No one can positively point to the one single item that actually causes ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, Ulcerative colitis (uc) is a disease that can appear in people of any age, but it usually begins between the ages of 14 to 32 years. If you don’t have it by the time you reach 32, there is a substantially less likelihood that you will get it later in life. UC affects men and women equally. It also has a genetic link because some people have genetic tendency to develop the condition. A persons diet and sensitivity to certain foods may also be causes that may cause the onset of symptoms in some patients. The condition becomes worse if the stress to live with ulcerative colitis persists. One very interesting note is that smoking can actually decrease the risk of ulcerative colitis. It’s probably about one of the only good things that can come out of cigarette smoke.
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Ulcerative Colitis or “UC”, is actually the inflammation of the membrane that forms a lining along the colon of the large intestine or bowel. UC causes ulcers or sores in the layers of the large intestine. The inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently and in many cases may cause mild or sever diarrhea. These ulcers are formed and kill the healthy colon lining cells. These ulcers bleed and also give out pus and mucus.
Ulcerative Colitis patients are advised to visit their health care provider as soon as symptoms are noticed. Some early indications of UC are: diarrhea lasting for more than three days, severe pain in the rectum or the abdomen, indications of dry mouth, anxiety and restlessness and excessive thirst. Other ways to find out are: blood in the stool, fever with diarrhea.
If these conditions persistent for more than a few days, the first step should be to immediately consult your primary care physician. They will adivise of you possible treatments. The treatment for colitis depends upon how severe the disease is affecting you. Many cases of UC can simply be treated with medication. However, extreme and severe cases of Ulcerative Colitis may require surgery. If surgery is an option, the diseased colon is usually removed. The colon removal relieves the patient from inflammation and replaces the nutritional losses associated with the diseased colon.
Other treatments include the treatment of the symptoms individually. This would include taking medication to control mild diarrhea such as Diphenoxylate, Loperamide, and Codeine. These medications may help in reducing bowel movements. These medicines also give relief from the feeling of going to the bathroom repeatedly. Cholestyramine is a drug that binds bile salts and helps to give relief from diarrhea particularly for those people who get their small intestine (colon) removed.
Additional medications are useful when combatting the first level of mild or moderate colitis. These include the ASA agents such as sulfonamide, salicylate and sulfa pyridine. Sulfasalazine is the most common drug which is used. It does however come this it’s own side effects such as vomiting, heartburn, additional diarrhea and nausea. Severe Ulcerative Colitis may be treated with corticosteroids. Once it again, it has side effects as well, such as acne, facial hair, weight gain and high blood pressure.
The sooner treatments begins, the sooner you may have relief. Ulcerative Colitis is nothing to take lightly, as it can be a life changing condition. If you think you may have UC, consult your physician right away so that you can receive appropriate tips and treatments options for ulcerative colitis. It’s important to begin appropriate treatment as early as possible.