Intestinal dysbiosis - causes, signs, symptoms and treatment of dysbiosis in adults, nutrition and prevention. Symptoms of intestinal microflora disorders Healthy intestinal microflora

Instructions

The intestinal microflora includes many microorganisms, the total weight of which is 2 kilograms. The main (obligate) part is bifidobacteria (95%). Associated microorganisms are represented by lactobacilli, coccal forms, E. coli, their number does not exceed 5%. Residual flora is conditionally pathogenic, including candida, Proteus, staphylococci, enterobacteria, campylobacter, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Normally, their specific gravity should not be more than 1%.

Normal microflora performs the following functions: digestive, protective, immunomodulatory, metabolic. It has a detoxifying effect, protecting the body from germs and toxins. This is a natural biosorbent that accumulates many toxic products (metals, phenols, xenobiotics, poisons). Normal intestinal microflora suppresses the action of pathogens of intestinal infections, putrefactive, pyogenic, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. It helps strengthen the immune system, synthesizes antibiotic-like substances, is the main food processor, plays a significant role in the processes of digestion and metabolism, and promotes the absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

Intestinal microflora restores the motor and digestive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes peristalsis, prevents flatulence, provides the body's cells with energy, regulates appetite, mood, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The correct and regular functioning of the gastrointestinal tract will directly depend on the composition of the microflora, the disruption of which leads to diseases such as cardiovascular pathologies, diabetes, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal imbalances, etc.

The predominance of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines causes abdominal pain, flatulence, dryness, and flaking of the skin. An imbalance of intestinal flora is one of the main causes of early aging of the body, since putrefactive bacteria poison the body. Disturbance of the microflora occurs due to qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of the intestinal flora; it is called “dysbacteriosis”. Its causes are: poor nutrition, taking antibiotics, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, improper bowel cleansing. Other reasons include: decreased immunity, alcohol abuse, smoking.

The term “Dysbacteriosis” comes from the Greek “dys”, which means “negation” and the words “bacteria”, “bacteria or microorganism”. Intestinal dysbiosis is a quantitative and qualitative disturbance of the normal intestinal flora. The human intestine is populated by bacteria, about 2/3 of the contents of the large and small intestines are represented by microorganisms. A certain quantity and quality of such microorganisms constitute the normal intestinal microflora. Normal intestinal flora is a biomass of obligate (obligatory) microbes involved in the development of immunity. With intestinal dysbacteriosis, there is a disruption in the development of immunity, the colonization of foreign microorganisms, and the development of putrefactive flora instead of the normal one. As a result, putrefactive flora causes chronic inflammation of the intestines, with characteristic clinical manifestations. An imbalance between microorganisms is the background for the development of various intestinal diseases (the most dangerous, intestinal cancer).

Anatomy and physiology of the intestine

In order to understand in which anatomical structures dysbiosis occurs, let’s talk a little about the anatomy of the intestine.

The intestine is the longest section of the digestive tract, located in the abdominal cavity, originating from the pylorus of the stomach and ending in the anus. The length of the entire intestine is about 4 meters. It is divided into the small intestine and the large intestine, each of which has its own anatomical features.

Small intestine, is the initial section of the intestine, consists of loops, longer than the thick one (from 2.2 to 4.4 m) and smaller in diameter (from 5 to 3 cm). The processes of digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates take place in it. The small intestine begins at the pylorus of the stomach and ends at the ileocecal angle. The small intestine is divided into 3 sections:

The initial section is the duodenum, starts from the pylorus of the stomach, has the shape of a horseshoe, goes around the pancreas;
The jejunum is a continuation of the duodenum, it makes up approximately the initial 6-7 loops of the small intestine, the border between them is not pronounced;
The ileum is a continuation of the jejunum and is represented by the following 7-8 loops. It ends at a right angle into the initial part of the large intestine (cecum).

Colon, is the final section of the digestive tract, where water is absorbed and formed feces are formed. It is located so that it borders (surrounds) the loops of the small intestine. Its wall forms protrusions (haustra), which is one of the differences from the wall of the small intestine. The length of the large intestine is about 150 cm and the diameter is from 8 to 4 cm, depending on the section. The large intestine consists of the following sections:

The cecum with the appendicular process is the initial section of the large intestine, located below the ileocecal angle, its length is from 3 to 8 cm;
The ascending part of the colon is a continuation of the cecum, occupies the extreme right lateral position of the abdominal cavity, rises upward from the level of the ilium to the level of the lower edge of the right lobe of the liver, and ends with the right flexure of the colon;
The transverse colon starts from the right flexure of the colon (level of the right hypochondrium), passes in the transverse direction and ends with the left flexure of the colon (level of the left hypochondrium);
The descending part of the colon occupies the extreme left lateral position of the abdominal cavity. Starts from the left flexure of the colon, goes down to the level of the left ilium;
The sigmoid colon, 55 cm long, is a continuation of the previous section of the intestine, and at the level of the 3rd sacral vertebra it passes into the next section (rectum). The diameter of the sigmoid colon, compared with the diameter of the rest of the large intestine, is the smallest, about 4 cm;
The rectum, is the final section of the large intestine, has a length of about 18 cm. It starts from the level of the 3rd sacral vertebra (end of the sigmoid colon) and ends with the anus.

What is normal intestinal flora?

The human intestines contain microbes that are vital to the human body. The approximate amount of normal intestinal flora is about 10 14 microbes, which corresponds to 2 kilograms and includes about 500 species of bacteria. The concentration of microbes in different parts of the intestine is not the same: in the duodenum and jejunum there are about 10 5 microorganisms in 1 ml of intestinal contents, in the ileum about 10 7 - 10 8, in the large intestine about 10 11 microorganisms in 1 g of feces.
Normally, the intestinal flora is represented by 2 groups of bacteria:

Obligatory bacteria bifidobacteria (comprise about 85-95% of the flora), lactobacilli (1-5% of the flora), Escherichia coli (Escherichia), enterococci, peptostreptococci) are always part of the normal flora;
Facultative bacteria (peptococci, staphylococci, yeast-like fungi, clostridia and others), they are optional and non-permanent representatives. They enter the intestines with insufficiently thermally processed food. This group of bacteria is often present in healthy people without causing any problems, but when immunity decreases, they multiply and develop various infectious intestinal diseases.

Normal composition of bacteria in the intestines

bifidobacteria – 10 9 - 10 10 CFU/g;
lactobacilli – 10 7 – 10 8 CFU/g;
bacteroids – 10 7 – 10 9 CFU/g;
Escherichia – 10 6 – 10 8 CFU/g;
peptococci and peptostreptococci – 10 5 – 10 6 CFU/g;
eubacteria – 10 3 – 10 5 CFU/g;
staphylococci - 10 3 CFU/g;
streptococci – 10 4 – 10 5 CFU/g;
clostridia – 10 5 – 10 7 CFU/g;
yeast-like mushrooms – 10 9 – 10 10 CFU/g;
opportunistic enterobacteria - 10 3 CFU/g.

Functions of normal intestinal microflora

Protective function is to prevent the colonization of foreign microorganisms in the intestines, which can cause various infectious intestinal diseases. Microbes (bifidobacteria) of the normal intestinal flora produce special substances (lactic and acetic acid) that suppress the development of foreign microbes. In order for foreign bacteria to gain a foothold on the intestinal mucosa, they need to displace the normal flora, but the latter prevent this process, since the place is already “occupied.”
Immune stimulation, due to bifidobacteria, is to stimulate the formation of antibodies and other substances (cytokines, interferons) involved in the development of immunity.
Removal of toxins (detoxification function), consists in the absorption of various toxins (phenols, heavy metal compounds and others) by bifidobacteria of the intestinal flora.
Digestive function, bacteria of the intestinal flora are involved in the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, into amino acids, fatty acids and monosaccharides. They also enhance intestinal motility, preventing the development of constipation.
synthesis function, Bacteria of normal intestinal flora are involved in the formation of vitamins (B, K, C), some acids, and enzymes.
Regulatory function those. flora bacteria regulate the gas composition of the intestines, water-salt metabolism, cholesterol and others.
Anticarcinogenic (anticancer) effect, consists in the absorption of cancer cell precursors by bifidobacteria.
Antiallergic effect, occurs with the help of lactobacilli.

Symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis

The 1st degree and most often the 2nd degree of intestinal dysbiosis do not manifest themselves clinically.
Symptoms characteristic of 3rd and 4th degree intestinal dysbiosis:

Abnormal stool:

Most often it manifests itself in the form of loose stools (diarrhea), which develops as a result of increased formation of bile acids and increased intestinal motility, inhibiting the absorption of water. Later, the stool becomes unpleasant, putrid odor, mixed with blood or mucus;
With age-related (in older people) dysbiosis, constipation most often develops, which is caused by a decrease in intestinal motility (due to a lack of normal flora).

Bloating, due to increased formation of gases in the large intestine. The accumulation of gases develops as a result of impaired absorption and excretion of gases by the altered intestinal wall. A swollen intestine may be accompanied by rumbling and cause unpleasant sensations in the abdominal cavity in the form of pain.
Cramping pain associated with an increase in pressure in the intestines, after the passage of gas or stool, it decreases. With dysbacteriosis of the small intestine, pain occurs around the navel; if the large intestine suffers, the pain is localized in the iliac region (lower abdomen on the right);
Dyspeptic disorders: nausea, vomiting, belching, loss of appetite are the result of impaired digestion;
Allergic reactions, in the form of itchy skin and rashes, develop after consuming foods that usually do not cause allergies, is the result of insufficient antiallergic action, disturbed intestinal flora.
Symptoms of intoxication: there may be a slight increase in temperature up to 38 0 C, headaches, general fatigue, sleep disturbance, are the result of the accumulation of metabolic products (metabolism) in the body;
Symptoms characterizing vitamin deficiency: dry skin, seizures around the mouth, pale skin, stomatitis, changes in hair and nails and others.

Complications and consequences of intestinal dysbiosis

Chronic enterocolitis, is a chronic inflammation of the small and large intestines, developing as a result of prolonged action of pathogenic intestinal flora.

Deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body, leads to the development of iron deficiency anemia, hypovitaminosis of B vitamins and others. This group of complications develops as a result of impaired digestion and absorption in the intestines.
Sepsis(blood infection), develops as a result of pathogenic flora from the intestines entering the patient’s blood. Most often, this complication develops when the patient does not seek medical help in a timely manner.
Peritonitis, develops as a result of the aggressive action of pathogenic flora on the intestinal wall, with the destruction of all its layers and the release of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.
Addition of other diseases, as a result of decreased immunity.
Gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis, develop as a result of the spread of pathogenic intestinal flora through the digestive tract.
Reducing the patient's weight, develops as a result of impaired digestion.

Diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis

The diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis is made based on the patient’s complaints, an objective examination and the results of microbiological examination of stool.

Using an objective examination, which includes palpation of the abdomen, pain is determined along the small and/or large intestine.
Microbiological examination of stool: carried out to confirm the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis.

Indications for microbiological examination of stool:

Intestinal disorders last a long time, in cases where it is not possible to isolate a pathogenic microorganism;
Long period of recovery after acute intestinal infections;
The presence of purulent-inflammatory foci that are not amenable to antibiotic therapy;
Impaired bowel function in individuals undergoing radiotherapy or exposure to radiation;
Immunodeficiency conditions (AIDS, cancer and others);
Retarded physical development of an infant and others.

Rules for collecting stool for microbiological research: before collecting stool, 3 days before, it is necessary to be on a special diet, which excludes products that increase fermentation in the intestines (alcohol, lactic acid products), as well as any antibacterial drugs. The feces are collected in a special sterile container equipped with a lid and a screwed-in spoon. To correctly evaluate the results, it is recommended to conduct the study 2-3 times, with an interval of 1-2 days.

Degrees of intestinal dysbiosis
There are 4 degrees of intestinal dysbacteriosis:

1st degree: characterized by a quantitative change in ischerichia in the intestine, bifidoflora and lactoflora are not changed, most often not clinically manifested;
2nd degree: quantitative and qualitative changes in ischerichia, i.e. a decrease in the amount of bifid flora and an increase in opportunistic bacteria (fungi and others), accompanied by local inflammation of intestinal areas;
3rd degree: change (decrease) in bifido and lactoflora and development of opportunistic flora, accompanied by intestinal dysfunction;
4th degree: the absence of bifid flora, a sharp decrease in lacto flora and the growth of opportunistic flora, can lead to destructive changes in the intestine, with the subsequent development of sepsis.

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis

Drug treatment

Treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis is carried out with the help of drugs that restore normal intestinal flora and correct other disorders in the body (using enzymes, sorbents, vitamins). The dosage, duration of treatment and group of drugs are prescribed by the attending physician, depending on the degree of dysbacteriosis. Below are the dosages of drugs for adults; for children, the dosage depends on the weight and age of the child.
Groups of drugs used for intestinal dysbiosis:

Prebiotics- have a bifidogenic property, i.e. contribute to the stimulation and growth and reproduction of microbes that are part of the normal intestinal flora. Representatives of this group include: Hilak-forte, Duphalac. Hilak-forte is prescribed 40-60 drops 3 times a day.
Probiotics (eubiotics), these are preparations containing living microorganisms (i.e. bacteria of normal intestinal flora), they are used to treat grade 2-4 dysbiosis.

1st generation drugs: Bifidumbacterin, Lifepack probiotics. They are liquid concentrates of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and are not stored for long (about 3 months). This group of drugs is unstable under the influence of gastric juice or enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to their rapid destruction and the intake of insufficient concentrations, the main disadvantage of 1st generation probiotics. Bifidumbacterin is prescribed orally, 5 doses of the drug 2-3 times a day, 20 minutes before meals;
2nd generation drugs: Bactisubtil, Flonivin, Enterol. They contain spores of bacteria of normal intestinal flora, which in the patient’s intestines secrete enzymes for the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, stimulate the growth of bacteria of normal intestinal flora, and also suppress the growth of putrefactive flora. Subtil is prescribed 1 capsule 3 times a day, 1 hour before meals;
3rd generation drugs: Bifikol, Linex. They consist of several types of bacteria from the normal intestinal flora, and therefore are highly effective compared to the previous 2 generations of probiotics. Linex is prescribed 2 capsules 3 times a day;
4th generation drugs: Bifidumbacterin forte, Biosorb-Bifidum. This group of drugs consists of bacteria of normal intestinal flora in combination with an enterosorbent (with activated carbon or others). Enterosorbent is necessary to protect microorganisms when passing through the stomach, it actively protects them from inactivation by gastric juice or enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract. Bifidumbacterin forte is prescribed 5 doses 2-3 times a day, before meals.

Symbiotics(Bifidobac, Maltodophilus) , are combined preparations (prebiotic + probiotic), i.e. simultaneously stimulate the growth of normal flora and replace the missing number of microbes in the intestines. Bifidobac is prescribed 1 capsule 3 times a day, with meals.
Antibacterial drugs, are used for the 4th degree of intestinal dysbiosis, to destroy pathogenic flora. The most commonly used antibiotics are: tetracyclines (Doxycycline), cephalosporins (Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone), penicillins (Ampiox), nitroimidazoles: Metronidazole, prescribed 500 mg 3 times a day, after meals.
Antifungal drugs(Levorin) , are prescribed if there are yeast-like fungi such as Candida in the stool. Levorin is prescribed 500 thousand units 2-4 times a day.
Enzymes, are prescribed in case of severe digestive disorders. Mezim tablets, 1 tablet 3 times a day, before meals.
Sorbents, are prescribed for severe signs of intoxication. Activated carbon is prescribed 5-7 tablets at a time, for 5 days.
Multivitamins: Duovit, 1 tablet 1 time per day.

Diet for intestinal dysbiosis

Diet therapy is an important point in the correction of intestinal flora. In case of intestinal dysbiosis, first of all, it is necessary to exclude the consumption of alcoholic beverages, spicy, fatty foods, smoked foods and foods that enhance fermentation processes in the intestines: sweets (cakes, candies, and others), homemade pickles, sauerkraut. Secondly, you need to eat fractionally, at least 4 times a day. Try not to drink water while eating, because it dilutes the gastric juice and the food is not digested enough. Eliminate from the diet foods that increase flatulence (gas formation) and intestinal motility: legumes (beans, peas, soy and others), bran bread, carbonated drinks. It is necessary to increase the amount of protein in the diet through boiled or stewed meat (lean). Try not to eat fresh bread; dry it a little before eating.

Try to cook all food with herbs (parsley, dill and others), as it enhances the effect of normal intestinal flora against pathogenic ones. Products that enhance the restoration of intestinal microflora include: wheat, rice, buckwheat, oats, fresh vegetables or salads, non-acidic fruits. Indispensable products for restoring normal intestinal microflora are all lactic acid products: kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt and others. You can also use special products that are enriched with biocultures: yoghurts, biokefirs and others. Applesauce has excellent prebiotic properties, and it also has an astringent effect and is recommended for diarrhea. Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink a glass of kefir.

Prevention of intestinal dysbiosis

In the first place in the prevention of intestinal dysbiosis is the correct use of antibiotics, which are one of the main causes of disruption of the normal flora. Antibiotics should be used strictly according to indications, after the results of a bacteriological examination with an antibiogram. In order to select the dose of an antibiotic for a particular patient, the attending physician must take into account the age and weight of the patient. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate by taking antibiotics for minor illnesses (for example, a runny nose). In cases where you have been prescribed long-term antibiotic therapy, you must take them in parallel with prebiotics, with periodic monitoring of the state of the intestinal flora (microbiological examination of stool).
In second place for the prevention of intestinal dysbiosis is a balanced diet and a rational regimen.

In third place are all acute and chronic diseases that lead to intestinal dysbiosis, primarily diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. General strengthening therapy for patients with chronic diseases. Timely treatment of such diseases can reduce the number of patients with intestinal dysbiosis.

Persons who are exposed to occupational hazards (radiation) should include fermented milk products in their diet.

Is there any intestinal dysbiosis at all? Does such a disease exist?

Officially, such a diagnosis does not exist. Dysbacteriosis is not an independent disease, but always a consequence of some other diseases. In itself, a change in the composition of the intestinal microflora is not the main problem. Usually, once the underlying disease is cured, dysbiosis goes away on its own. If the symptoms continue to bother you, the person is not fully treated. In such a situation, it is pointless to continue the fight against dysbiosis - you need to look for the root cause.
Western doctors never give this diagnosis to their patients. In Russian healthcare, dysbacteriosis is mentioned in a document called “Standards (protocols) for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system,” approved by order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 125 dated April 17, 1998. But even here it does not appear as an independent disease, but only in connection with other intestinal diseases.
Surely, when you took a blood test, you heard terms such as “increased leukocytosis”, “increased ESR”, “anemia”. Dysbacteriosis is something similar. This is a microbiological concept, one of the manifestations of the disease, but not the disease itself.

How is intestinal dysbiosis designated in the ICD?

International Classification of Diseases(ICD) is a document that lists all possible human diseases, each assigned its own code. In the ICD there is no such concept as dysbiosis. A doctor who makes such a diagnosis for a patient finds himself in a difficult situation - after all, he must indicate the code in the medical documentation.
Most often, such doctors use two codes: .
Sometimes dysbiosis is a temporary condition, for example, in travelers, especially if they have poor personal hygiene. “Foreign” microflora enters the intestines, which a person does not encounter at home.

Which doctor treats intestinal dysbiosis?

Since dysbiosis is not an independent disease, it is necessary to look for the original cause, and then begin treatment with an appropriate specialist.
Most often, diseases that lead to disruption of the intestinal microflora should be treated by an infectious disease specialist or gastroenterologist. A number of diseases are treated by a general practitioner in adults and by a pediatrician in children.

What is the best treatment for intestinal dysbiosis?

Since such a diagnosis does not exist, “treatment of dysbiosis” is a meaningless term, in principle.
Although, relevant recommendations still exist - they are specified in the OST 91500.11.0004-2003 standard. It was put into effect by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated 06/09/2003 N 231. This document proposes to treat dysbacteriosis with the help prebiotics And eubiotics, antibacterial And antifungal drugs.
But the effectiveness of these drugs against dysbiosis has not been proven. In the same OST there is the following phrase: “the degree of persuasiveness of evidence is C.” This means that there is not enough evidence. There is no evidence on which to recommend treatment of dysbiosis with these drugs.
Here it is once again appropriate to remember that doctors who work in clinics outside the CIS never give such a diagnosis to their patients, much less prescribe treatment against dysbiosis.

Is there a connection between intestinal dysbiosis and thrush?

