Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative Colitis:
If you are living with ulcerative colitis (UC), you’re not alone. Approximately half a million people in the United States are going through exactly what you are.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects the colon or large intestine. In people with UC, the innermost lining of the intestine, called the mucosa, becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores. These sores bleed and produce pus and mucus. The inflammation causes the intestine to empty frequently, which results in bouts of bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Some patients may experience fever.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD). Approximately 1 million Americans have IBD — half of whom have UC. Both men and women have an equal chance of being affected.
Ulcerative colitis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 30 and also between the ages of 50 and 70. However, the disease can occur at any age.
If you are living with ulcerative colitis (UC), you’re not alone. Approximately half a million people in the United States are going through exactly what you are.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects the colon or large intestine. In people with UC, the innermost lining of the intestine, called the mucosa, becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores. These sores bleed and produce pus and mucus. The inflammation causes the intestine to empty frequently, which results in bouts of bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Some patients may experience fever.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD). Approximately 1 million Americans have IBD — half of whom have UC. Both men and women have an equal chance of being affected.
Ulcerative colitis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 30 and also between the ages of 50 and 70. However, the disease can occur at any age.
Symptoms
The most common ulcerative colitis symptoms are:
Half of people with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms. Others experience more severe symptoms, such as frequent fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms often come and go. The period of time between flare-ups is called remission. Remission can last several months or even years.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract) so that he or she can accurately diagnose your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- A feeling that you still need to have a bowel movement after having one (tenesmus)
- Passage of mucus
- Crampy abdominal pain
Half of people with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms. Others experience more severe symptoms, such as frequent fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms often come and go. The period of time between flare-ups is called remission. Remission can last several months or even years.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract) so that he or she can accurately diagnose your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
Your doctor will take several steps in order to accurately diagnose ulcerative colitis (UC). These steps will also help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a bacterial or viral infection, and make sure you don’t have another gastrointestinal problem like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease. To do this, your doctor will look at your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and perform several tests. Below are descriptions of some tests your doctor may perform.
- Stool examination: Infections of the colon can sometimes mimic ulcerative colitis. Analyzing a stool sample can help your doctor eliminate possible bacterial, viral, or parasitic causes of your diarrhea. Your doctor may also check the stool sample for blood, which could mean the intestine is bleeding.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will perform blood tests to look for several things. Blood tests can check for anemia, which may indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum. Your doctor may also order blood tests to look at your white blood cell count and other markers, which would indicate an infection or inflammation.
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: These tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or to determine the extent of the inflammation inside the intestine. During either test, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube with a camera at the end called an endoscope into the anus to see the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube is connected to a computer and TV monitor. The test allows the doctor to see any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the colon wall. The doctor may also take a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon to examine with a microscope.
- Barium enema x-ray: During this procedure, an enema is used to fill the colon with barium, a chalky white solution. The barium will show up white on the x-ray, allowing your doctor a detailed view of the colon, including any ulcers or other abnormalities.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
While the majority of ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms will occur in the intestine, the disease can also cause problems in other parts of the body. Some people experience arthritis, eye problems, liver problems, osteoporosis, skin rashes, and anemia. No one really knows why problems occur outside the colon, but
some doctors believe that the dysregulation within the immune system also triggers inflammation in other parts of the body.
Below is a brief description of some possible complications associated with ulcerative colitis.
Arthritis
Between 15% and 20% of adults and 10% to 25% of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develop joint inflammation in the hands and feet, which, in many cases, will worsen as intestinal symptoms worsen.
Eye problems
Like arthritis, when intestinal symptoms flare up, people with ulcerative colitis often experience inflammation of the whites of the eyes. But even when symptoms are not active, the person may still experience inflammation of the inside of the eye. As a result, symptoms such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and headache may occur. Some doctors believe that patients with ulcerative colitis should undergo routine eye examinations.
