Chronic intestinal complaints: causes and treatment
Intestinal complaints are common and often underestimated. A healthy gut contributes to a well-functioning immune system.
Chronic intestinal complaints have a major impact on your overall health and well-being. The large intestine contains billions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, the production of vitamins, and the functioning of the immune system. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to various complaints that extend far beyond the gut.
At HPV Health, we investigate the possible underlying causes of your intestinal complaints. Alongside relieving complaints, we also look at possible underlying causes, whether that be parasites, bacteria, fungi, or food intolerances.
of the Dutch population has chronic intestinal complaints. A portion of these is classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Common symptoms
Chronic intestinal complaints manifest in different ways. We regularly see the following symptoms in patients in our practice:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Distension and bloating
- Excessive flatulence
- Nausea
- Chronic fatigue
- Anal itching
- Anemia
- Skin complaints
A portion of these complaints is classified as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We additionally look at possible underlying factors.
Possible causes
Parasitic infections
In a portion of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, parasites are found. The most common parasites are:
- Dientamoeba fragilis: the most common intestinal parasite in the Netherlands
- Blastocystis hominis: a common single-celled parasite
- Giardia lamblia: causes watery diarrhea and malabsorption
- Worms: including roundworms and pinworms
Bacterial infections
Pathogenic bacteria can cause or sustain chronic intestinal complaints:
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Klebsiella
Fungal infections
Candida albicans normally occurs in small amounts in the gut, but overgrowth can lead to symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, sugar cravings, and skin problems.
Other causes
- Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
- Food intolerances
- Leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability): the tight junctions that normally serve as a barrier are affected, allowing substances from the gut to enter the bloodstream
In addition, it is important to test for food intolerances via the blood. For an intolerance, IgG antibodies are tested. There are 4 classifications for an intolerance, 1 to 4. The higher the classification, the stronger your body reacts to certain foods.
The gut-immune connection
The large intestine contains billions of bacteria and forms one of the most important parts of the immune system. The intestinal wall is lined with tight junctions, cells that function as a tight barrier between the intestinal contents and the bloodstream.
When this barrier is damaged (leaky gut), undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens can enter the bloodstream. This activates the immune system and leads to chronic inflammation. A weakened immune system, in turn, has more difficulty fighting viruses such as HPV.
Restoring gut health is therefore an important part of our integrated treatment plan for HPV.
Diagnostics: stool analysis
To determine the cause of your intestinal complaints, we use extensive stool analysis. The following parameters are examined:
| Parameter | What is measured | Normal value |
|---|---|---|
| Parasites | Presence of Dientamoeba, Blastocystis, Giardia, worms | Negative |
| Pathogenic bacteria | Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella | Negative |
| pH value | Acidity of the stool | 6 – 6.80 |
| Digestion | Digestive capacity (fat, protein, starch) | Normal |
| Candida | Presence and degree of fungal growth | No overgrowth |
| IgA | Secretory immunoglobulin A (mucosal immunity) | Normal |
| Occult blood | Hidden blood loss in the stool | Negative |
Treatment options
Treatment of Dientamoeba fragilis
The standard treatment consists of Clioquinol 250 mg, three times daily for 10 days. This does not work equally well for everyone.
An alternative agent is paromomycin.
Treatment of Giardia lamblia
Giardia is treated with Tinidazole or Flagyl. This does not work equally well for everyone.
Supportive treatment
In addition to medical treatment, we use supplemental remedies to restore gut flora and make the environment unfavorable for pathogens:
- Probiotics: for restoration of a healthy gut flora
- Garlic: traditionally used to provide support
- Oregano oil: traditionally used to provide support
- Berberine: plant-based remedy traditionally used to provide support
Suffering from intestinal complaints?
Chronic intestinal complaints deserve a thorough approach. In a personal consultation, we identify the cause and draw up a targeted treatment plan.
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