It is part of the digestive system. It is located after the stomach. It is the structure that completes the digestion of nutrients and absorbs substances. Small intestine diseases It may occur for various reasons. It may show different symptoms. Some common diseases:
Celiac Disease: It is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a result of the immune system response to a protein called gluten. When gluten is consumed in the small intestine, the immune system reacts. It causes damage to structures called intestinal villi. This negatively affects nutrient absorption and causes various digestive problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: It manifests itself with symptoms such as abdominal pain and gas, without any organic disease or damage. It is a digestive system disorder.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): It is a disease that includes diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In these diseases, the inner surface of the intestine becomes inflamed and damaged. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Normally, there are limited amounts of bacteria in the stomach and small intestine. However, in the case of SIBO, more than normal bacterial growth occurs in the small intestine. This may cause symptoms such as digestive problems, gas, and bloating.
Malabsorption Syndromes: Describes situations in which the absorption process is impaired. For example, conditions such as lactose intolerance or fat malabsorption fall into this category. Nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems may occur as a result of inadequate absorption of nutrients.
Tumors and Masses: Although rare, tumors or masses can occur in the small intestine. Such conditions can lead to digestive problems, pain and other symptoms.
Small intestine diseases diagnosis and treatment It should be done by a specialist doctor. If you have any health problems related to the small intestine, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist.
What are the Risk Factors for Small Intestinal Diseases?
Family history can play an important role in the development of diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are associated with a family history. Environmental factors such as smoking, stress, infections, eating habits and lifestyle affect health. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system attacks its own body cells. It can lead to intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Intestinal infections can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestines.
In the long run, it can lead to chronic intestinal diseases. Insufficient fiber intake, excessive consumption of fatty or processed foods, small intestine diseases may increase the risk. It usually tends to appear in young adulthood or earlier. Some bowel diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, tend to be more common in women. Long-term or excessive use of antibiotics can disrupt the intestinal microbiota, increasing the risk of diseases.
The risk of disease may be increased in individuals with a family history of Crohn's disease and other bowel diseases. There are immunosuppressive drugs used for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These may increase the risk of disease by suppressing immune system function. Stress and mental health conditions trigger symptoms of some conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Each individual's situation may be different. When multiple risk factors come together small intestine diseases development may become more likely.
What are the Treatment Methods for Small Intestine Diseases?
Small intestine diseases Treatment methods for: Dietary changes, stress management, fiber supplements and medications are used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. They include diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, nutritional management, and symptom management. Consumption of fibrous foods can be increased in the treatment of constipation. Drinking water can be encouraged and exercise can be done.
Sometimes laxatives may be prescribed. Mild infections can usually be treated with fluids and rest. In severe cases, antibiotics or other medications may be required. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. In mild cases, antibiotic treatment and fluid intake may be sufficient. In severe cases, hospitalization and surgical intervention may be required.
Treatment for intestinal tumors may vary depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combinations of these may be used. Intestinal inflammation can be treated depending on its cause. Once the underlying causes of infection or inflammation are identified, the appropriate treatment plan can be determined. Parasitic infections are usually treated with antiparasitic medications. Small intestine diseases Treatment may require specialist medical advice. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the treatment plan that is best for you.
