"Why Does My Intestine Move Excessively?"
Intestinal Movement: A Typical Symptom of Intestinal Spasm
Intestinal movement, often indicative of intestinal spasms, refers to involuntary, intense, and intermittent contractions and relaxations of the intestinal tract, frequently accompanied by pain and discomfort. Severe intestinal spasms may stem from various causes such as mental stress, intestinal allergies, intestinal dysfunction, intestinal infections, or Crohn's disease. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention and adhere to the prescribed treatment plan after a definitive diagnosis.
1. Mental Stress
Mental stress, anxiety, or excessive pressure can trigger intestinal spasms. It is crucial to maintain a positive mindset, avoiding excessive tension and anxiety. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can be helpful. Additionally, gentle abdominal heat compresses and massages can alleviate intestinal spasms.
2. Intestinal Allergies
Certain individuals may develop intestinal inflammation and spasms in response to specific foods or drugs. Avoiding allergens, adjusting dietary habits to exclude spicy and fatty foods, and adhering to a doctor's recommendations for anti-allergic medications like chlorpheniramine or loratadine can alleviate symptoms.
3. Intestinal Dysfunction
Dysfunctional intestinal nerve control and muscle movement can lead to spasms. Dietary modifications, including increased fiber intake, adequate hydration, regular meals, and avoidance of irritants, are advised. Treatment should address the underlying cause. For psychological factors, psychological counseling may be necessary. For dietary habits, avoiding extreme hunger or overeating and stimulating foods is crucial. Medication-induced dysfunction requires discontinuation of the offending drug. Anti-spasmodic and analgesic medications like pinaverium bromide or trimebutine can be prescribed for symptomatic relief.
4. Intestinal Infections
Intestinal infections can cause spasms due to inflammation-induced damage to intestinal mucosa and muscular contractions. Treatment focuses on controlling the infection's cause. Antibiotics like cefalexin or levofloxacin may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Antiparasitic drugs like albendazole are used for parasitic infections. Anti-spasmodic and analgesic medications, including hyoscine butylbromide injection or belladonna tablets, can be prescribed. Severe abdominal pain may require analgesics like ibuprofen capsules.
5. Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition primarily affecting the ileum and colon but can involve the entire digestive tract, can cause spasms during active periods due to inflamed intestinal mucosa, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration stimulating smooth muscle contractions. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications like mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or azathioprine tablets. Rest, avoiding fatigue, stress, irritants, and high-fiber foods is also essential to prevent symptom exacerbation. Individualized treatment based on the specific cause of intestinal spasms is necessary, and persistent symptoms should prompt medical attention.