Tag Archive for 'Ulcerative Colitis'

Relief From Painful Symptoms Through Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

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paul08
on October 21, 2010
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Medications for ulcerative colitis cannot actually cure ulcerative colitis itself. But they can help provide some relief for the pain and discomfort caused by ulcerative colitis symptoms. One of the other primary reasons for using ulcerative colitis medications is to reach a stage of remission and hold it.

Here’s a list, including a brief description, of the most commonly used ulcerative colitis medications.

Sulfasalazine - This is a medication that treats ulcerative colitis by combining sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicyclic acid, or 5-ASA The of sulfapyridine is to transport 5-ASA to the intestines. Sulfapyridine, however, causes side effects is some patients, including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.

Aminosalicylates - Aminosalicylates also contain some 5-ASA. But they don’t contain sulfapyridine, and therefore you don’t get any of the side effects mentioned above. . Aminosalicylates come from salicylic acid. They seem to have antioxidant properties. They can be taken in a number of different ways, depending on the location of the colitis: by enema, suppositiories, or orally. Many healthcare providers prefer to use aminosalicylates first when they’re treating ulcerative colitis. They can also be beneficial when the patient has a relapse.

Corticosteroids - These are made up of several different kinds of drugs, including hydrocortisone, prednisone and methylprednisone. Their primary benefit is that they reduce inflammation. These medications tend to be most effective in cases where ulcerative colitis is described as moderate or severe. They can be taken orally, intravenously, by enema or suppository.. Your doctor will recommend a delivery method based on where the inflammation is located in your colon.

Immunomodulators - Immunomodulators limit swelling and inflammation by working with the human immune system. Patients who have become dependent on corticosteroids, or have had no success with corticosteroids or 5-ASAs, are candidates for this method of ulcerative colitis treatment. They can be administered orally, so many patients prefer them over other delivery methods. But immunomodulators also have several downsides. First, it can take months before the full benefit is realized (sometimes as many as six). There can also be complications and side effects, including pancreatitis, hepatitis, a low white blood cell count, and an increased risk of infection.

Cyclosporine A - This medication is generally good for patients who are trying to cope with active, severe ulcerative colitis. It is also often used with patients who are not responding to intravenous corticosteroids. Sometimes it’s used in combination with 6-MP or azathioprine. The patient may also be prescribed other medications to help hium or her relax and deal with pain, diarrhea, or infections.

As was previously mentioned, there’s no known permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. However, medications for ulcerative colitis can help prevent flare ups and keep down inflammation. Plus, they can reduce or delay the need for surgery.

Your doctor will evaluate a number of factors in deciding on the appropriate ulcerative colitis medication for you. Among these factors are

* symptom severity
* any possible complications
* possible side effects
* the success - or lack thereof - of previous medications and therapies

Every patient responds to ulcerative colitis in their own way. It’s not the same for everyone.. Therefore, you and your doctor may have to try several possibilities before the right treatment - or combination of treatments - becomes apparent.

Click on ulcerative colitis treatments and causes of ulcerative colitis to learn more about colon health. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and television reporter with a special interest in health and fitness topics.

Ulcerative Colitis Family: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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admin
on September 19, 2008
in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Related Conditions and Ulcerative Colitis
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Ulcerative Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are very unforgettable, and unforgiving disease are centered around the digestive system of the human body. The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) covers a group of disorders in which the intestine becomes inflamed probably due to an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue. There are many different diseases that fall into this category.

The two main types of IBD are both chronic diseases. They are referred to as: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Although the two diseases have some common aspects, they are quite different from each other.

The biggest difference is the fact that ulcerative colitis, is limited to the colon (large intestine) only. An in the case of Crohn’s disease, any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to the anus can be affected. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation that extends much deeper into layer of the intestinal walls unlike ulcerative colitis, which primarily effect the surface layers.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

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admin
on September 18, 2008
in Causes and Ulcerative Colitis
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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.

There are Several Natural Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

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admin
on September 14, 2008
in Cures, Treatments and Ulcerative Colitis
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The number one natural cure for ulcerative colitis is modification of your diet. Patients are advised to avoid foods that may lead to cramps and increase the occurrence of diarrhea. Foods that should be avoided include: Milk, alcohol, caffeine, and any other high fiber food. One great food item that comes highly recommended by the health care industry is yogurt. Yogurt contains small organisms called pro-biotics that help the intestine to maintain a natural balance between helpful and harmful bacteria.

One other natural ulcerative colitis treatment is the extract from the aloe plant. The aloe plant helps to heal and reduce the ulcers. Chiropractic therapy is another alternative cure that is used to cure ulcerative colitis.

Natural therapies are highly recommended, and have the least amount of side effects when treating UC. For those patients whose bodies don’t respond to natural treatments, drug therapy as well as surgery are additional options.

What is Ulcerative Colits?

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on September 13, 2008
in Causes, Cures, Treatments and Ulcerative Colitis
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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.