Medicines for intestinal atony. Symptoms of intestinal atony and its treatment with folk remedies. Medicines are divided into several groups

Intestinal atony is a pathological condition of the large intestine caused by low tone of the smooth muscles of the intestinal walls, which leads to a slowdown or complete disappearance of peristaltic movements at a normal rate of 15–18 contractions per minute. The main manifestation of intestinal atony is frequent, prolonged constipation, which is difficult to cope with with conventional laxatives.

Causes

Most often, intestinal atony develops against the background of general muscle weakness and impaired conduction of impulses, under the influence of which a contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall occurs with a sedentary lifestyle, after abdominal operations, and prolonged bed rest.

Another common cause of atonic constipation is an unbalanced diet, especially a lack of fiber and other coarse fibers in the diet against the background of an excess of calories, as well as non-compliance with the water regime. The systematic lack of fluid intake is compensated by the active absorption of moisture, which leads to compaction of the stool. The formation of a large number of toxic compounds during the putrefactive decay of undigested food remains, in turn, prevents the perception of impulses by muscle cells. Sometimes the movement of feces is limited by mechanical obstacles: diverticula, additional pockets of the colon, adhesions, coprolites (fecal stones), neoplasms, compression of the rectal wall by other organs, etc.

Also, a number of factors that influence the processes of neurohumoral regulation of gastrointestinal tract functions are involved in the development of intestinal atony:

• laxative abuse;
• prolonged fasting;
• taking certain medications (painkillers, antacids, antidepressants, antiulcer and antiepileptic drugs, etc.);
• prolonged stress;
• diseases of the anorectal region, prompting the patient to postpone visiting the toilet;
• bad habits: smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, use of morphine-type drugs;
• intestinal infections and changes in intestinal microbiocenosis;
• helminthiases (the waste products of some helminths contain substances that inhibit peristalsis);
• endocrine disorders and electrolyte imbalances;
• traumatic injuries or degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine and spinal cord, as well as;
• pregnancy. Intestinal atony in pregnant women is a side effect of the relaxing effect of progesterone on smooth muscles.

Sometimes the tendency to atonic constipation is hereditary. Cases of intestinal atony in close relatives are a reason to think about prevention.

Forms

Depending on the degree of inhibition of the motor-evacuation function of the large intestine, complete and partial forms of intestinal atony are distinguished. The most common is partial intestinal atony - slowing and weakening of peristaltic movements, which leads to chronic constipation. Complete intestinal atony is characterized by an absolute absence of peristalsis and paralytic intestinal obstruction.

The main manifestation of intestinal atony is frequent, prolonged constipation, which is difficult to cope with with conventional laxatives.

If acute abdominal pain is observed against the background of stool and gas retention, there is reason to suspect surgical pathology - diverticulosis, volvulus, intestinal infarction and other pathological conditions that threaten the patient’s life. The patient should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Symptoms of intestinal atony

A specific sign of intestinal atony is chronic constipation, which is characterized by a long and persistent course. In some cases, “lazy bowel syndrome” develops, in which the patient is unable to defecate on his own.

In this case, constipation is considered not only a long-term retention of stool, in which there is no bowel movement for two or more days. Possible symptoms of intestinal atony with regular bowel movements are quite varied:

• feeling of discomfort and straining during bowel movements;
• insufficient bowel movement;
• streaks of blood in the stool;
• compaction and hardening of feces;
• so-called Sheep feces - the discharge of a small amount of dense, dry excrement.

If there is no stool for more than three days, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestine develops, preventing the absorption of nutrients. At the same time, the optimal balance of intestinal microflora is disrupted: the active proliferation of putrefactive bacteria inhibits the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms. As a result, signs of digestive disorders and general intoxication of the body caused by the absorption of toxic products of putrefaction of intestinal contents appear:

• weakness and apathy;
• irritability and fatigue;
• frequent headaches;
• pallor and/or yellowish complexion;
• pain and feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, disappearing after defecation;
• purulent rashes on the skin.

Constant constipation caused by intestinal atony seriously impairs the patient's quality of life. Patients become lethargic and apathetic or, on the contrary, irritable and touchy; the patient’s emotional lability prevents full communication and social life.

Features of the course of intestinal atony in the elderly and children

Intoxication of the body during prolonged constipation is especially pronounced in children and the elderly: body temperature may rise to 37 ° C or more, nausea and vomiting may occur. In older people, blood pressure rises sharply.

Intestinal atony is widespread in older age groups. The tendency towards muscle atrophy is one of the manifestations of aging; in addition, older people tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle, and the options for nutritional therapy for the elderly are limited. In particular, it is not recommended to increase your fiber intake without consulting your doctor, since in case of chronic constipation, eating large amounts of coarse fiber foods can worsen the patient's condition.

