Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease
( large intestine, or colon). Inflammation impairs the
ability of the colon to hold its contents, resulting in frequent elimination.

Causes

  • Genetic

People with ulcerative colitis have a close relative to the condition.

  • Environmental

The condition is much more common in urban areas in northern
parts of Western Europe and America.

  • Air pollution
  • Diet high in carbohydrates and fats
  • Children are being brought up in increasingly germ-free environments,
    but it is possible that the immune system requires exposure to germs
    to develop properly

Symptoms and signs of Ulcerative colitis

  • Anaemia
  • Bloody stool(red, black or tarry)
  • Eye pain and redness
  • Fatigue
  • Haemoptysis
  • Inability to pass gas or stool
  • Joint aches and pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Nausea with/without vomiting
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Skin rash or changes
  • Unexplained weight loss

Investigations

  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Barium meal
  • Colonoscopy with biopsy
  • Barium enema
  • Complete blood count
  • C-reactive protein
  • ESR

Treatment

  • Ayurvedic Medicines
  • Surgery

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Arthritis 
  • Bleeding
  • Colorectal cancers
  • Delayed growth and development in children
  • Intestinal infections
  • Kidney stones     
  • Malabsorption      
  • Osteopenia
  • Osteoporosis   
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum
  • Thromboembolism
  • Toxic megacolon
  • Uveitis

Prevention

  • Eat small five or six smaller meals a day
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid high-fibre foods (bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and popcorn).
  • Avoid fatty, greasy or fried foods and sauces (butter, margarine,
    and heavy cream).
  • Limit milk products if you are lactose intolerant.
  • Manage stress.

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