Exercise-associated Intestinal Ischemia

Ischemic colitis in an athlete: running is not always good for you

“…Ischemic colitis can occur in endurance runners (1)(2)(3)(4)(5); it seems more common in young women with little training (1,2). The gastrointestinal symptoms are usually mild (2).…”

“…The pathophysiology is related to increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which redirects splanchnic blood flow to the vital organs (2-4). Various factors decrease splanchnic flow: young age, high intensity and long duration of exercise, scant training, dehydration, and high temperatures (1,3). Some drugs (e.g., contraceptives) predispose to ischemic colitis (2,4).…”

“…The splenic flexure and rectosigmoid junction are most susceptible to low flow; however, exercise-related ischemic colitis most commonly affects the cecum and ascending colon (1,3,4).…”

Ischemic colitis due to vigorous physical exercise

“…But it can indeed be serious and life threatening (13). There is a recent publication of a patient who underwent a right hemicolectomy due to ischemic colitis with clinical peritonism (14).…”

Estrategias de suplementacion y función gastrointestinal en atletas de resistencia

“…Entre los motivos de consulta frecuentes de los atletas de resistencia y ultrarresistencia están las molestias gastrointestinales (GI) como náuseas, vómitos, dispepsia, cólico abdominal, urgencia de defecación, diarrea, heces con sangre e incluso colapso 2,3 . La relación entre los síntomas GI y la isquemia GI producida durante el ejercicio físico se encuentra aún bajo evaluación 3,4 . Estos síntomas GI inducidos por el ejercicio son atribuidos frecuentemente a desórdenes de la motilidad gastrointestinal, factores mecánicos y aumento en la secreción de hormonas como la adrenalina.…”