What Are the Causes of Ischemic Bowel Disease?

Ischemic bowel disease, also commonly known as ischemic colitis, is a medical condition which is characterized by inflammation of a part of the colon mainly caused due to insufficient supply of blood to the organ. The left side of the abdomen is the most commonly affected area by ischemic colitis; however this condition can spread to various other parts of the body as well. Most cases of ischemic bowel disease are mild in nature and get cured on their own within a few of days.

Inadequate Supply of Blood

The most common cause that leads to ischemic bowel disease is insufficient blood supply to the colon. The most common reason for this shortage of blood of supply is presence of blood clots in the bloodstream. These clots of blood obstruct the smooth passage of blood and also lead to narrowing of the passages through which the blood flows, leading to inadequate supply of blood to various organs, including the colon.

Another common reason for the insufficient blood supply to the colon are diseases such as atherosclerosis, which is a medical condition characterized by deposition of various fatty substances on the walls of the blood vessels that supply blood directly to the colon.

Role of Drugs and Medications

According to a recent study conducted by Mayo clinic, it was found that certain drugs and medication can lead to ischemic colitis as a side effect. Some of these drugs include non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medications, drugs used to treat blood pressure, Lanoxin -- commonly known as the heart drug -- and pseudoephedrine, among others. Most of these drugs lead to the constriction of the blood vessels supplying blood to the colon, leading to ischemic colitis.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions such as abnormal blood pressure (both high and low blood pressure), increased cholesterol and fat levels in the body and heart diseases, among others, are often considered to be predisposing factors that can eventually lead to ischemic colitis. High cholesterol and fat levels lead to the narrowing and obstruction of the blood vessels, increasing the probability of acquiring ischemic bowel disease due to insufficient supply of blood to the colon.

Age

Age is another common factor that leads to ischemic colitis as this disorder generally occurs in individuals aging between 50 to 60 years. With progressing age the blood vessels also constrict due to the accumulation of various pollutants and toxins, causing inadequate blood supply to various organs of the body including the colon and thus increasing the probability of developing ischemic bowel disease.

Other Common Causes Leading to Ischemic Colitis

Various other common causes such as bacterial and viral infections (caused by E.coli and cytomegalovirus, respectively), abdominal surgeries among others are often considered to be one of the causes leading to ischemic colitis in individuals.