Liver problems
Between 1% and 3% of ulcerative colitis patients have symptoms of mild to severe liver disease. Patients may experience inflammation of the liver, inflammation of the bile ducts, and the replacement of functional liver tissue with scar tissue.
Colon cancer
People who have ulcerative colitis for a long time are at an increased risk for developing colon cancer. A person’s level of risk for developing cancer depends on how long he or she has had ulcerative colitis and how much of the colon is affected. A person’s risk for developing cancer starts to increase between eight and ten years after ulcerative colitis symptoms first appear. Therefore, doctors may recommend that people who have had ulcerative colitis for at least eight years have a colonoscopy every one to two years.
During the colonoscopy, the doctor will take samples, called biopsies, of the lining of the colon to see if there are any signs of cancer. One of the first signs of cancer is a condition called dysplasia. Dysplasia is the abnormal growth or development of cells — that is, cells are not their normal size or shape. While these cells are not themselves malignant, they are considered to indicate a “premalignant” state, with the patient being at particularly high risk for the development of colon cancer. Depending on the extent of dysplasia, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the entire colon (colectomy).
Other problems associated with ulcerative colitis include abdominal distension, severe bleeding from ulcers in the intestine, and rupture of the bowel.
some doctors believe that the dysregulation within the immune system also triggers inflammation in other parts of the body.
Below is a brief description of some possible complications associated with ulcerative colitis.
Arthritis
Between 15% and 20% of adults and 10% to 25% of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develop joint inflammation in the hands and feet, which, in many cases, will worsen as intestinal symptoms worsen.
Eye problems
Like arthritis, when intestinal symptoms flare up, people with ulcerative colitis often experience inflammation of the whites of the eyes. But even when symptoms are not active, the person may still experience inflammation of the inside of the eye. As a result, symptoms such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and headache may occur. Some doctors believe that patients with ulcerative colitis should undergo routine eye examinations.
Liver problems
Between 1% and 3% of ulcerative colitis patients have symptoms of mild to severe liver disease. Patients may experience inflammation of the liver, inflammation of the bile ducts, and the replacement of functional liver tissue with scar tissue.
Colon cancer
People who have ulcerative colitis for a long time are at an increased risk for developing colon cancer. A person’s level of risk for developing cancer depends on how long he or she has had ulcerative colitis and how much of the colon is affected. A person’s risk for developing cancer starts to increase between eight and ten years after ulcerative colitis symptoms first appear. Therefore, doctors may recommend that people who have had ulcerative colitis for at least eight years have a colonoscopy every one to two years.
During the colonoscopy, the doctor will take samples, called biopsies, of the lining of the colon to see if there are any signs of cancer. One of the first signs of cancer is a condition called dysplasia. Dysplasia is the abnormal growth or development of cells — that is, cells are not their normal size or shape. While these cells are not themselves malignant, they are considered to indicate a “premalignant” state, with the patient being at particularly high risk for the development of colon cancer. Depending on the extent of dysplasia, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the entire colon (colectomy).
Other problems associated with ulcerative colitis include abdominal distension, severe bleeding from ulcers in the intestine, and rupture of the bowel.
Ulcerative Colitis FAQs
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that affects the colon or large intestine. With ulcerative colitis, the innermost lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and tiny open sores form. These sores bleed and produce pus and mucus. The inflammation causes the intestine to empty frequently, which results in bouts of bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
How is ulcerative colitis different from Crohn’s disease?
Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause inflammation of the intestine and can cause similar symptoms; however, the two diseases are very different. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract — the small intestine, large intestine, or colon. Ulcerative colitis, however, affects only the colon or large intestine.
You can find more information about Crohn’s disease at LivingwithCrohnsDisease.com.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
Doctors are not sure why or how ulcerative colitis develops. It is probably some combination of a person’s genes and how the immune system in the intestine reacts to an environmental, dietary, or infectious agent. Ulcerative colitis is marked by an abnormal response in the immune system. Usually, various cells and proteins protect the body from infection. However, in ulcerative colitis the immune system reacts inappropriately. Researchers believe that once the immune system is turned on, it does not know when or how to turn off. This results in inflammation and ulceration.
