Colon Ischemia, Conditions of Obstruction of Harmful Intestinal Blood Vessels

The whole body needs an optimal blood supply, including intestinal organs. When blood flow to the large intestine is obstructed, of course, this will affect the work of the intestine, even causing pain. In the medical world, this condition is known as colon ischemia or ischemic colitis. So, what are the main causes of this condition? Is this disease dangerous?

What causes large intestinal ischemia?

The work of all body organs, including the intestine, can function normally if it is supported by sufficient blood flow. But when there is a blockage in the arteries to the large intestine, it can result in reduced blood supply.

This makes the large intestine not get enough oxygen and food to carry out its function. If left unchecked, this condition will cause bowel ischemia.

The blockage that occurs in the arteries is not always the same for everyone. Certain things can lead to obstruction of blood flow, such as due to a buildup of fat or plaque in the walls of the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.

In addition, the presence of blood clots that block the arteries can also result in reduced or even cessation of blood flow to the intestine. Usually, this blood clotting often attacks people with arrhythmias. Low blood pressure (hypotension) due to heart failure, major surgery, and trauma can also trigger a decrease in blood flow.

Signs and symptoms of large intestinal ischemia

Colon ischemia is generally more often experienced by elderly people who are around 60 years and older, but does not rule out a younger age can also experience it. Be alert if suddenly you feel pain and cramps in your left abdomen, this is the most typical symptom of colon intestinal ischemia.

Especially if accompanied by bleeding in the stool, but usually not too severe. Some signs and symptoms that you must immediately realize if you have large intestinal ischemia, namely:

• Stomach pain after eating
• The urge to always want to defecate
• Diarrhea
• Bloated
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Body weight gradually decreases

The longer the abdominal pain will develop on the right side, probably due to an artery blockage that leads to the other part of the large intestine. It is important not to delay consulting a doctor whenever you feel suspicious symptoms.

What is the right treatment for this condition?

Treatment for the condition of the intestine that has this blockage can usually heal by itself. In addition, you may receive intravenous fluids to keep the body optimally hydrated, while giving rest to the intestine during healing.

In conditions that are still fairly mild, treatment with drugs can be one way to enlarge the narrowed arteries and destroy clots that clot, for example, the consumption of thrombolytic drugs and vasodilators.

If your case is more serious, surgery may be needed to remove and repair damaged intestinal tissue.

Are there complications from colon intestinal ischemia?

Although it can heal by itself for a mild category, large intestinal ischemia cannot be underestimated. The reason is, the most serious complications that can arise are gangrene. Gangrene occurs when blood flow to the large intestine is obstructed, as a result, the tissue dies and is damaged so surgery is needed to remove it.

Various other complications that can arise, such as:

• Perforation, which is a hole in the intestine
• Peritonitis, inflammation of the tissue lining the stomach
• Intestinal inflammation
• Sepsis, due to a bacterial infection that spreads through the bloodstream and can be fatal

Can this condition be prevented?

Not much different from other diseases, the risk of large intestinal ischemia can be suppressed by regularly implementing a healthy lifestyle early on which includes exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and reducing or avoiding cigarettes.

Always regularly monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and heart health can also help prevent blockage of blood flow in the intestine.

While for those of you who have had large intestinal ischemia, doctors usually recommend stopping taking any type of medication that can trigger a recurrence of blockages in the bloodstream. For that, make sure you tell the doctor about what types of drugs you are routinely consuming.

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