Today we are discussing ulcerative colitis. This is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, and is an inflammation of the intestines. It can cause considerable pain. Patients can suffer from abdominal cramping and they may also feel pain in the rectum. For most patients, the pain could either last long, or fade as the inflammation lessons. Ulcerative colitis is also known as Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is different from the condition known as IBS (Inflammatory bowel syndrome) which is not associated with ulcers or other bowel damage.
Causes of IBD:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system attempts to fight off invading viruses, or bacteria. The result is an abnormal immune response which causes the immune system to attack its own cells. When this happens in the digestive tract, it causes ulcerative colitis. A question we are asked as physicians is if ulcerative colitis could be hereditary.
Research has shown us that this disease can occur within families. However, it is noted that only 1 (one) percent of children of those suffering from this disease will ever be affected. Therefore, at this time based upon research, heredity doesn’t play a very large role.
The treatment of ulcerative colitis or IBD:
The treatment of ulcerative colitis has improved in the past few years. IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) or ulcerative colitis and it’s many complications can be treated using either medication or surgery when required. This disease is not generally life-threatening. The majority of those suffering with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, will never develop colorectal cancer. It is highly treatable when it is found early. This is why we suggest testing for this disease regularly.
Treatment may involve drug therapy and could involve surgery as well. Patients usually react well to anti-inflammatory drugs. This is normally the first step to treatment. But seeing your gastroenterologist on a regular basis and following the treatment he suggests usually will keep your symptoms under control as long as the disease is not severe.
As you visit your doctor make sure you are not shy about sharing your symptoms and flare-ups that you struggle with daily. Remember, your physician cannot help you with the challenges if you don’t share this with him or her. They can guide you to make better choices and suggest medications which will help you live with the pain of ulcerative colitis.
When are flare-ups common in women?
Ulcerative colitis is known to flare-up between periods. It can also cause frequent and urgent bowel movements, bloody stools, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is important to take medications as prescribed only. An effective treatment plan to manage your flare-ups is needed to manage this disease.
Changing your diet to control ulcerative colitis symptoms:
Spending time with a nutritionist is a day of a good decision for all of those suffering from ulcerative colitis or IBD. Every patient should focus on a healthy diet. Your nutritionist will develop a perfect eating plan and they will also determine if you need additional vitamins or mineral supplements. Avoid foods such as dairy products, if you are lactose intolerant. Stay clear of dried beans, legumes and peas. Avoid dried fruits, and foods that contain sulfur or sulfate. High fiber foods can also trigger colitis symptoms.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine to keep flare-ups to a minimum. Broccoli is another veggie that could aggravate the symptoms of colitis. This is because these foods are very difficult to break down in the digestive system. Popcorn is another food that is not easy for the body to break down and can cause pain for those with this disease.
Determining if you have ulcerative colitis:
Before diagnosing ulcerative colitis, your physician will rule out other possible causes of your pain or symptoms. He may request that you take a blood test, which could search for any signs of anemia and infection. He may ask for a stool sample to check for white blood cells. If they are present in your stool, it could point to ulcerative colitis. Further, he may even ask you to schedule a colonoscopy which is an examination of the entire colon. If polyps are found during the colonoscopy, the doctor will remove those polyps and send these specimens to the lab to look for abnormal tissue which could point to cancer. Having a colonoscopy is not just for checking for ulcerative colitis. It also gives the patient a huge advantage in finding any cancer early enough to save your life. All seniors should have at least one colonoscopy every five years.
If you have severe symptoms that point to ulcerative colitis or any other gastroenterology disease, please contact your physician immediately. The physician may ask to x-ray your abdominal area to rule out ulcerative colitis. The x-ray can also rule out a perforated colon. Another test which the physician may order is called a CT scan. This test can determine if your colon is inflamed. An inflamed color is a rad flag for gastroenterologists.
The benefit of steroids:
Some ulcerative colitis patients receive an oral steroid, or an injection of steroids to reduce the inflammation which causes considerable pain. The steroid does help some patients by suppressing the immune system. These steroids are normally given to patients who have severe pain of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis symptoms and pain associated with this. Steroids are not given to patients for long term use. Take only as prescribed because steroids can be addictive if they are used inappropriately.
Thanks for stopping by. Hurry back for more next time.
Staff Writer