Does stress cause ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is not caused by stress; however, stress can aggravate symptoms in some people.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements, a feeling that one still has to move their bowels immediately after having done so, passage of mucus, and crampy abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:
What medications are used to treat ulcerative colitis?
There is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis. However, some medications may help alleviate the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, or immunomodulators to reduce inflammation. Other medications that may be prescribed include antidiarrheal drugs to control diarrhea and antibiotics.
What role does food play in the treatment of ulcerative colitis?
There is no evidence that any particular food causes ulcerative colitis. But some people may find that certain foods may aggravate their symptoms. Also, diarrhea and bleeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and rob the body of fluids and electrolytes. Proper nutrition is important to ensure that your body stays healthy.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that affects the colon or large intestine. With ulcerative colitis, the innermost lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and tiny open sores form. These sores bleed and produce pus and mucus. The inflammation causes the intestine to empty frequently, which results in bouts of bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
How is ulcerative colitis different from Crohn’s disease?
Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause inflammation of the intestine and can cause similar symptoms; however, the two diseases are very different. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract — the small intestine, large intestine, or colon. Ulcerative colitis, however, affects only the colon or large intestine.
You can find more information about Crohn’s disease at LivingwithCrohnsDisease.com.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
Doctors are not sure why or how ulcerative colitis develops. It is probably some combination of a person’s genes and how the immune system in the intestine reacts to an environmental, dietary, or infectious agent. Ulcerative colitis is marked by an abnormal response in the immune system. Usually, various cells and proteins protect the body from infection. However, in ulcerative colitis the immune system reacts inappropriately. Researchers believe that once the immune system is turned on, it does not know when or how to turn off. This results in inflammation and ulceration.
Does stress cause ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is not caused by stress; however, stress can aggravate symptoms in some people.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements, a feeling that one still has to move their bowels immediately after having done so, passage of mucus, and crampy abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of body fluids and nutrients
What medications are used to treat ulcerative colitis?
There is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis. However, some medications may help alleviate the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, or immunomodulators to reduce inflammation. Other medications that may be prescribed include antidiarrheal drugs to control diarrhea and antibiotics.
What role does food play in the treatment of ulcerative colitis?
There is no evidence that any particular food causes ulcerative colitis. But some people may find that certain foods may aggravate their symptoms. Also, diarrhea and bleeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and rob the body of fluids and electrolytes. Proper nutrition is important to ensure that your body stays healthy.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Despite available treatments, there is still an unmet medical need for ulcerative colitis patients. The type of treatment you receive will depend on how severe your symptoms are. Avoiding certain foods that aggravate symptoms may be helpful for some patients. Many people use medication to treat their symptoms, and in severe cases, some people may need surgery.
Who Treats Ulcerative ColitisThe first step to getting the proper ulcerative colitis treatment is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disease.
Ulcerative colitis is primarily treated by gastroenterologists — doctors who specialize in diseases of the digestive tract. As a first step, some patients go directly to a gastroenterologist, while others see their primary healthcare provider (family practitioner, internist, or pediatrician) who may refer them to a gastroenterologist.
The important thing to remember is that you should select a doctor with whom you are comfortable. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness, so it is important that you develop a long-lasting and positive relationship with your doctor.
You can find a physician by calling your insurance company or by looking in the following directories, which are available at your local library.
Ulcerative Colitis Medications
At this time, there is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis (UC). However, your gastroenterologist may recommend medication to help you manage your symptoms. The goals of medical treatment for ulcerative colitis are the following
Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
The risk of surgery increases with the duration and extent of disease. Many people with ulcerative colitis (UC) may never require surgery. Currently, there is no medicinal cure for ulcerative colitis, and 25% to 40% of ulcerative colitis patients will eventually have their colons removed because of severe illness, risk of cancer, massive bleeding, or rupture of the colon.