Atonic constipation, which first appears in old age, is sometimes a consequence of pathological elongation of the sigmoid colon or sclerotic changes in the mesenteric arteries, which can lead to mesenteric thrombosis. To exclude surgical and vascular pathology in intestinal atony in older people, consultation with a phlebologist and proctologist is mandatory.

In young children, atonic constipation often occurs with a sharp change in diet during weaning, as well as on psychogenic grounds. In this case, intestinal atony must be differentiated from intestinal obstruction and congenital anomalies of the structure of the large intestine.

To prevent “lazy bowel syndrome,” laxatives and enemas should be prescribed to children with great caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. Irritants are contraindicated in young patients; Usually, osmotic preparations based on lactulose and glycerin suppositories are prescribed, which stimulate reflex bowel movements.

Diagnostics

Intestinal atony is diagnosed by a therapist or gastroenterologist based on medical history, study of the patient’s diet and lifestyle, and clinical picture. To identify the causes of weakened tone of the intestinal walls and develop the most effective therapeutic strategy, a comprehensive examination of the intestine using instrumental and laboratory techniques is necessary.

The most informative method for studying the motor function of the large intestine is irrigoscopy - contrast radiography of the colon after a barium enema, which qualitatively visualizes hard-to-reach areas of the intestine that are inaccessible to colonoscopy (folds of the mucous membrane, bends of the colon and sigmoid colon, etc.). If perforation or obstruction of the colon is suspected, a water-soluble contrast agent is administered instead of barium suspension. After bowel movement, a study of the relief of the mucous membrane of the colon is carried out. If necessary, oxygen is pumped into the intestinal lumen to better visualize the inner wall of the intestine.

Endoscopic examination of the colon with biopsy sampling is advisable for differential diagnosis with oncopathology, Crohn's disease and other diseases characterized by specific changes in the intestinal epithelium.

Most often, intestinal atony develops against the background of general muscle weakness and impaired conduction of impulses, under the influence of which a contraction of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall occurs with a sedentary lifestyle, after abdominal operations, and prolonged bed rest.

Treatment of intestinal atony

The first step to restoring normal intestinal motility should be nutritional correction. For atonic constipation, a study of the patient’s diet and lifestyle is indicated: therapeutic diet No. 3: the basis of the diet is milk and vegetable, while astringent products that stimulate gas formation must be excluded from the menu, as well as the calorie content of dishes must be reduced. First of all, rich soups, smoked meat and fish and canned food, mushrooms, legumes, whole milk, hard-boiled eggs, strong tea and coffee, as well as some fruits and berries - dogwood, blueberries, pears, pomegranate, cabbage, radishes, etc. onion and garlic. To compensate for the deficiency of fiber and pectin substances, the menu includes wheat bran, wholemeal bread, buckwheat porridge, fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils and melons. Particularly useful are apricots, plums, melons, apples, rhubarb and seaweed, which have a mild laxative effect.

In addition, you will have to seriously limit the consumption of instant carbohydrates - chocolate, white bread, pastries and confectionery. It is recommended to replace sweet carbonated drinks and industrial juices with water, compote and fruit drinks; In this case, you should drink at least 1.5–2 liters of liquid per day. Normalization of peristalsis is also facilitated by a split diet with meals taken at the same time.

Increasing physical activity will help quickly improve bowel movements in patients leading a sedentary lifestyle. A good effect for intestinal atony is given by sports walking, swimming, dancing and yoga, as well as performing special exercises for the muscles of the abdominal wall and abdominal massage.

Drug treatment of intestinal atony involves the use of only mild laxatives. Preference is given to drugs with osmotic and prokinetic action and choleretic agents. According to indications, cholinesterase inhibitors may be included in the therapeutic regimen; for severe abdominal pain, antispasmodics are additionally prescribed. In order to prevent intestinal dysbiosis, the use of enemas for intestinal atony is not recommended; It is permissible to use oil suppositories and microenemas to facilitate the evacuation of feces.

Sometimes the tendency to atonic constipation is hereditary. Cases of intestinal atony in close relatives are a reason to think about prevention.

In case of severe intoxication, it is advisable to carry out detoxification therapy and deep intestinal lavage through colon hydrotherapy, subaqueous baths and intestinal irrigation. If intestinal obstruction, neoplasms and anatomical abnormalities of the intestine are detected, surgical intervention may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of intestinal atony is not difficult. It is enough to lead an active lifestyle, control body weight, give up bad habits, avoid stress if possible and monitor nutrition, avoiding deficiency of ballast substances, vitamins and minerals. At the same time, it is important to eat small portions 5-6 times a day, adhere to the optimal drinking regime and avoid long intervals between meals.

