Ischemic Bowel Disease(Ischemic Colitis)Pronounced: is-KEY-mik
by
Monica Bearden, RD DefinitionIschemic bowel disease results from inadequate flow of oxygenated blood to the intestines. The extent of ischemic bowel disease can range from mild to severe based on the amount of damage from lack of oxygenated blood. This is a potentially serious condition and requires immediate medical care. The sooner ischemic bowel disease is treated, the more favorable the outcome.
CausesIschemic bowel disease occurs when an artery that supplies blood becomes blocked or narrowed. There are several possible causes of ischemic bowel disease, including:
Risk FactorsIschemic bowel disease is more common in older adults. Other factors that may increase your chances of developing ischemic bowel disease include:
SymptomsIschemic bowel disease may cause:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may suspect ischemic bowel disease based on your symptoms and risk factors. Tests may be done to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Tests may include the following:
TreatmentTreatment options depend on the severity of the ischemia and include the following: Supportive CareBowel rest and intravenous fluids are given in mild cases without significantly progressed damage to the bowel. AntibioticsAntibiotics are administered to minimize infection, which can quickly complicate an ischemic bowel. SurgeryIn more severe cases, surgery is required to remove the ischemic colon. PreventionTo help reduce your chances of ischemic bowel disease:
RESOURCES:American College of Gastroenterology http://gi.org American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy https://www.asge.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org HealthLink BC https://www.healthlinkbc.ca References:Green BT, Tendler DA. Ischemic colitis: A clinical review.
Southern Med J. 2005;98(2):217-222. Greenwald DA, Brandt LJ, et al. Ischemic bowel disease in the elderly.
Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2001;30(2):445-473.
Ischemic colitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116157/Ischemic-colitis. Updated September 13, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daus Mahnke, MD Last Updated: 8/4/2020 |
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