Thrush, or candidiasis- a disease that is caused yeast-like fungi sort of Candida.
The infection can develop in any organ. In this regard, candidiasis of the skin and nails, oral mucosa (this form is called thrush), intestines, and genitals is isolated. The most severe form of the disease is generalized candidiasis, or candidal sepsis when the fungus affects the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs.
Candida – fungi opportunistic. They are not always capable of causing infection, but only under certain conditions. One of these conditions is decreased immunity. Thrush may well be combined with intestinal damage, which leads to dysbiosis. There is, in fact, a connection between these two conditions.
In this case, the same reasons lead to the development of thrush and intestinal dysbiosis - decreased immunity and fungal infection. They need to be treated.

Is it possible to use folk remedies to treat intestinal dysbiosis?

Traditional medicine, if proven remedies are used correctly, can improve the condition and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. But it can only be used as a supplement to the main treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Due to the fact that the topic is inflated and very popular, “remedies against dysbacteriosis” are offered by all kinds of traditional healers, healers, manufacturers of dietary supplements, and MLM companies. Food producers did not stand aside either.
As already mentioned above, dysbiosis as a disease does not exist, it does not have its own specific symptoms, and it cannot be cured without eliminating the root cause. Therefore, first of all, you need to visit a doctor, undergo an examination, establish the correct diagnosis and begin treatment.

What can a dysbacteriosis test show?

Most reputable doctors and scientists deeply doubt the informativeness of microbiological analysis of stool for dysbacteriosis. There are certain reasons for this:

The concept of “normal microflora” is very vague. Nobody knows the exact standards. Therefore, if you force any healthy person to take a test, many will be “identified” as having dysbacteriosis.
The content of bacteria in feces differs from their content in the intestines.
While the stool is delivered to the laboratory, the composition of the bacteria present in it may change. Especially if it is collected incorrectly, in a non-sterile container.
The composition of the microflora in the human intestine can change depending on different conditions. Even if you take an analysis at different times from the same healthy person, the results can vary greatly.

Dysbacteriosis is a condition caused by a violation of the intestinal microflora associated with a change in the species composition of bacteria. The number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli is reduced, and the number of pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms increases. Intestinal dysbiosis is not an independent disease. Often it turns out to be a consequence of other ailments (sometimes quite formidable). According to statistics, it occurs in 90% of adults.

Learn more about what kind of disease this is - intestinal dysbiosis - what the first signs and symptoms are, as well as how to properly treat it in adults and children with diet and medications.

What is dysbiosis?

Gut dysbiosis (also dysbiosis) - This is a state of microbial imbalance on or within the body. With dysbacteriosis, the ratio of beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms is disturbed, for example, in the intestines or in the reproductive organs.

The adult intestine normally contains about 2-3 kg of various microorganisms(about 500 species). 60% of all microorganisms are settled in the gastrointestinal tract.

Microorganisms help digest food, synthesize vitamins, remove toxins and carcinogens, and break down all unnecessary elements. The main representatives of the intestinal flora are aerobic lactobacilli and anaerobic bifidobacteria.

In the human body, three types of bacteria take part in the digestion of food:

beneficial (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli). They maintain the ratio of other bacteria in the stomach, prevent the development of allergic diseases, weakened immunity and many other negative effects on the human body. They also control the number of harmful bacteria;
neutral. They live in a certain place. They do not bring any particular benefit or harm;
harmful (candida fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus). They provoke various diseases and disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes

The number of each type of bacteria that lives in the intestines is controlled by the laws of natural selection: those that multiply greatly do not find food for themselves, and the excess ones die, or other bacteria create unbearable living conditions for them. But there are situations in which the normal balance changes.

The reasons for the suppression of normal intestinal flora during dysbacteriosis may be the following factors:

Sometimes almost completely healthy people can suffer from dysbiosis. In this case, the reason should be sought in the characteristics of the profession, or in seasonal changes in nutrition.

Kinds

Depending on the cause of its occurrence, intestinal dysbiosis syndrome in modern medicine is divided into several types.

Dysbacteriosis that occurs in healthy people:
Professional (violations occur due to harmful professional activities)
Age-related (flora is disrupted due to aging of the body)
Nutritional (associated with poor nutrition)
Seasonal (flora changes depending on the time of year, mainly in cold weather).

By severity:

light;
medium-heavy;
heavy.

With the flow:

acute (up to 30 days);
prolonged (up to 4 months): with clinical manifestations (continuous or recurrent) and without clinical manifestations;
chronic (more than 4 months): with clinical manifestations (continuous or recurrent) and without clinical manifestations.

Dysbacteriosis of the small intestine

Dysbacteriosis of the small intestine begins to manifest itself when it is over-contaminated. In this case, the microbial composition changes, which provokes disruption of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The pain is localized in the navel area.

Dysbacteriosis of the large intestine

Colon dysbiosis is an extremely common pathology that disrupts the microflora simultaneously in the stomach, duodenum, and intestines. The disease can be long-lasting, take a more severe form and disrupt a person’s normal lifestyle.

Symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis

The clinical picture of the development and course of dysbiosis depends on both the stage and the microbiological variant of the disorder.

Characteristic signs of dysbiosis in adults:

Stool disorders. Stool disorders due to dysbacteriosis are one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. Most often it manifests itself in the form of loose stools (diarrhea). With age-related (in older people) dysbiosis, constipation most often develops, which is caused by a decrease in intestinal motility (due to a lack of normal flora).
With pronounced processes of decay and fermentation, which are observed in only 25% of patients, the composition, shape and color of feces are disrupted. It becomes foamy, liquid, acquires a light color and a sour odor. You may experience a burning sensation in the anus.
change in the smell of feces (it becomes sharply putrid or sour);
increased gas formation (gases can be smelly or odorless, sonorous or not);
bloating of varying intensity (it is more pronounced in the evenings, and may worsen after certain foods);
Dyspeptic disorders: nausea, vomiting, belching, loss of appetite, are the result of impaired digestion;
The intestines do not empty completely.
Rotten taste, belching.

Symptoms that appear during dysbacteriosis may not be observed in everyone, this is individual characteristics. About half of those suffering from this disorder experience nothing other than loose stools or constipation.

With dysbacteriosis, digestion suffers the most. Since food in the intestines is first broken down by bacteria, and only then absorbed into the blood. Without the help of microorganisms, the body cannot absorb many nutrients. Therefore, nausea, vomiting, and loose stools appear.

Stages of dysbiosis in adults

There are the following stages of the disease:

Stage 1	The first degree of intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in the protective endogenous flora by no more than two orders of magnitude. Bifidoflora and lactoflora are not disturbed, there are no clinical signs of the disease. This degree is characteristic of the latent phase of the disease.
2	In this case, the decrease in beneficial microorganisms - lacto- and bifidobacteria - becomes critical. Along with this, the development of pathogenic microflora is growing extremely rapidly. At this stage, the first signs of dysbiosis appear, which indicate a disruption in the functioning of the intestine.
3	The inflammatory process begins to damage the intestinal walls, which aggravates chronic indigestion. This stage of the disease requires serious treatment not only with a proper diet, but also with medications.
4	develops when there is no treatment for dysbiosis or it is not intensive enough. At this stage, harmful microorganisms practically displace beneficial ones, which leads to the development of diseases such as vitamin deficiency, depression, intestinal diseases, which are dangerous not only to the health, but also to the life of the patient.

With intestinal dysbiosis, other symptoms and manifestations are possible, but they will most likely relate to complications of the disease or to an exacerbation of concomitant pathologies. These symptoms are not directly related to a violation of the intestinal microflora. For example, signs of hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency are possible. The lack of vitamin is due to the fact that it is not absorbed normally in the intestines.

Diagnostics

With intestinal dysbiosis, symptoms such as enterocolitis, inflammation of the large and small intestines are observed. The doctor’s task is to make a correct diagnosis, excluding the above pathologies of the digestive organs.

It is difficult to diagnose dysbiosis without tests. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to the symptoms of other diseases. To make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to have diagnostic results. After collecting the patient’s complaints and palpation, the specialist prescribes 2-3 necessary procedures.

The following will help you make an accurate diagnosis:

Stool analysis. The most specific method for laboratory diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis is stool analysis and culture.
Clinical blood test - shows the presence of inflammation and possible bleeding in the intestines. With severe dysbacteriosis, a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood is noted.
Colonoscopy. Allows you to assess the condition of a section of intestine up to one meter long.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity. It can be used to detect concomitant pathologies.
Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy. It consists of examining the mucous membrane of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum, which is carried out using an endoscope.
X-ray of the intestines. To detect pathological changes, a contrast agent is used during the procedure.

Treatment of dysbiosis in adults

With a mild degree of imbalance in the intestinal microflora, it may be sufficient to eliminate these causes through a balanced diet, taking prebiotics or probiotics. In case of severe disorders, dietary nutrition is also indicated simultaneously with complex antimicrobial therapy.

How to treat intestinal dysbiosis? Treatment activities consist of:

elimination of excessive bacterial contamination of the small intestine;
restoration of normal microbial flora of the colon;
improvement of intestinal digestion and absorption;
restoration of impaired intestinal motility;
stimulating the body's reactivity.

Medications

To treat dysbiosis, drugs are used that help restore normal intestinal flora. Typically, a product from one of the following groups is selected:

Antibacterial drugs are necessary primarily to suppress the excessive growth of microbial flora in the small intestine. The most widely used antibiotics are from the group of tetracyclines, penicillins, cephalosporins, quinolones (tarivid, nitroxoline) and metronidazole.
Bacteriophages (intestibacteriophage, staphylococcal bacteriophage, pyobacteriophage, coliproteus bacteriophage, etc.);
Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, etc.);
Probiotics for dysbacteriosis (sporobacterin, enterol, cereobiogen, bactisubtil, etc.).
Antifungal agents. Prescribed when an increased amount of yeast is detected in the intestinal contents.
Enzymes are prescribed in case of severe digestive disorders. Mezim tablets, 1 tablet 3 times a day, before meals. In order to improve the absorption function, Essentiale, Legalon or Karsil are prescribed, since they stabilize the membranes of the intestinal epithelium. Propulsive bowel function is improved by imodium (loperamide) and trimebutine (debridate).
Sorbents are prescribed for severe signs of intoxication. Activated carbon is prescribed 5-7 tablets at a time, for 5 days.

Prescribe medications for dysbiosis, determine their dosage and duration of use only a doctor can. Self-medication risks complications.

During long-term treatment with antibiotics, be sure to include in the therapy a special diet containing foods rich in beneficial bacteria, antifungal and immunostimulating, as well as antihistamine therapy.

