What is intestinal leakage? An expert explains

The passing of 80s songstress Rohana Jalil, 68, last night sparked grief among many especially her fans.

The deceased took her last breath at around 11.33pm at Tuanku Muhriz Chancellor Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

The media previously reported that Rohana, who was born Dara Abdul Jalil, had been hospitalised for the past two months and was placed under surveillance due to intestinal leakage.

Let's delve deeper into what is exactly intestinal leakage or leaky gut syndrome?

According to Cleveland Clinic, studies showed that those with gastrointestinal disease or bowel-related problems have the potential to experience leaky gut.

The medical website states that leaky gut syndrome occurs when the mucus layer in the intestines created to absorb water and nutrients from food into the bloodstream leaks.

"The intestinal wall acts as a protector from bacteria and infectious agents from entering the intestine.

"Leaky gut causes bacteria and infections from the digestive tract to enter the bloodstream," it said.

Notably, the medical website pointed out that leaky gut has yet to be identified as just a disease in the gut or an ailment that can cause other effects.

The source lists several factors that can lead to a leaky gut including:

1. Chronic inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine).

2. Other diseases that can cause intestinal injury such as HIV and Aids.

3.Chemotherapy treatment or radiation therapy.

4. Excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs.

5. Food allergies.

However, Cleveland Clinic noted that there are no symptoms that can be directly linked to leaky gut.

Here are some common symptoms experienced by patients including:

1. Painful or burning sensation in the intestine.

2. Indigestion.

3. Diarrhea.

4. Flatulence.

5. No energy.

6. Inflammation of the oral mucosa as a result of the side effects of radiation treatment.

SinarPlus also referred to another health website - Healthline.

It stated that there is no specific treatment for patients with a leaky gut.

The doctor will only give a treatment to reduce the symptoms experienced by the patient.

"If a patient is diagnosed with celiac disease which causes an allergy to obtain nutrients, they will be advised to follow a gluten-free diet to help heal the gut.

"For those suffering from IBD, the doctor will give anti-inflammatory drugs to help the immune system, antibiotics, painkillers and supplements such as iron, calcium and vitamin D that can help cure the intestinal layer," it explained.

Healthline added that for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, they will be given depression medication, antibiotics, painkillers or specific medication for IBS, namely alosetron, lubiprostone, linaclotide.

All of them can help reduce the symptoms experienced.

In conclusion, SinarPlus highly encourages a healthy diet.

Avoid eating too many processed and fried foods.

It is better to prevent than to cure.