To prevent intestinal dysbiosis, you should not take antibiotics without consulting your doctor. It is advisable to teach children to go to the toilet at the same time and not suppress the urge to defecate out of false shame at school or kindergarten.

Consequences and complications

Constant constipation caused by intestinal atony seriously impairs the patient's quality of life. Patients become lethargic and apathetic or, on the contrary, irritable and touchy; the patient’s emotional lability prevents full communication and social life. The patient's appearance also leaves much to be desired: complexion deteriorates, skin rashes and bad breath appear, and skin diseases may worsen.

Putrefactive processes caused by coprostasis disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora and suppress the immune system, provoke allergic and atopic conditions, and due to a disruption of the absorption process in the intestine, people prone to atonic constipation often experience vitamin deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia. In the absence of adequate treatment, intestinal obstruction may develop against the background of intestinal atony, causing severe intoxication of the body.

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The result of a decrease in intestinal tone and a failure of its normal functioning is discomfort, disruption of the digestion process and constant constipation. Intestinal atony is the main cause of this condition, and implies a decrease or complete cessation of peristalsis of the hollow walls of the small or large intestine. What role does peristalsis play for the human body and what it is is a little-known concept, especially for people who do not specialize in medical matters.

Peristalsis is the process of contraction of the muscles of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring the movement of the food contained in them to the exit.

Violation of peristalsis and the norms of contraction of the intestinal muscles lead to atony, disharmony in the gastrointestinal tract, and an increase in the time interval between bowel movements.

The prospect of weak muscle function threatens the appearance of frequent and painful constipation, which without proper treatment over time turns into a chronic condition.

Symptoms and signs of atony

Disruption of the digestive process, which is accompanied by a long and frequent delay in bowel movements, may signal the initial stage of intestinal atony.

Experts note that normally the process of defecation should occur at least three times a week and no more than three times a day.

With constipation and impaired peristalsis, stool is noted to have a hard consistency, and the patient’s condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Cramping pain in the abdominal area, combined with an ineffective urge to go to the toilet.
• Impaired absorption of vitamins and nutrients, leading to the development of intestinal anemia (iron deficiency in the body).
• Discomfort, feeling of heaviness and bloating.

Diagnosis of pathology

You can normalize intestinal function and improve peristalsis by adjusting your diet and lifestyle, medications, training and sports exercises. But before self-medicating, or even worse, ignoring the problem, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

If atony is suspected, the specialist makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the patient’s complaints and accompanying symptoms of the body.

Treatment of atony and improvement of intestinal motility will be effective only if the diagnosis is made correctly.

To confirm the examination, the doctor prescribes an additional laboratory examination: and a detailed analysis that allows you to assess the effectiveness of the digestive processes of the gastrointestinal tract -.

To exclude hypothyroidism, a study is prescribed to determine the level of thyroid hormones, since such a pathological condition of the body may be one of the causes of intestinal atony.

To confirm the diagnosis, analysis for enterobiasis is of great importance, especially in children.

When prescribing treatment, based on the degree of advanced disease, the specialist gives recommendations on how to cope with constipation and how to improve peristalsis with the help of medications, diet and sports.

Traditional and folk methods of treatment

Atony brought to an advanced stage must be treated comprehensively: with medications that stimulate and normalize peristalsis, laxatives for primary bowel cleansing, cleansing enemas, and diet. For elderly patients, people leading a sedentary lifestyle and obese patients, special gymnastics and physical activity are relevant.

Diet for atony

A diet for atony, containing the right amount of fibrous substances, fiber, vitamins, and observed with the utmost rigor, in most cases helps restore impaired peristalsis and normalize the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, without drug therapy or long-term treatment.

The patient should avoid eating confectionery, fatty and high-calorie foods; the process of heat treatment of foods is important; steamed, baked or boiled dishes would be ideal.

To improve digestion, eat small, frequent meals up to 5-6 times a day. “Eat breakfast yourself...”, a well-known proverb, speaks for itself; at the beginning of the day, enrich the body with the substances it needs, and in the evening, limit yourself to light meals and fermented milk products.

Products	Consumption without restrictions (products that improve peristalsis)	Moderate use	Taboo (products leading to impaired peristalsis, subsequently to atony)
Meat	Chicken, rabbit, lean fish	Beef	Lard, smoked meats, fatty pork, canned food
Vegetables	Beets, pumpkin, zucchini, carrots	Radish, cabbage	Mushrooms, onions, garlic
Fruits	Apricots, oranges, peaches, plums, apples	-	Pomegranate, pear, quince
Fermented milk products	Kefir, curdled milk, yogurt	Cottage cheese, sour cream	-
Confectionery, desserts	Dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, figs)	Galette cookies	Chocolate, cream desserts, baked goods
Cereals	Buckwheat, millet barley groats	Pasta	Rice and semolina cereals, legumes
Beverages	Mineral water, juices with pulp	Tea, cocoa	Strong coffee, alcohol
Flour products	Wholemeal bread, diet bread	Unfortunate pastries	White bread, loaf made from premium flour

Be sure to follow the drinking regime; a person should saturate the body with 1.5 - 2 liters of clean water per day, not counting the compotes, juices, and broths drunk.