Treatment of intestinal dysbiosis is prescribed comprehensively depending on the degree of the disease. Since the disease develops under the influence of many factors, it is important to eliminate the cause of its development, otherwise taking probiotics will not have a positive effect. Elimination of foci of infection and chronic diseases is the main task in treatment.

Diet and proper nutrition

There is no special diet for each person, you just need to follow some rules, avoid unwashed fruits, low-quality foods and eat food every three hours in small portions. It is important to eat hot liquid food every day: soup, broth.

Basic principles of proper nutrition for dysbiosis:

eating regularly at the same time;
eating warm food (within 25-40 degrees) and avoiding too cold or hot food;
avoiding aggressive and spicy foods;
chewing food thoroughly;
eating food frequently (every two and a half hours) and in small portions;
drink plenty of fluids, but not during meals (so as not to interfere with the digestion of food).

When following a diet, you are allowed to eat the following foods:

white or rye bread – not fresh, but yesterday’s bread;
crackers;
soups in low-fat broths with pureed cereals and vegetables;
boiled, steamed or stewed meat dishes;
lean meats;
lean fish, boiled, steamed, stewed or fried without breading;
vegetables (excluding cabbage, legumes and mushrooms) boiled, baked or steamed;
fruits and berries in jelly, compote, puree or mousse;
baked or raw grated apples;
low-fat dairy products;
butter in small quantities;
sauces without spices;
all drinks except alcoholic, carbonated, kvass and fruit drinks.

Along with the diet, patients may be prescribed probiotics and prebiotics. These drugs improve intestinal function and restore healthy flora.

Folk remedies

The following are allowed as folk treatment:

plants that give an antiseptic effect: pomegranate and rosehip juice diluted with water, strawberries, raspberries;
mint extract, chamomile tea, and St. John's wort infusions provide an analgesic effect;
have an astringent effect, anti-inflammatory blueberries, bird cherry, beets.

Traditional methods include the use of the following means:

Oak bark . A decoction of oak bark has an astringent effect and helps with diarrhea, which often accompanies dysbacteriosis. A tablespoon of raw material, poured with 250 ml of boiling water, is simmered over low heat for a quarter of an hour. The liquid is cooled, filtered and taken half a glass up to 3 times a day.
Garlic . It contains antibacterial compounds that destroy pathogenic microflora and prevent the development of putrefactive processes. To prepare the medicine, you need to crush a clove of garlic in a mortar and pour a glass of low-fat kefir over it. Drink 2 glasses of the resulting drink every day.
A healthy and tasty cure for dysbiosis is a mixture of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnut kernels. Well-dried ingredients must be ground in a coffee grinder and taken 2 tablespoons of the resulting powder daily, washed down with warm water.
Serum. Sold in stores or left over after making homemade cottage cheese. The heated whey is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for a month, 1 glass.
If digesting food is accompanied by bloating. Pour 4 tablespoons of dill seeds into a glass of hot water, leave for 2 hours, then strain and drink every 2 hours throughout the day.
Based on propolis honey: A teaspoon of this honey should be diluted in a glass of warm water or rosehip decoction and taken 2 times a day after meals for 1.5 months.
The simplest herbal decoction options– this is eucalyptus and mint. To prepare the first 3 tbsp. dry eucalyptus is poured with 500 ml of boiling water. For the second recipe, use 2 times less boiling water – 250 ml. Eucalyptus decoction is drunk a quarter of a glass 3 times a day, and mint decoction is drunk of 3 quarters of a glass 4 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.

Treatment exclusively with herbs is possible only in cases of mild dysbacteriosis. In other cases, traditional methods are only an addition to the main treatment prescribed by a specialist.

Prevention

Preventive measures include following recommendations for proper nutrition, hygiene and sanitary processing of products.

Basic preventive measures for adults are as follows:

healthy eating;
taking antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor;
timely treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

To get rid of dysbiosis and prevent further relapses, it is most effective to use an integrated approach. At the first symptoms, be sure to seek help from a gastroenterologist. Be healthy and always watch your lifestyle!

The human body is a reasonable and fairly balanced mechanism.

Among all infectious diseases known to science, infectious mononucleosis has a special place...

The world has known about the disease, which official medicine calls “angina pectoris,” for quite a long time.

Mumps (scientific name: mumps) is an infectious disease...

Hepatic colic is a typical manifestation of cholelithiasis.

Brain edema is a consequence of excessive stress on the body.

There are no people in the world who have never had ARVI (acute respiratory viral diseases)...

A healthy human body is able to absorb so many salts obtained from water and food...

Knee bursitis is a widespread disease among athletes...

Disturbance of intestinal microflora symptoms treatment

Intestinal dysbiosis - causes, signs, symptoms and treatment of dysbiosis in adults, nutrition and prevention

Learn more about what kind of disease this is, what the first signs and symptoms are, as well as how to properly treat it with diet and medications.

Gut dysbiosis (also dysbiosis) - this is a state of microbial imbalance on or within the body. With dysbacteriosis, the ratio of beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms is disturbed, for example, in the intestines or in the reproductive organs.

The intestines of an adult normally contain about 2-3 kg of various microorganisms (about 500 species). 60% of all microorganisms are settled in the gastrointestinal tract.

In the human body, three types of bacteria take part in the digestion of food:

beneficial (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli). They maintain the ratio of other bacteria in the stomach, prevent the development of allergic diseases, weakened immunity and many other negative effects on the human body. They also control the number of harmful bacteria;
neutral. They live in a certain place. They do not bring any particular benefit or harm;
harmful (candida fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus). They provoke various diseases and disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Causes

The reasons for the suppression of normal intestinal flora during dysbacteriosis may be the following factors:

Sometimes almost completely healthy people can suffer from dysbiosis. In this case, the reason should be sought in the characteristics of the profession, or in seasonal changes in nutrition.

Kinds

Depending on the cause of its occurrence, intestinal dysbiosis syndrome in modern medicine is divided into several types.

Dysbacteriosis that occurs in healthy people:
Professional (violations occur due to harmful professional activities)
Age-related (flora is disrupted due to aging of the body)
Nutritional (associated with poor nutrition)
Seasonal (flora changes depending on the time of year, mainly in cold weather).

By severity:

light;
medium-heavy;
heavy.

With the flow:

acute (up to 30 days);
prolonged (up to 4 months): with clinical manifestations (continuous or recurrent) and without clinical manifestations;
chronic (more than 4 months): with clinical manifestations (continuous or recurrent) and without clinical manifestations.

Dysbacteriosis of the small intestine

Dysbacteriosis of the large intestine

The clinical picture of the development and course of dysbiosis depends on both the stage and the microbiological variant of the disorder.

Characteristic signs of dysbiosis in adults:

Stool disorders. Stool disorders due to dysbacteriosis are one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. Most often it manifests itself in the form of loose stools (diarrhea). With age-related (in older people) dysbiosis, constipation most often develops, which is caused by a decrease in intestinal motility (due to a lack of normal flora).
With pronounced processes of decay and fermentation, which are observed in only 25% of patients, the composition, shape and color of feces are disrupted. It becomes foamy, liquid, acquires a light color and a sour odor. You may experience a burning sensation in the anus.
change in the smell of feces (it becomes sharply putrid or sour);
increased gas formation (gases can be smelly or odorless, sonorous or not);
bloating of varying intensity (it is more pronounced in the evenings, and may worsen after certain foods);
Dyspeptic disorders: nausea, vomiting, belching, loss of appetite, are the result of impaired digestion;
The intestines do not empty completely.
Rotten taste, belching.

Symptoms that appear during dysbacteriosis may not be observed in everyone; these are individual signs. About half of those suffering from this disorder experience nothing other than loose stools or constipation.

Stages of dysbiosis in adults

There are the following stages of the disease:

Stage 1	The first degree of intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in the protective endogenous flora by no more than two orders of magnitude. Bifidoflora and lactoflora are not disturbed, there are no clinical signs of the disease. This degree is characteristic of the latent phase of the disease.
2	In this case, the decrease in beneficial microorganisms - lacto- and bifidobacteria - becomes critical. Along with this, the development of pathogenic microflora is growing extremely rapidly. At this stage, the first signs of dysbiosis appear, which indicate a disruption in the functioning of the intestine.
3	The inflammatory process begins to damage the intestinal walls, which aggravates chronic indigestion. This stage of the disease requires serious treatment not only with a proper diet, but also with medications.
4	develops when there is no treatment for dysbiosis or it is not intensive enough. At this stage, harmful microorganisms practically displace beneficial ones, which leads to the development of diseases such as vitamin deficiency, depression, intestinal diseases, which are dangerous not only to the health, but also to the life of the patient.

Diagnostics

With intestinal dysbiosis, symptoms are observed as in colitis, enterocolitis, gastritis, inflammation of the large and small intestines. The doctor’s task is to make a correct diagnosis, excluding the above pathologies of the digestive organs.

The following will help you make an accurate diagnosis:

Stool analysis. The most specific method for laboratory diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis is stool analysis and culture.
Clinical blood test - shows the presence of inflammation and possible bleeding in the intestines. With severe dysbacteriosis, anemia is observed - a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Colonoscopy. Allows you to assess the condition of a section of intestine up to one meter long.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity. It can be used to detect concomitant pathologies.
Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy. It consists of examining the mucous membrane of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum, which is carried out using an endoscope.
X-ray of the intestines. To detect pathological changes, a contrast agent is used during the procedure.

Treatment of dysbiosis in adults

How to treat intestinal dysbiosis? Treatment activities consist of:

elimination of excessive bacterial contamination of the small intestine;
restoration of normal microbial flora of the colon;
improvement of intestinal digestion and absorption;
restoration of impaired intestinal motility;
stimulating the body's reactivity.

Medications

To treat dysbiosis, drugs are used that help restore normal intestinal flora. Typically, a product from one of the following groups is selected:

Antibacterial drugs are necessary primarily to suppress the excessive growth of microbial flora in the small intestine. The most widely used antibiotics are from the group of tetracyclines, penicillins, cephalosporins, quinolones (tarivid, nitroxoline) and metronidazole.
Bacteriophages (intestibacteriophage, staphylococcal bacteriophage, pyobacteriophage, coliproteus bacteriophage, etc.);
Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, penicillins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, etc.);
Probiotics for dysbacteriosis (sporobacterin, enterol, cereobiogen, bactisubtil, etc.).
Antifungal agents. Prescribed when an increased amount of yeast is detected in the intestinal contents.
Enzymes are prescribed in case of severe digestive disorders. Mezim tablets, 1 tablet 3 times a day, before meals. In order to improve the absorption function, Essentiale, Legalon or Karsil are prescribed, since they stabilize the membranes of the intestinal epithelium. Propulsive bowel function is improved by imodium (loperamide) and trimebutine (debridate).
Sorbents are prescribed for severe signs of intoxication. Activated carbon is prescribed 5-7 tablets at a time, for 5 days.

