Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What You Should Know About Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract, affecting the lining of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. As you can imagine, this can lead to discomfort and potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms of this inflammatory bowel disease typically develop over time and not acutely.

Understanding how and what ulcerative colitis is can help you manage this disorder since there’s no cure. The two primary causes of ulcerative colitis are inflammation due to an immune system response or family history/hereditary factors. We here at HPFY can explain ulcerative colitis and the steps you can take to put this disease into remission possibly. 

Symptoms and Types of Ulcerative Colitis 

Depending upon the location and severity of the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis, the symptoms may vary. The signs/symptoms to look for include: 

• Diarrhea with blood/pus 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Abdominal pain/cramping 
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 

Among these symptoms can also be the inability to defecate, despite the urgency to, and in children, UC can lead to growth issues. Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis often have mild-to-moderate symptoms and periods of time without symptoms. This is referred to as remission.

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

The type of ulcerative colitis you may be diagnosed with depends on where the inflammation is located in your digestive tract. The 4 types of UC are: 

1. Ulcerative Proctitis: This is when the inflammation is located close to the anus/rectum. Rectal bleeding may be the only symptom. 
2. Proctosigmoiditis: This involves inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower end of the colon). Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and the inability to move your bowels despite the urgency. 
3. Left-Sided Colitis: Affects the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending portions of the colon. Bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping/pain on the left side are symptoms accompanied by the urgency to defecate. 
4. Pancolitis: A type of UC that affects the entire colon that causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that can be severe. Symptoms can also include abdominal cramps, fatigue, and significant weight loss. 

Treatment 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis. Detecting and diagnosing UC can require lab tests, endoscopic procedures, or imaging such as a CAT scan. Treatments can include medications, such as immunosuppressants, biologic meds, anti-diarrheal medication, and even surgery. Your doctor may suggest a modified diet that includes the following: 

• Low fiber foods 
• Dairy products 
• Omega 3 fatty acid-rich food 

Foods to avoid to help minimize ulcerative colitis inflammation: 

• Caffeine laden food 
• Alcohol 
• Carbonated drinks 
• Foods high in fiber 
• Foods high in sulfur/sulfites 
• Spicy food 

Where to buy IBD relief products?

Adjusting your diet is just one way to deal with UC. Finding relief from symptoms when they appear can make everyday life easier. Some items include: 

1. Advanced Orthopedics Abdominal Binder with Velcro Closure: These FSA-eligible closures offer compression for those who need abdominal support. Breathable and comfortable, they have contoured stitching to prevent rolling or bunching. 
2. Battle Creek Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack: The heat therapy of this FSA-approved pad conforms to body contours reducing air spaces between the heating pack and your body, resulting in more heat transferred to the targeted area. It produces intense moist heat without adding water and is fast-acting. 
3. Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Somatomax Dietary Supplement: A powder that enhances sleep quality and boosts the synthesis of HGH in the body, this supplement may improve sleep quality and emotional well-being. 

Ulcerative colitis and its symptoms can be debilitating. Work with your doctor to develop an everyday plan that blends diet and medical aids to lessen/minimize symptoms. We have numerous options for symptom relief at HPFY for all your IBD needs. 

 

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