Laxatives

Medicines and drugs that enhance peristalsis, increase its tone and are aimed at combating intestinal atony are divided into stimulants and laxatives.

Laxatives are used at the initial stage of the therapeutic fight against atony, in order to normalize the process of defecation and cleanse the sections of the large intestine from feces.

The laxative medicine does not eliminate the causes of atony, does not stimulate the intestinal walls, so it is not recommended to take it constantly to avoid the addictive effect.

When using laxatives for constipation, the degree of cleansing effectiveness is taken into account.

Medicines are divided into several groups:

• Products containing lactulose - have a mild effect and safe bowel movement, are applicable for constipation in pediatrics (, lactuvit, goodlac);
• Medicines created on the basis of macrogol are not intended for long-term treatment and improvement of peristalsis, in most cases they are applicable in preparation for examination or surgery (,);
• Irritant laxatives are drugs that irritate sensitive receptors of the intestinal walls, and thus stimulate peristalsis and motility of the gastrointestinal tract (Senadex, Laxatin);

You can combat atony by taking medications that increase wave-like contractions of the intestinal walls, aimed at restoring the normal digestive process.

• Prozerin– enhances the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the secretion of gastrointestinal glands. The medicine will help speed up the healing process and improve intestinal motility.
• Amiridine enhances the process of contraction of the muscles of the smooth walls of the colon, applicable only under the supervision of a specialist.
• Metoclopramide is an active stimulator of digestive motility, improves peristalsis of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Folk remedies

Is it possible to fight atony with folk remedies and what effect do they have on improving intestinal motility? Treatment with herbs and folk recipes will not harm you, but first consult your doctor; perhaps some recipes cannot be combined with medications.

Taking vegetable oil internally will help eliminate constipation and improve the digestive processes of your body.

Prevention measures that improve peristalsis

Proper and balanced nutrition in combination with an active lifestyle will be an excellent prevention of the development of atony.

Take walks in the fresh air more often, spend some time 30 minutes a day for physical exercise, light gymnastics, drink more water - this will be the key to health, smooth bowel function, and the need for taking medications will fade into the background.

Timely seeking medical help will avoid serious consequences in the gastrointestinal tract and the transition of intestinal atony to the chronic stage. Give up bad habits: alcohol and smoking are not the best “friends” for the peristalsis of the hollow organs of the digestive tract, as well as for all body processes.

Intestinal atony refers to disorders associated with bowel movements, which are manifested by decreased tone and decreased peristalsis.

The intestinal walls are not able to contract normally, so they lose the ability to push feces, resulting in long-term constipation. But atony cannot be regarded as constipation; it is rather fecal stagnation that occurs when peristaltic functionality is impaired.

Reasons for development

Atonic disorders arise primarily against the background of a group of factors that negatively affect gastrointestinal peristalsis.

This condition can be a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, a concomitant complication of other pathologies or taking medications, and can also develop in the form of an independent pathology.

Experts consider patients at risk for developing this pathology:

In young children, atony develops due to stress and hereditary factors, insufficient fluid intake or changes in the nature of the diet.

In elderly patients, atony may occur due to inactivity or as a result of surgical interventions.

Symptoms of intestinal atony

One of the first characteristic signs of a lazy bowel, as atonic disorders are also called, is a prolonged digestive upset with the absence of bowel movements for 2 days.

Associated symptoms of this pathological condition are:

• Increased gas formation and flatulence, bloating;
• Sleep disturbances and constant weakness;
• The dense nature of feces;
• Anemia;
• Marbled skin tone, pallor.

If such symptoms are detected, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist, because disturbances in intestinal activity are fraught with dangerous complications.

Diagnostics

This disease can be diagnosed by a specialist in the field of proctology or gastroenterology, based on examination data, collected anamnestic information and laboratory results.

It is much more difficult to determine the true cause that provoked the development of atonic disorders. For this purpose, instrumental and laboratory diagnostics are carried out, including examination of stool for dysbacteriosis and,.

A blood test is prescribed to determine the level of thyroid hormones, because a deficiency of thyroid hormones leads to a decrease in intestinal tone.

While using the drug, patients are likely to experience increased salivation, arthralgia, shortness of breath and frequent urination.

The drug is usually used in hospital treatment when other medications are useless. The drug is widely known and has many reviews.