Only a doctor can prescribe medications for dysbiosis, determine their dosage and duration of use. Self-medication risks complications.

Diet and proper nutrition

Basic principles of proper nutrition for dysbiosis:

eating regularly at the same time;
eating warm food (within 25-40 degrees) and avoiding too cold or hot food;
avoiding aggressive and spicy foods;
chewing food thoroughly;
eating food frequently (every two and a half hours) and in small portions;
drink plenty of fluids, but not during meals (so as not to interfere with the digestion of food).

When following a diet, you are allowed to eat the following foods:

white or rye bread – not fresh, but yesterday’s bread;
crackers;
soups in low-fat broths with pureed cereals and vegetables;
boiled, steamed or stewed meat dishes;
lean meats;
lean fish, boiled, steamed, stewed or fried without breading;
vegetables (excluding cabbage, legumes and mushrooms) boiled, baked or steamed;
fruits and berries in jelly, compote, puree or mousse;
baked or raw grated apples;
low-fat dairy products;
butter in small quantities;
sauces without spices;
all drinks except alcoholic, carbonated, kvass and fruit drinks.

Along with the diet, patients may be prescribed probiotics and prebiotics. These drugs improve intestinal function and restore healthy flora.

Folk remedies

The following are allowed as folk treatment:

plants that give an antiseptic effect: pomegranate and rosehip juice diluted with water, strawberries, raspberries;
mint extract, chamomile tea, and St. John's wort infusions provide an analgesic effect;
have an astringent effect, anti-inflammatory blueberries, bird cherry, beets.

Traditional methods include the use of the following means:

Oak bark. A decoction of oak bark has an astringent effect and helps with diarrhea, which often accompanies dysbacteriosis. A tablespoon of raw material, poured with 250 ml of boiling water, is simmered over low heat for a quarter of an hour. The liquid is cooled, filtered and taken half a glass up to 3 times a day.
Garlic. It contains antibacterial compounds that destroy pathogenic microflora and prevent the development of putrefactive processes. To prepare the medicine, you need to crush a clove of garlic in a mortar and pour a glass of low-fat kefir over it. Drink 2 glasses of the resulting drink every day.
A healthy and tasty cure for dysbiosis is a mixture of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnut kernels. Well-dried ingredients must be ground in a coffee grinder and taken 2 tablespoons of the resulting powder daily, washed down with warm water.
Serum. Sold in stores or left over after making homemade cottage cheese. The heated whey is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for a month, 1 glass.
If digesting food is accompanied by bloating. Pour 4 tablespoons of dill seeds into a glass of hot water, leave for 2 hours, then strain and drink every 2 hours throughout the day.
Based on propolis honey: a teaspoon of this honey should be diluted in a glass of warm water or rosehip decoction and taken 2 times a day after meals for 1.5 months.
The simplest options for herbal decoction are eucalyptus and mint. To prepare the first 3 tbsp. dry eucalyptus is poured with 500 ml of boiling water. For the second recipe, use 2 times less boiling water – 250 ml. Eucalyptus decoction is drunk a quarter of a glass 3 times a day, and mint decoction is drunk of 3 quarters of a glass 4 times a day. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.

Treatment exclusively with herbs is possible only in cases of mild dysbacteriosis. In other cases, traditional methods are only an addition to the main treatment prescribed by a specialist.

Prevention

Preventive measures include following recommendations for proper nutrition, hygiene and sanitary processing of products.

Basic preventive measures for adults are as follows:

healthy eating;
taking antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor;
timely treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

simptomy-i-treatment.net

Intestinal microflora disorders: symptoms and treatment

It is important not to miss the beginning! The concept of dysbiosis has become fashionable these days, and sometimes this syndrome is diagnosed more often than it actually occurs. And at the same time, it is also easy to miss the beginning of its development, because the manifestations are nonspecific. What symptoms should alert you, which allows you to suspect intestinal microflora disorders?

Symptoms of intestinal microflora disorders

First of all, of course, gastrointestinal disorders will occur (dyspeptic symptoms): Heartburn, belching, heaviness in the abdomen, nausea and even vomiting. Bloating (flatulence). In a healthy body, cellulose, which is found in fruits, vegetables, and legumes, is broken down in the intestines to form free gas. Many of the microorganisms among the normal flora are aerobes, that is, they need gas for their existence, they absorb it. With a lack of beneficial bacteria that utilize gas, abundant, frequent gas release is observed. This is one of the most common symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis. Pain in the abdomen may occur due to pathological changes in the intestines, often of an inflammatory nature (colitis, enteritis). It is necessary to treat the resulting enterocolitis and normalize the intestinal microflora.

Constipation or diarrhea, which may alternate.

The disease often manifests itself with low-grade fever. Due to disruption of food digestion and absorption of vital substances (vitamins, minerals), the entire body suffers. This results in such signs of dysbiosis as fatigue, fatigue, dry skin, cracked corners of the lips.

In addition, patients with dysbacteriosis are characterized by astheno-neurotic syndrome: patients are apathetic, often complain of headaches, general weakness, fatigue, and poor sleep. Their ability to work decreases. Signs of a food allergy appear

Often in the form of urticaria, skin rashes and atopic dermatitis.

To make a diagnosis for such nonspecific complaints of the patient, the doctor analyzes the symptoms and also conducts a number of laboratory tests. A stool analysis is performed, which may show insufficiency of the intestinal digestive function (undigested pieces of food, starch grains, fatty acids in the stool). But the most accurate diagnosis is confirmed by bacteriological culture of stool, which shows which pathogens predominate and to which antibacterial agents they are sensitive. The only drawback of this method is the long research time required to grow a microbial culture. The whole process takes 7-10 days.

Dysbacteriosis. What to do?

Dysbacteriosis causes a lot of trouble, so the desire to avoid this condition is natural. What can lead to intestinal dysbiosis? How to preserve beneficial microflora? Various unfavorable environmental factors and the body itself can cause changes in the microflora according to the type of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can occur when the human body is exposed to a wide range of risk factors: various diseases, stress, dietary errors, as well as as a result of the use of antibiotics, radiation therapy and other treatment methods that are ambiguous for the body. Modern research shows that disorders of the intestinal microflora occur in 90-100% of patients with diseases of internal organs. These include diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases, oncopathological processes, allergic and autoimmune diseases and many others. In turn, these changes, having reached a certain level, worsen the clinical course of the underlying disease. In this regard, the state of normal microflora should be maintained during the development of any disease, and especially when using aggressive treatment methods such as antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Stress, both acute and chronic, can also lead to serious dysbiosis.

Measures to maintain our normal microflora should be carried out regularly, and especially when exposed to the above factors. This should be expressed in proper nutrition, as well as the use of additional measures to restore beneficial microflora.

Is it possible to cure dysbiosis? How to restore the normal composition of microflora in the intestines?

Is it possible to cure dysbiosis and what is required for this? Is this task within the power of traditional medicine or is it impossible to do without pharmaceutical drugs? First you need to establish an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, in case of any disturbances in intestinal activity, you should immediately consult a doctor. Symptoms of dysbiosis, as already mentioned, are nonspecific; other diseases may have similar manifestations. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of restoring the normal composition of the microflora in the intestines. From a modern point of view, treatment of dysbiosis must be carried out by influencing both sides of the inextricable pair “human body - normal microflora”. Therefore, it is necessary to start with the treatment of the underlying diseases, and only as a parallel process is it necessary to have a specific effect on the intestinal microflora. In this issue we cannot consider the treatment of major diseases - their list is huge. Our topic is the impact on the restoration of intestinal microflora. Specific exposure means the use of medications, biologically active food additives, herbs, food products and other agents that have a direct effect on representatives of the intestinal microflora.

The main areas of impact will be the following:

Inhibition of growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Creation of the necessary environment and optimal conditions for the development of normal microflora.

Strengthening the immune system.

Direct influence on the condition and functions of the body in order to eliminate negative symptoms and consequences of dysbiosis.

Folk remedies, when used correctly, successfully cope with the problem of dysbiosis and are able to cover all of the indicated treatment areas. Source: People's healer. Special issue", No. 169, 2016

samsebelekar.ru

Signs of intestinal dysbiosis in women 7851 0 10/28/2016

Dysbacteriosis is a pathological condition in which the balance of intestinal microflora is disturbed, expressed in a decrease in the number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli against the background of rapid growth and activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The bacterial flora of the intestine can change under the influence of various factors. Most often, the cause of the pathology is intestinal infections and the use of potent antibacterial drugs, but sometimes severe stress or psycho-emotional shock can become a provoking factor.

Signs of intestinal dysbiosis in women

Why does dysbiosis appear?

Taking antibiotics

The most common cause of intestinal dysbiosis in women is treatment with antibiotics. These are broad-spectrum drugs that affect all bacteria living in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics destroy not only pathogenic microorganisms that cause the disease, but also beneficial microflora. It is for this reason that during therapy with potent drugs, patients often experience diarrhea, flatulence and other digestive disorders.

Advice! Treatment with antibiotics must be combined with the intake of probiotics and lactic acid bacteria. This will help avoid the development of dysbiosis, speed up recovery and strengthen the immune system. For the drugs to be effective, it is important to observe the interval between taking medications (at least 3 hours).

What are the benefits of probiotics?

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Pathologies of the digestive system can cause a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria and the development of dysbiosis. For example, infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract lead to the digestion and destruction of beneficial flora. To restore it, it is also recommended to take probiotic cultures or prebiotics.

Intestinal infections

Salmonellosis, dysentery and other infections in 90% of cases cause an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. The growth of pathogenic flora leads to the formation of colonies of the infectious agent. When the number of pathogenic bacteria begins to exceed the number of beneficial microorganisms, the destruction of beneficial flora begins.

Signs of gastrointestinal infections

"Women's" reasons

The occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis in women can be caused by reasons specific to the fairer sex. Most often, lovers of diets suffer from pathology, especially if they are mono-diets. A mono-diet involves eating only one type of food for a short period of time (no more than 1-3 days). Severe dietary restrictions lead to an imbalance of intestinal microflora and a deficiency of nutrients (namely, vitamins are involved in the growth of beneficial microorganisms on the intestinal mucous membranes).

