New treatments for gut problems

Posted by Grace Dervishi on November 8th, 2017

It is the process in which the useful intestinal bacteria and yeasts from a healthy donor is transplanted into the colon of a person who is lacking that essential gut Micro flora which is very important and necessary for their digestive system to function properly.

The process of Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) has been shown to be over 90% effective in treating the C.difficile infection in patients who had failed to respond to antibiotic treatment. The treatment is necessary as the gut bacteria play a significant part in alleviating the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis), Constipation, Chronic Diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS (Post-Infectious, Post-Antibiotic) an various Neurological conditions. The gut microbiota has been associated to several conditions and the emerging new treatment has been playing a very important role in the field of medical science.

Chronic constipation is a functional bowel disorder worldwide, affecting 14% of adults and about 36% of the elderly age group people. Chronic constipation is characterized by various symptoms of difficult, infrequent, or incomplete defecation problem.

Three broad categories in chronic constipation;

• normal-transit constipation

• slow-transit constipation (STC)

• defecatory or rectal evacuation disorders.

The large intestine passes waste along its length to the rectum. This activity is controlled by nerves of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Slow transit constipation (STC), formerly known as neuronal intestinal dysplasia, is characterized by the reduced spontaneous movement within the large intestine, caused by abnormalities of the enteric nerves. The abnormal slow passage of waste through the large intestine leads to the chronic problem of constipation.

Symptoms of slow transit constipation

• passing bowel motions infrequently

• blood in the stools (poo)

• diarrhea

• abdominal pains

• constipation

• nausea

• poor appetite

Occasional constipation doesn't indicate a need to see a doctor, but you should seek professional advice for a persistent problem. In most cases for the treatment of constipation, the patient respond to conservative treatment, such as dietary and exercise changes or mild laxatives.

Your doctor may probably start treatment by recommending more fiber or bulk in your diet. The laxatives are also safe to use with less side effects. However, with any OTC medication, it is very important to know about the instructions for taking the drug. Overusing laxatives can lead to potentially serious side effects. The doctor may also encourage you not to suppress the urge to have a bowel movement.

Increasing exercise is also a good treatment for regular constipation. For certain kind of constipation in older children or adults, the doctor may recommend lactulose or specially formulated electrolyte solutions.