Oleg, Ekaterinburg:

When I couldn’t go to the toilet for several days in a row, I didn’t take my condition very seriously. But within a day, in addition to constipation, severe pain in the intestines began to bother me. I went to see a therapist and was prescribed some laxatives and Proserin. After taking the Proserina tablets, I only felt worse. My stomach was swollen, I had a headache, and I felt short of breath. Then I read the instructions, it turns out that these pills have the following side effects. After a course of complex treatment, the intestinal problems were successfully eliminated, but after that I try not to take Proserin anymore, too many unpleasant reactions occur after it.

Irina, Moscow:

I had the opportunity to become acquainted with the drug Proserin in the hospital, where I was injected with it for intestinal atony. The drug helps, but it causes a lot of side effects. I felt nauseous and dizzy throughout the course. With a painkiller, this injection is much easier to tolerate, and it helps a lot; intestinal motility was quickly restored. But if possible, it is better to replace it with a drug with fewer side effects.

Laxatives

Laxatives are prescribed for atony only in the first few days in order to normalize the bowel movements. Laxatives do not treat the cause of stagnation of feces, but only temporarily eliminate their consequences.

Laxatives of various groups can be used:

• Containing lactulose, for example, Prelax, Fortrans, Duphalac or Normolakt. These agents stimulate intestinal peristalsis, soften stool and stimulate motility. A pronounced effect is observed 3-6 hours after administration.
• Secretory drugs of plant or synthetic origin. Herbal products include products with leaves of the senna herb like Regulax, Senade or Antrasennin, with vegetable oils and other medicinal raw materials.
• Natural laxatives like bran and cabbage, which increase the volume of feces, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis and facilitates the movement of masses. Unlike medications, such drugs do not cause addiction or adverse reactions, but naturally normalize peristalsis and motility.

You need to be extremely careful when taking laxatives, because sometimes excessive abuse of these medications can provoke serious disturbances in peristalsis and motility of intestinal muscle tissue.

Cleansing enema

A cleansing enema will also help alleviate the condition of a lazy intestine, but its volume should not exceed 500 ml. It is recommended to carry out a cleansing enema in the evening.

Water introduced into the anus will soften the stool and help it pass painlessly from the rectum. For administration, you need to use ordinary warm water, because when cold liquid is introduced into the intestines, spasms of muscle tissue may occur.

Before going to bed, you can also do enemas with oil; they normalize bowel movements, relieve the feeling of heaviness and normalize intestinal motility. The volume of such an enema should be a maximum of 150 ml, the procedures are done for three to five days in a row, after bowel movements are normalized, the treatment is stopped.

Diet

Diet therapy for atony is aimed at consuming foods that facilitate the passage of feces through the intestines. These include:

• Dairy products and bran;
• Dried apricots and figs;
• Greens, fruits and fresh vegetables;
• Kelp (algae) and freshly squeezed juices from vegetables, fruits such as apricots or plums;
• Millet and buckwheat groats;
• Lean meat and black bread.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet any unhealthy foods such as chocolate and cocoa, fatty broths and lard, smoked meats and marinades, canned food, etc.

Folk remedies

Often, for atony, traditional methods of treatment are used, which are only additional in nature and cannot be used as primary therapy.

There are many recipes for preparing healing decoctions and infusions that help solve the problem of a lazy intestine:

• Honey with aloe. To prepare the medicine, take 4-5 leaves of the plant, peel and crush them. Half a glass of honey should be heated to about 40°C and mixed with aloe. You need to infuse the mixture for a day, and then take a heated spoon daily.
• Milk with mint. For this drug, add half a spoon of honey and mint juice to milk (250 ml). The drink is mixed and drunk twice a day before meals, a quarter of an hour.
• Bran with milk. Pour 2 large spoons of bran into a glass of warm milk, leave for half an hour and take on an empty stomach in the morning. The duration of therapy is one and a half weeks.
• Senna. In a glass of hot water you need to steam a large spoonful of senna and boil over a fire for a quarter of an hour, then leave for another hour. You need to take the medicine in a large spoon 3 times a day.
• Castor oil. Castor oil is taken in its pure form for intestinal atony, a large spoon once a day. The duration of the course is a maximum of 3 days.

Folk remedies can be used in the treatment of intestinal atony only after consultation with a gastroenterologist or proctologist.

Exercise therapy

To restore intestinal activity, patients are recommended to undergo therapeutic exercises, which strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve the functioning of all intestinal sections. A set of exercises usually includes:

• Raising legs alternately from a lying position;
• Swing your legs alternately from a position on all fours;
• Classic abdominal swing;
• Exercise "bicycle";
• Lying on your back, you need to pull your knees to your chest, and then return to your original position.

Exercise therapy is permitted only in the absence of exacerbations or complications of the pathology. If there are internal, intoxication or inflammatory processes, you should refrain from any exercise.