Advice! To maintain intestinal health, women are not recommended to go on strict diets for a long period. Nutritionists advise replacing mono-diets with fasting days (no more than 1-2 times every 7-10 days). If, after all, a woman opts for a “starvation” diet, she should definitely supplement her daily diet with fermented milk products (it is best to choose kefir) or take probiotics.

One of the causes of dysbiosis in women is mono-diets

Another reason leading to dysbiosis in women is the abuse of mechanical bowel cleansing methods. These include:

frequent use of enemas (for weight loss or cleansing);
colon therapy (removal of feces from the intestines using volumetric lavage);
drinking drinks, teas and other weight loss products.

If you are overweight, you should not self-medicate. It is best to seek help from an endocrinologist or nutritionist - this is much safer and more effective than fasting and other methods of losing weight at home.

Other reasons

Sometimes the balance of intestinal microflora is disturbed under the influence of negative factors (which are favorable for the growth of pathogenic colonies), which include:

insufficient consumption of fermented milk products;
stress and emotional unrest;
drug or food allergies;
deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
decreased immunity and diseases characterized by a state of immunodeficiency (malignant tumors, HIV, etc.);
undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer;
helminthic infestation, helminthiasis.

Important! Long-term use of hormonal drugs (Yarina, Zhanin, Diane 35) can provoke intestinal dysbiosis. Medicines in this group are prescribed to women to stop uterine bleeding, treat chronic diseases of the uterus and other organs of the reproductive system, as well as protect against unwanted pregnancy.

Video - What is intestinal dysbiosis? How to treat dysbiosis?

How does dysbacteriosis manifest itself in women?

Symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis in women can be divided into several groups. They depend on the cause of occurrence, additional factors and the general health of the patient. Most often, the pathology is manifested by disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but sometimes the first symptoms of dysbiosis are skin dermatitis, allergic reactions or vaginosis.

Allergic reactions

When the intestinal microflora is disturbed, allergies appear mainly to food, since nutrients “adapt” to the changed bacterial composition. This condition may be accompanied by intestinal disorders, rumbling and even pain. A deficiency of lactic bacteria, which are responsible for the comfortable digestion and absorption of food, leads to a rejection reaction, which externally manifests itself as allergy symptoms.

A woman may notice the following signs of pathology:

sneezing;
lacrimation;
redness of the skin in certain areas;
skin itching;
dermatitis;
hives;
nasal discharge.

When the intestinal microflora is disturbed, allergies appear mainly to food

Important! You can suspect dysbiosis based on these symptoms if they appear after eating foods (provided that the woman does not suffer from allergies) and do not go away after taking antihistamines and antiallergic drugs.

Vaginal dysbiosis

More than half of the cases of intestinal dysbiosis in women are accompanied by the development of vaginal dysbiosis. This is a condition in which the number of lactobacilli that inhabit the acidic environment of the vagina decreases. The pathology affects the acidity level of the vaginal tract and can lead to infectious diseases caused by bacteria, microbes or fungi. There are two forms of vaginal dysbiosis: vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.

What is vaginal dysbiosis

To prevent the development of serious infectious diseases, you need to respond promptly to the signs and symptoms of vaginal microflora disorders. These include:

dryness of the mucous membranes of the vagina and genitals;
insufficient lubrication during intimacy;
an increase in the volume of discharge or a change in its color, odor or consistency;
unpleasant odor (subject to sufficient intimate hygiene).

Important! These signs may indicate the development of vaginal dysbiosis or sexually transmitted infections. It is impossible to determine the diagnosis on your own. To determine the cause that caused the appearance of uncharacteristic symptoms, an examination by a doctor using a gynecological speculum and examination of biological material (plant culture) is required.

Symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis

Manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract

Digestive disorders are a classic sign of intestinal dysbiosis. They can have different intensities and appear in aggregate or occur in isolation from other clinical symptoms of the pathology. One of the main signs of an imbalance in the intestinal microflora is stool instability. A woman may suffer from constipation or diarrhea, and there is often a painful urge to defecate, but no feces are released.

Other manifestations of dysbacteriosis include:

bloating;
rumbling;
loss of appetite or decreased appetite;
mucus in stool;
pain in the abdominal area.

Symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis

In rare cases, dysbiosis may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea. In this case, the woman needs to undergo a full examination to exclude the possibility of serious illnesses.

Manifestations of vitamin deficiency

Vitamin deficiency, insufficient nutrition with a minimum content of vegetables and fruits leads to specific symptoms of dysbiosis. Beneficial substances entering the intestines are not absorbed by the mucous membranes, but are excreted from the body almost unchanged, since beneficial bacteria (lactic acid microorganisms) are responsible for the absorption of useful elements in the intestines. In this case, external signs of pathology most often occur, which include:

dry skin and lips;
angulitis (sticking in the corners of the mouth);
hair loss, split ends;
formation of white spots and stripes on the nail plates;
peeling of the skin;
pale skin.

Often, women with dysbiosis are diagnosed with oral pathologies, for example, stomatitis. With chronic deficiency, constant fatigue, weakness, and decreased performance may appear.

Symptoms of drug dysbiosis

An imbalance in the intestinal microflora after treatment with antibiotics or other antibacterial drugs occurs in 74% of cases. The main manifestation of the pathology is a change in the nature of the stool (diarrhea occurs most often). In some cases, diarrhea and constipation may alternate, with constipation accompanied by increased gas formation and pain in the intestines and stomach.

In half of the cases, bacterial vaginosis is associated with intestinal dysbiosis, so prophylactic intake of probiotics and lactobacilli is a mandatory component of drug therapy.

Complex therapy for the treatment of dysbiosis

Diagnostic features

Dysbiosis can be diagnosed in only one way - a biochemical study of stool, which takes into account not only the cavity microflora, but also wall colonies of microorganisms. 72 hours before submitting the material for analysis, the woman is prescribed a special diet that excludes foods that can cause fermentation reactions. These include:

alcoholic drinks;
chocolate and other confectionery products with a high sugar content;
baked goods made from wheat flour;
dairy products;
some vegetables (turnips, onions, all types of cabbage).

During this period, you should not take drugs with antibacterial action. If dysbacteriosis is diagnosed, it is recommended to re-test after 2-3 days.

Based on the results of the analysis, the woman is prescribed appropriate treatment and given recommendations on hygiene and care.

Diagnosis of dysbiosis by tests

How to treat?

Intestinal dysbiosis can be treated in several ways, but complex therapy is often used to achieve maximum effect.

Drug therapy

Treatment using medications is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of dysbiosis, strengthening the immune system, colonizing the intestines with beneficial microorganisms and preventing complications. Women may be prescribed drugs from different pharmacological groups, which are listed below.

Pharmacological groupWhat are they needed?Drugs

Sorbents	Removes toxins, toxic fumes, allergens, waste, eliminates intoxication. Cleanses the blood and helps strengthen the body’s protective functions	"Polysorb", "Activated carbon", "Enterodes", "Enterosgel", "Smecta"
Multivitamin and vitamin-mineral complexes	Restores the balance of vitamins and minerals, improves well-being, increases the body’s resistance to infectious diseases	"Alphabet", "Duovit", "Vitamax", "Biomax", "Vitrum", "Sana-sol"
Digestive enzymes	Eliminate signs of digestive disorders, improve digestion and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, relieve heartburn, bloating, flatulence	"Creon 10000", "Pancreatin"
Prebiotics, probiotics, lactobacilli	Suppress the activity of pathogenic flora, destroy pathogenic bacteria, restore the balance of microflora by populating the intestines with beneficial bacteria	"Linex", "Hilak Forte", "Yogulakt", "Bifidumbacterin", "Normobakt"
Antifungal drugs	Prescribed when fungi are detected in stool	"Levorin"

Bifidumbacterin for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in women

If vaginal dysbiosis is combined with intestinal dysbiosis, the woman is prescribed topical treatment agents, which can be used in the form of vaginal suppositories, gels or ointments. Preparations containing beneficial lactobacilli - Bifidumbacterin and Acylact suppositories - have an excellent therapeutic effect. Medicines have only one drawback - they are sold only in large populated areas, so residents of small towns and villages have to choose other means for the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis.

Diet for dysbiosis

Diet for intestinal microflora disorders

Women are recommended to eat foods rich in fiber and coarse plant fibers. These are vegetables, herbs, berries, fruits, cereals, rye flour, bran. These products improve intestinal function, cleanse it and improve the absorption of nutrients, which prevents disturbances of the intestinal microflora. The diet must include fermented milk products: kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk. There is now a huge selection of products in stores with the addition of healthy dairy crops, so creating the right menu will not be difficult.

semi-finished products;
sausages;
products containing monoatrium glutamate, flavorings, dyes and preservatives;
alcoholic drinks;
chips, crackers;
carbonated drinks;
herbs and spices.

Important! This diet is recommended for women not only during the period of treatment of dysbiosis - constant adherence to the recommendations will help improve the condition of the skin, improve the functioning of the digestive system, increase immunity and lose excess weight, if any.

Nutrition for dysbiosis

Folk recipes

The following remedies have been successfully used to treat dysbiosis in women:

oak bark decoction (drink 1 glass on an empty stomach until symptoms are completely eliminated);
a mixture of garlic and honey (take a teaspoon 2-3 times a day 30-60 minutes before meals for 5-7 days);
rice water (drink half a glass 2 times a day, regardless of meals, for 10 days).

Intestinal dysbiosis is a common pathology that can be asymptomatic or cause the appearance of uncharacteristic clinical signs. Timely treatment will help women not only avoid serious complications and infections of the gastrointestinal tract, but also maintain “women’s” health, which directly depends on the state of the intestinal microflora.

Video - How to treat intestinal dysbiosis with folk remedies

med-explorer.ru

How to treat intestinal microflora disorders

What is intestinal microflora, the causes of its disturbances, symptoms of dysbiosis in adults and children, features of the treatment of bacterial imbalances using various means.

Violation of intestinal microflora is a pathological process within the body, during which the level of immunity decreases and various diseases of internal organs may begin to develop.