Your doctor may recommend surgery for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have not responded to medical treatment, or the side effects of corticosteroids or other drugs are threatening your health. If you do have to undergo surgery, you may have one of two common procedures.
Ileostomy
During an ileostomy, the surgeon creates a small opening in the abdomen, called a stoma, and attaches the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, to it. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is covered by a pouch. Waste travels through the small intestine and exits the body through the stoma and into the pouch. The patient empties the pouch as needed.
Ileoanal anastomosis
Ileoanal anastomosis is a fairly new procedure that allows the patient to have normal bowel movements because it preserves the anus. The colon is still removed, but the doctor creates an internal pouch from the small bowel and attaches it to the anal sphincter muscle. Waste is stored in the pouch and is passed through the anus in the usual manner.
Complications
As with any surgery, there are complications that can happen. The two most common complications are small bowel obstruction and pouchitis, an inflammation of the pouch. An obstruction of the bowel will cause crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In most people, this can often be treated with intravenous fluids and by allowing the bowel to rest. However, some people may require surgery to eliminate/remove the obstruction.
Pouchitisn pouchitis, patients may experience diarrhea, urgency to have bowel movements, the feeling that they still need to have a bowel movement right after having one, and, occasionally, abdominal cramps, fever, and joint pain. Pouchitis is usually treated with an antibiotic for three to six weeks. In a small number of patients, pouchitis becomes chronic, requiring them to take long-term antibiotics and/or other medications.
Which surgery you have will depend on the severity of the disease and your needs, expectations, and lifestyle. If your doctor has said you need surgery, it is important that you get as much information as possible about the different procedures and what to expect from each. Talk to your doctor and nurses, and ask if they can help you contact other patients who have undergone these procedures.
Toxic megacolonIn some cases, ulcerative colitis patients may need emergency surgery. This is usually done to treat a condition called toxic megacolon, a severe complication that involves damage to the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. With toxic megacolon, the normal contractile movements of the intestinal wall temporarily stop, preventing the contents of the intestine from emptying. If your doctor suspects that you have toxic megacolon, he or she will have you stop taking all antidiarrheal drugs. You will be hospitalized and receive all fluids, nutrition, and drugs intravenously. You will be closely monitored, and if your condition does not improve within 24 to 48 hours, your doctor will likely recommend emergency surgery to remove all or most of the large intestine.
Alternative Ulcerative Colitis Therapies
Traditional drugs and treatment for people with ulcerative colitis (UC) usually include drug therapy and surgery. However, these kinds of treatments can sometimes cause unwanted side effects. Alternative medicine, also called holistic medicine, is an approach to healing which looks at the body as a whole. Some alternative therapies that have been used to complement conventional treatment include
relaxation training, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, and homeopathy. You should discuss any alternative treatment with your physician before you begin.
Relaxation Training
You may have already discovered that stress can exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms. Relaxation training includes techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga, and can be used to reduce stress and to manage chronic pain.
Vitamin Therapy
Research is currently underway looking for a link between vitamin therapy and ulcerative colitis. Specifically, researchers are trying to find out if certain nutrients that produce antioxidant enzymes can help neutralize excessive free-radical production, which can be found in people who have ulcerative colitis.
Who Treats Ulcerative ColitisThe first step to getting the proper ulcerative colitis treatment is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disease.
Ulcerative colitis is primarily treated by gastroenterologists — doctors who specialize in diseases of the digestive tract. As a first step, some patients go directly to a gastroenterologist, while others see their primary healthcare provider (family practitioner, internist, or pediatrician) who may refer them to a gastroenterologist.
The important thing to remember is that you should select a doctor with whom you are comfortable. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness, so it is important that you develop a long-lasting and positive relationship with your doctor.