In other cases, proper exercise helps improve the passage of excrement through the intestinal canals and increases peristalsis.

Prognosis and prevention

Atonia has a favorable prognosis and sometimes does not require any specific therapeutic measures; therapy is limited to dietary restrictions and physical exercise.

As for prevention, it consists of a healthy diet throughout life, optimal physical activity and timely treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies that negatively affect intestinal tone.

13.04.2019

Atony is a disease in which loss of tone and muscle weakness manifests itself. And intestinal atony is an intestinal pathology in which its dysfunction manifests itself.

A more precise term is insufficient peristalsis. The consequence is a prolonged absence of bowel movements or constipation.

Causes of intestinal atony

This disease can develop into a chronic form and have a fairly long period of observation (even several years), since many are in no hurry to go to the doctor after discovering symptoms of atony.

Prolonged stool retention can occur even when taking laxatives, and this is where the alarm should be sounded.

Contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestine, of which it is composed, help move food from the upper to the lower section. The normal number of such contractions is about eighteen times per minute, however, with atony, there is a weakening and decrease in the number of contractions, and therefore, improper functioning of the digestive tract.

For this reason, constipation appears, which can be present for many years if the symptoms are not identified in time, the causes are not dealt with, and intestinal atony is not treated. Also, atony can be a pathology against the background of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, so going to the doctor is an urgent matter.

Intestinal atony can occur:

If you don't watch your diet, your diet is far from healthy. High-calorie, fatty foods weaken intestinal tone. Also – fasting, malnutrition and dry food.

Lack of the required range of motion may affect it. This may be due to both working conditions and laziness. This leads to weakening of peristalsis.

Neuroses, mental stress and similar factors do not have a positive effect on the body in principle; they have a negative effect on intestinal function.

A long period of taking certain medications can negatively affect the functioning of the intestines if it is not protected during treatment.

Alcohol consumption and smoking also have a toxic effect, and can cause disruption of the stable functioning of the intestines. Also, tumors that produce toxins as they grow have a toxic factor.

During the period after childbirth, a woman notices weakness in peristalsis, which may result in this disease.

There are a number of conditions containing special causes:

Old age - in older people, intestinal atony develops against the background of changes in body processes and its condition.

Genetic inheritance - if an older relative has a similar pathology, then there is a risk of its occurrence in the child.

The consequence of surgical intervention by doctors is postoperative atony, characterized as adhesive disease.

Symptoms of atony

The main symptom of intestinal atony is constipation. Typically, defecation may be delayed for more than two days. Additionally, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• Disorders in the intestinal microflora.
• Lack of appetite.
• Bloating and pain in the abdominal area.
• The state of health worsens and the mucous membrane may become inflamed.
• Headache.
• Drowsiness.
• Flatulence occurs.
• Lethargy.
• Insomnia and severe irritability.
• Anemia due to the body not absorbing iron.

Intestinal atony leads to atonic constipation, but can be a factor in the occurrence of types of constipation:

1. Alimetical is the most common type that occurs due to poor nutrition.
2. Psychogenic – resulting from the influence of psychogenic factors and stress.
3. Toxic – associated with intoxication of the body and poisoning by smoking or heavy chemicals.
4. Endocrine – arising due to endocrine disorders.
5. Neurogenic – associated with disturbances and improper action of the nervous regulatory mechanism.

However, constipation, which contributes to intestinal atony, can occur due to intestinal polyps, adhesions, tumors, or abnormalities associated with the development of the intestine.

After three days of constipation, the patient experiences nausea, heaviness in the stomach, and lack of appetite. Body temperature becomes higher, unstable blood pressure appears, and facial color changes.

Toxins and harmful substances enter the bloodstream due to putrefactive processes in the intestines, because this is where the process of absorption of elements occurs. This is how constipation causes internal intoxication in the body. Further, the intestinal mucosa may become inflamed, the microflora will be disrupted, and the general condition of the body will worsen. Such processes contribute to allergic reactions and immune disorders.

You should not treat intestinal atony on your own, without examining a doctor, using only laxatives for constipation. After a long time, the use of laxatives will no longer have the desired effect. If you do not go to the doctor in time and do not undergo treatment, then you are likely to develop problems associated with the presence of toxins in the intestines, the formation of coprolites (fecal stones), mucus and many harmful microorganisms and toxins. Atony is a direct path to cancer.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis is made by a gastroenterologist or proctologist. It passes without any difficulties based on symptoms.

The doctor first needs to determine the cause, so he interviews the patient, finds out the possible influence of the symptoms and causes (the patient’s lifestyle, the presence of bad habits, heredity).

Treatment of intestinal atony

As mentioned earlier, there are often cases when patients consult a doctor after the laxatives they were taking have stopped working. And this is fundamentally wrong, since the laxative is a symptomatic remedy.

