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. In parallel with the treatment of the underlying disease, drugs are prescribed that will help make up for the deficiency of beneficial bacteria.

Diagnostics

Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis. In addition to collecting complaints, studying the history of the disease and a general examination, laboratory tests will be required: a general blood and urine test, bacteriological and biochemical examination of feces and a number of other medical tests.². Ultrasound and contrast x-ray examination of the gastrointestinal tract are often prescribed.

Modern treatments

In the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis in adults, attention is paid not only to the elimination of symptoms, but also to the treatment of the underlying disease. We have already said that dysbacteriosis is a consequence of a malfunction of the organs and systems of the body. Without eliminating the cause of the disease, the treatment will not be effective. In addition, it is necessary to qualitatively restore the intestinal microflora.

Preparations

Drug therapy is aimed at restoring the normal balance of microflora. For this, preparations from two groups are used: probiotics and prebiotics. Prebiotics provide a breeding ground for the growth and reproduction of beneficial microorganisms. Probiotics contain live lactobacilli and bifidobacteria necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines.².

In addition to these drugs, antifungal and antibacterial agents can be prescribed to suppress pathogenic microflora, if necessary.

Symptomatic therapy can be carried out with the help of drugs against diarrhea and constipation. Antispasmodics are needed to relieve pain and eliminate spasms. The use of bacteriophages will stop the growth of opportunistic microflora, and immunomodulators will help normalize immune defenses. In addition, the doctor may prescribe enzymes, enterosorbents and vitamins.².

Diet

An important role in the treatment of dysbacteriosis is given to diet. First of all, it is necessary to balance the diet in terms of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Eating should be fractional, in small portions, to reduce the burden on the intestines. Avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods. Eat foods containing bifidus and lactobacilli (fermented milk products, sauerkraut), pectins and fiber (vegetables, fruits and herbs), amino acids (beef meat, fish and turkey). Foods that require heat treatment should be boiled, steamed or baked.

Prevention of intestinal dysbacteriosis in adults at home

Prevention of dysbacteriosis is quite simple. Regular balanced nutrition, consumption of products containing natural bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, refusal of excessive and unreasonable intake of antibiotics will help you maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora². Do not get carried away with colon cleansing, which is so popular today, be sure to treat chronic diseases, if any. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible.

The intestinal microflora is very sensitive to any external influences, and it may take more than one week to restore it. Therefore, at the first symptoms of dysbacteriosis, consult a doctor. This will help you reduce the duration of treatment and avoid complications.

Popular questions and answers

We have selected some of the most common questions related to dysbacteriosis and asked our expert to answer them. general practitioner Mikhail Lystsov. 

Sources:

1. Intestinal microflora: a role in maintaining health and the development of pathology, the possibility of correction: studies.-method. Benefit. R. V. Khursa, I. L. Mesnikova, Ya. S. Miksha. Minsk: BSMU, 2017. http://rep.bsmu.by/bitstream/handle/BSMU/16843/978-985-567-701-8.Image.Marked.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
2. Dysbacteriosis. The most effective methods of treatment. Author: Boris Mikhailovich Reznik Genre: Health Series: Your family doctor. Year of publication: 2010.