Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

What You Should Know About Ulcerative Colitis

What You Should Know About Ulcerative Colitis
Kevin Cleary

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: 

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. 
Advanced Orthopaedics Abdominal Binder With Velcro Closure

 

Battle Creek Thermophore MaxHEAT Moist Heat Pack

 

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Somatomax Dietary Supplement

 

 

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. 

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

Read More

Trending Articles

What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors

Kevin Cleary

Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.

5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before

Kevin Cleary

A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.

TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022

Kevin Cleary

Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.

MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Kevin Cleary

An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.

FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022

Taikhum Sadiq

Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.