Constipation remains, and the mucous membrane atrophies, which only worsens the disease. Treatment of atony consists of following a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Eating only small portions and certain foods will produce results from exposure.

If intestinal atony is detected, treatment should be comprehensive, so in addition to a healthy diet, special exercises, a healthy abdominal massage and medications will be involved.

The most likely medications to be prescribed are laxatives and enemas. Also – those that help normalize the functioning of the intestinal walls and improve peristalsis.

For example:

Pancreatin. The drug is an enzyme, improves digestion.
Amiridine. Improves the transmission of nerve impulses, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
Regulax. A herbal preparation that has a laxative effect. Gentle on the intestines.
Espumisan. The drug reduces bloating from gases in the intestines.
Metoclopramide. The drug has an antiemetic effect and tones the intestines.
Prozerin. The drug comprehensively stimulates the intestines and is used during treatment in a hospital.
Antispasmodics may be prescribed for pain.

The work of the intestines is also stimulated by a glass of warm boiled water, taken on an empty stomach at the beginning of the day, about half an hour before meals. Drinking plenty of fluids also promotes peristalsis. Doctors recommend taking at least two liters of water per day so that water remains in the food that passes through the intestines. And at night it is recommended to take a couple of tablespoons of wheat bran and drink one tablespoon of vegetable oil.

With intestinal atony, the diet involves avoiding unhealthy high-calorie foods. The patient's diet includes fermented milk products (fat-free kefir, yogurt), kvass, natural juices, as well as some types of fruits, berries and vegetables.

Products with a high level of fiber and fat, the coarse fibers of which help return the stomach to a normal level of performance. They are not absorbed, but clean it like a brush. Suitable foods include buckwheat, carrots, oranges, apples, bread, bran.

And for a laxative effect, prunes, figs, seaweed, thyme tea, and flax seed tincture are suitable.

Diet for intestinal atony

• Vegetable soups with meat broth.
• It is recommended to eat low-fat sausages for meat and fish.
• Buckwheat, barley and millet cereals.
• Pasta.
• Sauerkraut and cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, peas.
• For sweets we eat: apples, oranges, honey, ice cream, marmalade, dried fruits, jam, juices (apricot and plum especially).

But the list of prohibited foods for atony includes:

1. Butter products and confectionery products with rich cream (creams and cakes).
2. Bread and bread products made from premium flour.
3. Canned food, twists, mushrooms.
4. Smoked meat, fatty fish and meat, lard.
5. Rice, semolina, rich fatty broths.
6. Onions, garlic, spices, seasonings, mustard, sauces, horseradish.
7. Chocolate, cocoa, strong tea, coffee.
8. Whole milk.
9. Legumes, fresh white cabbage.

Basic nutrition rules

It is important to strictly adhere to the schedule of food intake and gastric emptying, which will be helped by a set of special physical exercises and a healing massage of the abdominal area with a therapeutic effect.

When it comes to treating atony, you should not rely on yourself, but it is better to immediately consult a specialist. Otherwise, you can not only harm yourself, but also significantly complicate subsequent treatment.

The exercises involved in the treatment of intestinal atony strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and develop them.

Here are some of them:

1) Riding a bicycle - performed lying on your back, with your legs raised, with which you make rotational movements characteristic of riding a bicycle. Exercise makes the muscles of the thighs and abs stronger, and the blood supply to the organs in this area is better.

2) Pressing the knees - grab your legs bent at the knees with your hands and press them firmly to your stomach. Maintain this body position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. This strengthens the abdominal and leg muscles.

3) Lying on the floor and without lifting your shoulders, bend your leg at the knee, and then try to touch it to the floor. Do it separately on each side. This exercise strengthens the lower back and back, and stimulates the intestines.

4) While in a kneeling position, stretch your right and left legs back, arching your back. This makes the buttocks and back stronger.

Pay attention to your lifestyle; for prevention, you need to engage in physical exercise, jogging, swimming, strengthen your body, developing physically. You can take walks and move more.

Don't forget about your diet, balance it. Remove harmful and unhealthy foods from your diet and add more vegetables and fruits; if you follow simple rules in advance, then you will not face intestinal atony, symptoms and treatment.

Intestinal atony is defined as a condition that is accompanied by complaints from the patient about the presence of disturbances that are relevant when attempting to empty the bowel. Intestinal atony, the symptoms of which are particularly manifested in a constant increase in the intervals between bowel movements or in severe difficulty in stool, is also characterized by the presence of constipation. Constipation, in turn, indicates a whole complex of pathological conditions or the presence of certain negative factors affecting the body.

general description

Intestinal atony occurs due to loss of muscle tone in the intestines. The disease can be accompanied by both muscle spasms and, conversely, excessive relaxation. It should be noted that these types of problems often become chronic in accordance with the characteristics of their manifestation, respectively, their duration can last for many years.