Features of intestinal microflora

Intestinal microflora is a collection of beneficial bacteria that are found in it. It is worth noting that bacteria are not present in the entire human body; they are not present in the internal organs and blood. But in organs and systems that interact with the external environment, they are present - the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system. Thus, in the human body there are simultaneously many biological systems populated by beneficial bacteria. Microflora is a sensitive and very complex system. Most microorganisms are found in the large intestine, but not all parts of it have the same number of bacteria. In the small intestine, for example, there is a small number of them; due to the high percentage of hydrochloric acid in the department, they die. The largest number of bacteria are found in the microflora of the lower intestines; they consist of lacto- and bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are very important components of the microflora, which are mainly found in the large intestine. It is thanks to these beneficial microorganisms that our immunity is strong enough to fight pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Bifidobacteria, in addition to serving as a protective barrier against pathogenic microbes, help activate the functioning of the digestive organs. Also, with their help, vitamins and microelements are absorbed faster, amino acids and proteins are synthesized. Lactobacilli, which “live” in the intestines, are natural antibiotics for the body. The main function of lactobacilli is to protect and strengthen the immune system. In order to fully activate the work of these beneficial microorganisms, doctors advise consuming various dairy and fermented milk products as often as possible. Beneficial bacteria that inhabit a healthy intestine produce vitamin B and nicotinic acid, due to which calcium and iron from food products. Disruption of the normal intestinal microflora can occur for various reasons. As a result of failures, beneficial bacteria die, and pathogenic ones, on the contrary, begin to multiply faster.

Causes of intestinal microflora disorders

Very often it is a person who is the cause of such violations. This may be due to taking any medications, frequent overeating, improperly balanced meals, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity. Let's consider the most common causes of dysbiosis:

One of the most common causes of the disorder is treatment with antibiotics. They influence not only pathogenic bacteria, but also lead to the death of beneficial microorganisms.
Reasons that are at the top of the list of risk factors: smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, snacking on spicy and fatty foods and sweets. A microflora disorder may occur due to the fact that your diet does not contain foods containing plant fiber. After all, it is the main means for feeding beneficial microorganisms.
Another reason for the disorder: when the intestines are cleansed too often and actively. At the same time, both pathogenic and beneficial organisms die. This happens with uncontrolled use of laxatives.
When a person is too clean, he begins to overuse hygiene products. Overuse of antibacterial products kills beneficial bacteria.
If a person has recently suffered an infectious disease, the body is exhausted by inflammatory processes, possibly allergic reactions, then this, of course, will affect both the immune system and the intestinal microflora.
A common cause of dysbiosis is hormonal imbalance.
Past stress, diseases of the nervous system, constant lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet, and consumption of low-quality water are also on the list of causes of disruption of the normal intestinal microflora.

The main symptoms of intestinal microflora disorders

The main symptoms of such disorders are diarrhea or constipation, rumbling and increased flatulence. A person may feel unwell, weak in the body, and various types of pain in the abdominal area.

Symptoms of intestinal microflora disorders in adults

In adults, the symptoms of the disorder directly depend on the stage of the disease. Doctors identify four main ones:

The first is characterized by a slight imbalance between normal and pathogenic bacteria. Such imbalances can often be caused by a course of antibiotic treatment, as well as a sudden change in the quality of food or water. At this stage, the signs are not pronounced; there may only be rumbling in the stomach. The state of the microflora can improve and fully recover after the causes of the disorder are eliminated - the end of taking medications, the body getting used to new nutritional conditions.
Symptoms of dysbiosis in the second stage are more noticeable. Your appetite may decrease, you may experience a bad taste in your mouth, and you may experience nausea and vomiting. Patients often complain of bloating and flatulence, diarrhea or constipation. Of course, these symptoms can accompany other diseases, but most often they indicate the initial stages of dysbiosis.
In the third stage, the patient needs serious medical treatment, as bacteria inside the intestines begin to multiply more actively and cause inflammatory processes. Patients often experience severe pain in the intestines, stool is disturbed, often with various impurities.
At the fourth stage, all beneficial bacteria are forced out of the microflora. In this condition, the intestines cannot cope with the function of absorbing necessary substances, and vitamin deficiency develops. Patients have disturbed sleep patterns and a strong feeling of fatigue and apathy. If the disorder is severe, an infection inside the intestine may develop.

Symptoms may be expressed stronger or weaker depending on factors such as the general condition of the body, the level of immunity, and the patient’s lifestyle. For example, if one person, after a two-week course of antibiotic treatment, has only a slightly disturbed state of the microflora, then another may already have a serious degree of dysbiosis.

Signs of intestinal microflora disorders in children

Most often, dysbiosis worries newborn children. This is due to the characteristics of their body and the stages of its development. Doctors explain such disorders by the fact that the intestines of babies are practically sterile, the balance of microflora is not yet stable. It will be tuned in the first five days from birth. It is with breast milk that over time the baby will receive all the necessary beneficial microelements, as well as bacteria for the developing organism. The risk of dysbacteriosis is especially high in children who were born prematurely and in those who are bottle-fed. A newborn may have frequent abdominal pain, food is not properly digested, thereby causing the formation of gas and colic. You can avoid such violations by giving your baby additional nutrients - probiotics. The bacteria contained in them are very useful for the normal functioning of the child’s intestines. Not only newborns, but also the bodies of preschoolers and children of primary school age tend to be influenced by various factors (for example, infections, unbalanced nutrition), as a result of which the child may experience painful symptoms - diarrhea or constipation, problems with appetite, abdominal pain. They are direct evidence that the balance of the child’s intestinal microflora is disturbed. In children, the symptoms of disturbances appear more clearly and are often expressed in the following:

severe constipation or diarrhea;
Periodic pain of varying degrees in the lower abdomen;
Strong gas formation;
Loss of appetite;
The appearance of an allergic rash on the skin;
Lethargic and apathetic state.

Often, parents begin to independently treat their children with various herbal decoctions and suppositories for constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms. They provide only temporary relief for the child. All stages of treatment can only be selected by a specialist who will prescribe the necessary examinations and medications that can eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the cause of dysbiosis.

Consequences of intestinal microflora disturbance

As a result of an imbalance of microflora in the body, a process of intoxication occurs, which entails metabolic disorders and the development of inflammation. This process manifests itself as follows:

Bloating.
The feeling of hunger occurs a few minutes after eating.
The general condition of the body deteriorates noticeably: weakness sets in, and frequent dizziness and nausea may occur.

In order for all the symptoms to go away, it is necessary to undergo a course of microflora restoration.

Methods for treating intestinal microflora disorders

When starting the recovery process, you must first change your diet. The main goal of the diet is to normalize intestinal motility. For a good result of treatment, you only need a strict diet, completely excluding foods that can cause severe gas formation, and be sure to eat foods containing fiber. You should also consume dairy products every day.

Medicines for intestinal microflora disorders

The most popular drugs against dysbiosis that need to be taken for prevention by newborns are Bifiform Baby and Bifidumbacterin. They help the baby go through the adaptation process faster and form a balanced microflora in the intestines. The procedure for treating dysbiosis in adults is more complicated. If the absorption process is disrupted, problems with indigestion are a concern, then there is an excess of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. All this leads to inflammatory processes. In such cases, doctors prescribe strong antibacterial drugs. If the case of the disorder is more severe, antibiotics are prescribed: with penicillin, fluoroquinol or cephalosporin. Mild disorders can be cured with the help of antimicrobial drugs that have a bactericidal effect on the intestines. The treatment is a usual course and lasts a week or two. After antibiotic treatment is completed, patients are recommended to drink sorbents in order to completely cleanse the intestines of the remnants of dead pathogenic microorganisms. With the help of enzyme and choleretic drugs, as well as hepatoprotectors, the process of breaking down food and absorbing the necessary nutritional components. Thus, the conditions for restoring balance in the microflora are normalized and beneficial bacteria begin to populate it. It is also important to remember that it is necessary to correct the body’s immune status: for this, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators and vitamin therapy.

Folk remedies against microflora disorders in the intestines

The microflora will begin to actively recover if you start making adjustments to your diet. You also need to additionally support the body with vitamins and minerals. To increase the number of beneficial lactobacilli, include more carrots, white cabbage, garlic, celery, and beets in your diet. Here are several recipes for dishes made from these healthy foods that help restore the balance of bacteria in the intestines:

Beetroot marinade. Large beets are peeled and cut into small cubes. Fill with a liter of water and three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add sugar (a tablespoon), black pepper (a pinch) and cloves (a couple of pieces). The mixture is infused for a day at room temperature. You need to drink the infusion before meals, one tablespoon at a time.
Garlic oil. Garlic cloves (5-6 pieces) must be ground to a paste. Transfer the resulting mass into a glass container and pour in one glass of vegetable oil. Place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The oil is perfect for dressing various salads.

Proper nutrition to improve the condition of intestinal microflora

To combat intestinal microflora disturbances, it is recommended to use prebiotics. This is a natural product that perfectly improves immunity levels. They help the body quickly cope with colds and dysbiosis. This natural remedy is known as a common food component that will not be completely absorbed by the intestines, but at the same time perfectly activates the restoration of microflora. Prebiotics are found in large quantities in chicory, dandelion greens, garlic, onions, fresh asparagus, banana, and wheat bran. Including these products in the diet can significantly help restore microflora. Doctors recommend consuming fermented milk products daily, because they will perfectly replenish the reserves of beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria. They will help get rid of dysbacteriosis, strengthen the immune system, normalize the active functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The beneficial microorganisms included in fermented milk products will prevent pathogenic microbes and fungi from developing, will help to more easily digest carbohydrates, which will later turn into lactic acid, and are involved in the synthesis of vitamins K and B Also, with their help, the metabolic process will be better and cholesterol levels will be regulated.

If, after trying home treatment, improvement does not occur within 24 hours, you should immediately seek professional help.

Dysbacteriosis is the most common disorder associated with intestinal microflora. There are quite a few reasons why the microflora in the intestines can change, but most often dysbiosis develops after antibiotics. Currently, antibiotics are used for many bacterial infections, but in addition to pathogenic bacteria, such drugs also destroy beneficial microorganisms that the body needs for normal functioning, as a result of which dysbiosis develops.

If it is impossible to avoid treatment with antibiotics, then you should simultaneously take medications that contain live bacteria and will help normalize the intestinal microflora.

, , ,

ICD-10 code

K63.8 Other specified intestinal diseases

Causes of dysbiosis after antibiotics

Drug therapy is the most common cause of disruption of intestinal microflora. Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, use of low-quality drugs, incorrect dosage, violation of the dosage regimen, prolongation of the course of treatment without special need, self-medication with antibacterial drugs - all this develops resistance to antibacterial drugs, reduction of beneficial microflora, etc. Different groups of antibiotics have different effects on the intestines.