You can find a physician by calling your insurance company or by looking in the following directories, which are available at your local library.
- American Medical Directory
- Directory of Medical Specialists
Ulcerative Colitis Medications
At this time, there is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis (UC). However, your gastroenterologist may recommend medication to help you manage your symptoms. The goals of medical treatment for ulcerative colitis are the following
- To achieve relief of symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain
- To control symptoms by reducing inflammation and healing intestinal damage
- To reduce the need for surgery
- To improve quality of life
- Antidiarrheal Medications
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Biologics
- Immunomodulators
- Steroids
Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
The risk of surgery increases with the duration and extent of disease. Many people with ulcerative colitis (UC) may never require surgery. Currently, there is no medicinal cure for ulcerative colitis, and 25% to 40% of ulcerative colitis patients will eventually have their colons removed because of severe illness, risk of cancer, massive bleeding, or rupture of the colon.
Your doctor may recommend surgery for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have not responded to medical treatment, or the side effects of corticosteroids or other drugs are threatening your health. If you do have to undergo surgery, you may have one of two common procedures.
Ileostomy
During an ileostomy, the surgeon creates a small opening in the abdomen, called a stoma, and attaches the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, to it. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is covered by a pouch. Waste travels through the small intestine and exits the body through the stoma and into the pouch. The patient empties the pouch as needed.
Ileoanal anastomosis
Ileoanal anastomosis is a fairly new procedure that allows the patient to have normal bowel movements because it preserves the anus. The colon is still removed, but the doctor creates an internal pouch from the small bowel and attaches it to the anal sphincter muscle. Waste is stored in the pouch and is passed through the anus in the usual manner.
Complications
As with any surgery, there are complications that can happen. The two most common complications are small bowel obstruction and pouchitis, an inflammation of the pouch. An obstruction of the bowel will cause crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In most people, this can often be treated with intravenous fluids and by allowing the bowel to rest. However, some people may require surgery to eliminate/remove the obstruction.
Pouchitisn pouchitis, patients may experience diarrhea, urgency to have bowel movements, the feeling that they still need to have a bowel movement right after having one, and, occasionally, abdominal cramps, fever, and joint pain. Pouchitis is usually treated with an antibiotic for three to six weeks. In a small number of patients, pouchitis becomes chronic, requiring them to take long-term antibiotics and/or other medications.
Which surgery you have will depend on the severity of the disease and your needs, expectations, and lifestyle. If your doctor has said you need surgery, it is important that you get as much information as possible about the different procedures and what to expect from each. Talk to your doctor and nurses, and ask if they can help you contact other patients who have undergone these procedures.
Toxic megacolonIn some cases, ulcerative colitis patients may need emergency surgery. This is usually done to treat a condition called toxic megacolon, a severe complication that involves damage to the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. With toxic megacolon, the normal contractile movements of the intestinal wall temporarily stop, preventing the contents of the intestine from emptying. If your doctor suspects that you have toxic megacolon, he or she will have you stop taking all antidiarrheal drugs. You will be hospitalized and receive all fluids, nutrition, and drugs intravenously. You will be closely monitored, and if your condition does not improve within 24 to 48 hours, your doctor will likely recommend emergency surgery to remove all or most of the large intestine.
Alternative Ulcerative Colitis Therapies
Traditional drugs and treatment for people with ulcerative colitis (UC) usually include drug therapy and surgery. However, these kinds of treatments can sometimes cause unwanted side effects. Alternative medicine, also called holistic medicine, is an approach to healing which looks at the body as a whole. Some alternative therapies that have been used to complement conventional treatment include
relaxation training, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, and homeopathy. You should discuss any alternative treatment with your physician before you begin.
Relaxation Training
You may have already discovered that stress can exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms. Relaxation training includes techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga, and can be used to reduce stress and to manage chronic pain.