Main types of constipation

The occurrence of atonic constipation occurs as a result, in fact, of intestinal atony. Meanwhile, other types are also distinguished, a concomitant factor for which is intestinal atony. For example, the most common is nutritional constipation, which occurs as a result of a poor-quality approach to nutrition. In addition, constipation is classified as psychogenic, toxic, endocrine and neurogenic. They do not exclude such a variety as constipation, which occurs due to weakening of the muscles and anorectal area.

Constipation also occurs due to the presence of an influencing factor in the form of a mechanical obstacle, due to which the movement of its contents through the intestines is significantly hampered. This kind of interference includes tumors or polyps, as well as adhesions and some other anomalies that form during the development of the large intestine.

Constipation: consequences

People who constantly experience problems associated with constipation due to intestinal atony often have toxins that accumulate in the intestinal lumen. In some cases, coprolites (that is, fecal stones), mucus, and also a suspension containing harmful microorganisms and toxins may form there.

Both liquid and microelements with vitamins are actively absorbed in the large intestine. Thus, people who often face the problem of constipation experience internal intoxication due to the entry of harmful substances into the blood.

This ultimately leads to inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and subsequent disruption of the microflora. In addition, the general condition of the entire body deteriorates. Such a course can be fraught with allergic reactions, as well as immune disorders. The high degree of slagging to which the intestines are exposed increases the possibility of an increased risk of cancer.

Intestinal atony: symptoms

The main symptom of the disease we are considering, as already noted, manifests itself in the form of constipation. Atonic constipation is particularly relevant when stool retention is forty-eight hours or more. Often accompanying manifestations of this condition are abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloating. The consequence of this is a deterioration in general well-being, the complexion undergoes changes, and weakness appears.

Patients whose constipation lasts for more than three days often experience symptoms in the form of increased temperature and blood pressure. In addition, they also experience significant heaviness in the stomach, and interest in food may completely disappear.

Basically, atonic constipation, which occurs due to weakness of the abdominal wall and pelvis, as well as due to weak peristalsis, disappears without accompanying painful sensations. This type of phenomenon is generally not uncommon after pregnancy and, accordingly, after childbirth. In some cases, it is possible to develop intestinal atony in women during, as well as with emphysema, obesity and hypokinesia. In addition, this condition becomes relevant in case of prolonged stay in bed.

Factors that provoke the occurrence of atonic constipation are nutritional disorders, physical inactivity, fasting, systematic stress, as well as unusual conditions that become the reason that prevents defecation. In addition, such factors include infections, endocrine diseases and the use of certain medications. Intestinal atony in children can often indicate the presence of certain anomalies regarding intestinal development.

Diagnosis of intestinal atony

Diagnosis of the disease in question involves the need to determine the causes that caused current disturbances in intestinal functions. Accordingly, a specialist must conduct a detailed survey of the patient, on the basis of which a picture is formed indicating the specific features of his lifestyle. In addition, factors such as nutrition and heredity are also taken into account.

Stool analysis and bacteriological culture are also performed. If necessary, it is possible to prescribe an examination in the form of a test, which will determine whether there are any pathologies in the intestinal area.

Treatment of intestinal atony

Quite often, patients seek help from a specialist only when the laxative drugs they previously used have ceased to work properly. This is completely wrong, because traditional laxative medications are only symptomatic. Moreover, they do not eliminate the cause of constipation, and the effect on the intestinal mucosa leads to its atrophy, which only aggravates the course of the disease.

For this reason, treatment of intestinal atony primarily comes down to following a diet when developing a specific diet for this. Food should be taken in small portions. An important inclusion in the daily diet are foods that have a scraping effect. These include kvass, fermented milk products and natural juices. In addition, it is important to avoid eating foods that lead to “fastening” of the intestines - hard-boiled eggs, smoked meats, pears, etc.

If you are prone to atonic constipation, you should eat foods that contain a sufficient amount of fiber and fat. Due to these products, intestinal motility increases, which allows you to change the chemical composition of the large intestine.

In the treatment of intestinal atony, it is also important to adhere to a clear schedule for eating followed by bowel movements, which is facilitated by certain exercises aimed at ensuring ease and regularity of bowel movements. An effective measure in the treatment complex is also to perform therapeutic massage of the abdominal area.

If atonic constipation persists, additional medications may be prescribed. Pain is eliminated by using antispasmodics. In addition, it may be necessary to conduct an examination with a proctologist, who will determine or rule out the presence of a specific pathology.

Thus, to diagnose the disease, you should initially contact a gastroenterologist, who, if necessary, will additionally refer the patient to a proctologist or prescribe appropriate therapy for the treatment of intestinal atony.

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