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Ulcerative Colitis: A complete Guide to Support you with the Disease

By on April 2, 2019

The effectiveness of the drug may vary from person to person thus it requires time to select the appropriate drug for the patient. For some people, a single drug does not work alone and they require a combination of drugs.

If you have been diagnosed with the chronic disease ulcerative colitis, you must be wondering what the disease is?

What is Ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and eventually, ulcers in the digestive tract. This disease affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum but may also affect the entire colon. It usually begins in the rectum and then spread to the entire colon. Small intestines are rarely affected but it may cause the inflammation of the end a section of the small intestine. The inflammation causes the bowel contents move rapidly and is emptied more frequently. Ulcers are formed as a result of the death of the cells present on the surface of the bowel lining.

What is ulcerative colitis

What is ulcerative colitis

What Are The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis?

The worst part of ulcerative colitis is that it may last for years or lifelong and may also lead to colon cancer. This disease has no cure. The symptoms start with little abdominal discomfort that proceeds cramps, sharp pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. The symptoms get worse with time. There is multiple stools with bloody diarrhoea and you start losing blood that makes person dehydrated and anaemic. Social withdrawal is also common.

The good news is that although ulcerative colitis cannot be cured, there are medical and surgical procedures that can help you to come out of its imprisonment. Also, lifestyle modification and changes in diet have been found very helpful to ease the symptoms and bring your life back to the track.

What Causes Ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. One of the theory is that the body’s immune system makes a mistake and starts attacking the gut bacteria, and healthy cells that lines the colon considering them intruders.The reason for body such reaction is unknown, but it is considered that genes may play an important role in such an action.
Sensitivity to specific food products may also act as triggering factors. Some also consider that stress may cause flare-up or aggravate the symptomsof colitis.

Individuals At The Risk Of Developing Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis commonly develops at age group 15 to 30 years. It is less frequent in people of age 50 to 70 years. Children may also develop this disease. There may be a family history of ulcerative colitis. This disease effects in males and females.

What Are The Tests And Diagnostic Procedures To Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are enough to persuade you to seek medical help. To confirm tests and procedures are conducted such as blood tests to check anaemia, stool sample to check the presence of white blood cells and colonoscopy to view colon. Tissue samples aretaken for laboratory analysis. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is done to examine the last portion of your colon. X-ray is also performed in the case of severe symptoms to rule out complications.

What Is The Treatment Of Ulcerative Colitis

On the severity of the disease several categories of drugs are recommended by the physician. The first line of treatment of ulcerative colitis includes anti-inflammatory drugs.

In the case of moderate to severe cases of colitis that do not respond to other treatments, corticosteroids are given.

To some people, immune suppressants are given along with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Sometimes additional medicines, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medicines, vitamin supplements, iron supplements and pain relievers are also given to manage ulcerative colitis.

Cases not responding to medicines are treated by surgery.

Apart from medicines change in lifestyle and diet also helps. The most important key to ease symptoms of colitis is to stay active and reduce stress. Dedicate 30-45 minutes daily to mild exercises. You may also try breathing exercises, yoga and meditation.

Diet To Manage Ulcerative Colitis

There also needs to make changes in your dietary measures. Eating small meals at the small intervals. Drink plenty of water.

Diet To Manage Ulcerative Colitis

Diet To Manage Ulcerative Colitis

Increase the intake of probiotics and food sources rich in omega-3 have to reduce inflammation. Some patients have reported relief in their symptoms by limiting the intake of dairy products, fatty foods, carbonated drinks, refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine, dried fruits, meat, legumes, beans, seeds and spicy foods. It is better if you reduce the intake of fiber foods such as whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits.

If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis there is no need to feel helpless as symptoms of colitis can be controlled as well as the flare-up time can be lengthened with proper medications and diet changes.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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