Ischemic Bowel Disease

Ischemic bowel disease is a chronic malfunctioning of the intestines, which is due to insufficient blood supply. In medical terms, this digestive system disease is referred to as ischemic colitis and is characterized by inflammation of the bowel, particularly the large intestine. As per hospital data, one out of every 1000 people are diagnosed with this progressive bowel problem. Many people who have this condition are not aware about, what is ischemic bowel disease? Let's discuss in brief the risk factors, symptoms and treatment of ischemic bowel disease.

Causes

Ischemic bowel disease is listed as the most prevailing form of ischemia of the intestine. An individual diagnosed with ischemic bowel disease shows presence of constricted arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the intestinal portion. However, until date, no specific reason has been identified for causing ischemic bowel disease.

Taken at a glance, any medical problem that restricts blood supply to the bowel can lead to ischemic bowel disease. Some of the possible risk factors for this bowel disorder are hypotension (low blood pressure), hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis, colon cancer, prolonged smoking, obesity and medicine side effects. Elderly people, who are above 50 years old, are at a higher risk of developing ischemic bowel disease, as compared to others. Thus, ischemic bowel disease is very uncommon in the general population, as a whole.

Symptoms

As an ischemic bowel disease condition is resulted from injury and damage of the intestines, it is apparent to experience unusual bowel symptoms. Majority of the patients with this disease have reported inconsistent abdominal pain in the early stages. And these painful cramps worsen after having a large meal. According to some, pain and tenderness is severe in the lower left side of the abdomen.

Other symptoms of ischemic bowel disease are rectal bleeding, bloody stools, black stools and abnormal bowel movements (constipation and diarrhea). As the disease progresses, abdominal cramps become frequent and more painful. In severe and advanced cases, ischemic bowel disease cause life-threatening symptoms like organ damage, especially because of lack of oxygen and blood for an extant period. Thus, in case of any possible signs for this bowel disorder, it is best to undergo diagnostic methods as soon as possible.

Treatment

Early diagnosis of ischemic bowel disease is difficult, as the symptoms are often confused with other medical conditions. For detection of ischemic bowel disease, the doctor may examine the symptoms and medical history of the patient. If necessary, stool analysis is done to check for presence of blood cells. Treatment for mild ischemic bowel disease include bowel rest (for a specific period), diet management, smoking cessation, controlling weight and regular exercising.

If diagnosed in the early stages, ischemic bowel disease can be treated by advocating anticoagulant drugs and medication. However, with this method, there are risks for recurrent onset of the discomfort and painful symptoms. A more effectual treatment for ischemic bowel disease involves angioplasty to repair the damaged blood vessels. For severe cases of ischemic bowel disease, the doctor may perform surgical procedures to remove the severely affected bowel portion. Though a good prognosis is rare with ischemic bowel disease, symptoms can be combated with prompt treatment approaches.