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.