Tetracyclines are destructive to the upper layer and mucous membrane of the intestine, resulting in good conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. As a result of taking tetracyclines, the growth of clostridia, staphylococci, and candida fungi increases.

Aminoglycosides stop the growth of normal microflora.

Aminopenicillins promote the development of staphylococci and streptococci.

Fungicidal antibiotics selectively affect the proliferation of Proteus bacteria and lactose-negative Escherichia.

Dysbacteriosis can appear even after an individually selected antibiotic, with the correct dosage and indicated course of treatment. Even in this case, it will take at least a month to restore normal microflora.

Symptoms of dysbiosis after antibiotics

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics usually develops in the intestines or genitals.

The disease manifests itself as diarrhea, constipation (or alternating), bloating, and itching in the anal area. Symptoms of dysbiosis may appear both in the first days of treatment and in the last.

With vaginal dysbiosis, discharge appears with a changed color, smell or consistency, itching of the vagina and external genitalia, burning in the urethra, frequent urination, and pain in the lower abdomen may also appear.

If symptoms of dysbiosis appear after treatment with antibiotics, you should consult a specialist.

Dysbacteriosis in children after antibiotics

For some childhood diseases, it is impossible to avoid the use of antibiotics, but such treatment often leads to serious consequences. Quite often after treatment (or during treatment), children develop diarrhea, abdominal pain, and deterioration in general health.

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics in a child is manifested by upset stool (it becomes foamy, mushy, liquid, with a strong odor), flatulence, abdominal pain, and fever. Quite often, children begin to feel weak, nauseous, they become lethargic, sleep poorly, and lose their appetite. With dysbacteriosis, the child becomes restless and begins to act up; in addition, redness and irritation can be seen in the anal area.

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics requires a competent combination of treatment and diet. To normalize disturbed intestinal microflora, a long course of restorative therapy is often required. Dysbacteriosis is much easier to prevent, so from the first days of antibiotic therapy it is necessary to take prebiotics.

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics in infants

Diarrhea in newborns is especially worth noting, since most often it develops after a woman, while pregnant, has undergone a course of antibacterial therapy without restoring the intestinal flora. In infants, diarrhea leads to dehydration, so you should consult a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Typically, a child whose microflora is disturbed is restless and sleeps poorly due to abdominal pain that appears about two hours after eating. Almost every dysbacteriosis after antibiotics occurs with bloating, severe gas formation, and rumbling in the stomach. Due to weakened intestinal motility, the baby begins to regurgitate (in some cases, vomiting appears). Severe development of dysbacteriosis leads to the fact that nutrients are poorly absorbed in the intestines, diarrhea appears (foamy discharge with a sour or putrid odor), and the child does not gain weight well.

In some cases, newborns experience constipation, since the lack of bifidobacteria leads to a decrease in intestinal contractility.

, , ,

Vaginal dysbiosis after antibiotics

After antibiotics, a woman often develops vaginal dysbiosis, since antibacterial drugs destroy not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also beneficial microflora, which are normally present on the mucous membranes of internal organs. When the natural microflora is disrupted, various pathogenic microorganisms begin to actively manifest activity; fungal bacteria most often begin to multiply in the vagina.

In this case, treatment requires not only taking medications with prebiotics to restore the microflora, but also taking antifungal agents. Bacteria in the vagina provoke inflammatory processes in the cervix and vaginal walls, resulting in an increase in the amount of discharge, pain, itching, and burning in the genitals (painful intercourse is also possible). The very first symptom of a disturbed vaginal microflora is an insufficient amount of lubrication during a woman’s sexual arousal. In addition, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the uterus and cause inflammation of its inner layer (endometrium), fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics can cause inflammation of the bladder or urethra.

Intestinal dysbiosis after antibiotics

Today in medicine, antibiotics are used to treat almost all diseases, but effective treatment has a rather severe side effect - disruption of the body's microflora. Most often, dysbiosis after antibiotics develops in the intestines. However, several factors influence the severity of the disease.

First of all, people with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are more susceptible to the development of dysbiosis. In this case, treatment with antibiotics only aggravates the situation, since if the digestive processes are disrupted, the intestinal microflora has already been changed.

Also, taking antibacterial drugs for more than the prescribed period can greatly affect the intestinal microflora. Sometimes a person independently extends the treatment period in order to completely destroy the infection. In this case, the longer the antibiotic is taken, the more the natural intestinal microflora is disrupted.

Frequent courses of antibacterial therapy also do not have the best effect on the intestinal microflora. In some particularly severe cases, the patient’s condition requires just such treatment, but when a person independently decides to be treated with this kind of drugs, especially at the first signs of a cold, dysbiosis is almost impossible to avoid.

The intestinal microflora is able to recover on its own, but this takes time, and if antibacterial drugs are taken too often, the body does not have enough time to recover, as a result, fewer and fewer beneficial bacteria remain, and pathogenic bacteria receive optimal conditions for reproduction.

Particular attention should be paid to nutrition during the course of antibiotics. You should include more grains and dairy products, fruits and vegetables in your menu. The development of natural microflora is promoted by dietary fiber and fermented milk products, and if you do not consume them, dysbiosis develops faster and becomes more severe.

Diagnosis of dysbiosis after antibiotics

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics or for other reasons is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. The main way to diagnose dysbiosis is bacteriological examination of stool.

If necessary, a specialist may prescribe several additional research methods:

contrast X-ray examination;
sigmoidoscopy (examination of the intestine up to 30 cm with a special device);
colonoscopy (examination of the intestine up to 1 m using a special device)

In case of dysbiosis, as a rule, in addition to stool analysis, PCR, mass spectral analysis and analysis of parietal microflora are prescribed.

To determine dysbiosis, as well as its nature, it is necessary to determine which bacteria and in what quantity have multiplied in the intestines.

Nowadays, mainly two types of research are used: bacteriological and analysis of microflora metabolites.

Bacteriological research can identify up to 10% of microorganisms inhabiting the intestinal microflora. The results of the study are obtained in a week (this is the time needed for the bacteria to grow in a special environment, and their type can be determined.

Metabolic research involves determining the substances released by microorganisms during their life processes. This method is quite simple and effective, and in a few hours you can already find out the results.

When diagnosing dysbiosis, it is important to remember that each person is individual, and the intestinal microflora depends on age, diet, and season. Therefore, the diagnosis is not made only on the basis of tests, but requires additional research methods.

, , ,

Treatment of dysbiosis after antibiotics

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics is usually treated with special preparations that contain beneficial bacteria.

Prebiotics and probiotics are commonly used.

Prebiotics enter the body with food and are not digested in the intestines, but such substances are an excellent nutrient medium for microflora. These kinds of substances are found in large quantities in onions, garlic, corn, and dairy products. There are also special preparations containing prebiotics (normze, prebio, etc.).

Probiotics contain live bacteria that do not colonize the intestines, but rather inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and restore the natural balance in the intestines. However, in severe cases of dysbiosis, such drugs are ineffective and the use of antimicrobial drugs is required.

How to treat dysbiosis after antibiotics?

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics can be treated with intestinal antiseptics, which suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria, practically without affecting the bacteria important for the intestines.

Intetrix is a derivative of three quinolones and is prescribed for a course of no more than 5 days.

Nifuroxzide is part of the nitrofuran group and is usually prescribed as a weekly course of 200 mg four times a day.

Drugs for dysbiosis after antibiotics

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics, especially in severe form, is subject to drug treatment. Antibacterial drugs to restore intestinal microflora are prescribed only after the nature of dysbiosis has been established, and also only after testing the sensitivity of microorganisms.

For staphylococci and enterococci, drugs from the group of macrolides (oleandomycin) and semisynthetic penicillins (amoxicillin) are prescribed.
For E. coli, nalidixic acid derivatives, nitrofurans (antiseptics), and sulfonamides (phthalazole) are more effective.
For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, polymyxin, aminoglycosides (kanamycin).
For candidomycosis - lamisil, amphotericin.
For dysbacteriosis, bacteriophages are also used - viruses that act against only one type of bacteria. Such drugs can be used in conjunction with antibiotics or as an alternative treatment. Bacteriophages are taken orally or used as an enema. The modern pharmaceutical market offers coliproteus, staphylococcal, pseudomonas, and proteus bacteriophages.

Dysbacteriosis leads to hypovitaminosis, for the treatment of which vitamin complexes (multitabs) are prescribed. Also, with dysbacteriosis, immune defense is impaired, so immunomodulators are used in treatment, which not only help improve immunity, but also quickly restore the intestinal microflora. Typically, herbal remedies (Echinacea tincture, propolis) are used for this purpose.

, , , ,

Nutrition for dysbiosis after antibiotics

To maintain the natural balance of intestinal microflora, it is important to consume cereals and lactic acid products, vegetables, fruits, which contain dietary fiber, amino acids, lacto- and bifidobacteria.

When treating dysbiosis, it is necessary to adhere to the basic principles of nutrition:

eating at strictly defined hours;
the diet should include dietary fiber and fermented milk products;
The diet is individual; if the product is unresponsive, it must be immediately excluded from the diet.

To normalize the intestinal microflora, it is important to include in your diet foods containing poly- and oligosaccharides (cereals, fruits, vegetables). These substances serve as a source of energy for bifidobacteria.

Breast milk contains oligosaccharides, so if infants have dysbiosis, it is important to continue breastfeeding.

Other sources of oligosaccharides are zucchini, carrots, oatmeal, onions and garlic. Many berries, apples, bananas, and apricots contain fructooligosaccharides. Dandelion roots, legumes, and chicory are rich in polysaccharides. To get your daily sugar intake you need to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits.

Polysaccharides, also known as dietary fiber, are necessary for the intestines as a source of nutrition for bacteria, to improve motility, and they also act as natural enterosorbents.

For dysbiosis caused by staphylococci, it is recommended to increase the consumption of raspberries, strawberries, and rowan.
For Protea and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, garlic, onions, radishes, apples, and apricots have a suppressive effect.
Altered E. coli is inhibited by pomegranates, bell peppers, and onions.
Carrots and lingonberries help with candidiasis.

As a source of probiotics, you can use lactic acid products (kefir, acidophilus, activia, kumis, etc.).

Dysbacteriosis after antibiotics has recently become more and more common, since almost all diseases are treated with the use of antibacterial agents. In order to reduce the negative effect of such drugs, it is necessary to maintain the intestinal microflora from the first days of treatment with the help of special drugs and a balanced diet.