Vitamin Therapy
Research is currently underway looking for a link between vitamin therapy and ulcerative colitis. Specifically, researchers are trying to find out if certain nutrients that produce antioxidant enzymes can help neutralize excessive free-radical production, which can be found in people who have ulcerative colitis.
Living with Uc
Living with a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis (UC) can be challenging. There will be times when the disease affects you both physically and emotionally. That’s why it is important to focus on treating your mind and your body. Treatment involves more than just taking your medications — it involves eating a healthy diet, reducing stress whenever possible, staying physically active, and getting the support you need from your healthcare team and the people around you.
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Eating Smart:
Ulcerative Colitis Diet Tips
Maintaining good nutrition is one way you can lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to make smart food choices.
There is no evidence that any particular food causes ulcerative colitis (UC). But some people may find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
Consider keeping a symptoms diary to see which foods aggravate your symptoms. For example, some people find that spicy or high-fiber foods make symptoms worse. If this is the case, you may want to eat soft, bland foods during a flare-up, instead of raw vegetables or spicy dishes.
Diarrhea and bleeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and rob the body of fluids and electrolytes. Proper nutrition is important to ensure that your body stays healthy. Eat a variety of foods — making sure they are ones you can tolerate — to ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration, so it is equally important that you drink plenty of water, especially during warmer weather.
The following are tips for healthy eating:
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Managing Stress With Ulcerative Colitis
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is not easy. You will have good days and bad days. Although it may not be easy, it is important to try to control your stress whenever possible and maintain a positive outlook.
It is important to remember that you did not do anything to cause your illness. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by anything you ate or your personality. Some people report that stressful events precede a flare-up. This is probably because stress affects your body in many ways — most importantly, it decreases your resistance to inflammation. People with ulcerative colitis also report that they experience stress or anxiety as a result of ulcerative colitis symptoms.
There are many ways to manage stress — some people meditate, others like physical activity, and still others like to talk about their feelings. Find the way that works best for you.
Seek Support For Ulcerative Colitis
Speaking to a therapist who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other chronic illnesses helps some people, while finding a support group for IBD patients helps others. Both allow you to discuss your feelings with someone who understands what you are going through.
For additional support, visit the Colitis Foundation of America.
Get Educated
Sometimes a chronic illness can make you feel like your life is out of your control. One way to regain control is to learn everything you can about ulcerative colitis. By educating yourself, you will better understand what is going on in your body and be able to take an active role in your treatment.
Let It Out
You don’t have to be happy all the time. Sometimes it’s OK to feel sad or frustrated. So allow yourself a “bad” day once in a while. Then put those feelings aside and remember that even though ulcerative colitis is often unpredictable, people still live active, successful lives.
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Ulcerative Colitis And Exercise
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and maintain a healthy body. Exercise is generally considered safe for people with ulcerative colitis (UC); however, you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Gentle, relaxing exercises, like yoga or tai chi,
are a great way to reduce stress and remain active. Walking is another good way to reduce stress and stay healthy. If you are nervous about starting a walking program because you won’t be near a bathroom, consider walking on a treadmill. You can get the exercise you need but stay within a comfortable distance to a bathroom.
If you don’t want to go to a gym because you are afraid of suffering a bout of diarrhea or gas, then try an exercise video at home. All you need is a VCR or DVD player and a little room to move.
Remember, hydration is important. Since diarrhea can cause dehydration, people with ulcerative colitis should drink one to two glasses of water before exercising and one glass of water every 20 minutes while exercising.
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Talking About Ulcerative Colitis
Let’s face it, there are some aspects of ulcerative colitis (UC) that are embarrassing to talk about. But it is important for you to be able to discuss your illness, whether it is with your doctor, your family and friends, or even your coworkers. If you are caring for a child with ulcerative colitis, it can be challenging to help him or her cope with their condition.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness, and the people around you need to know what is happening to you and how they can help.
Talking With Your GastroenterologistSince it often requires several visits and tests to accurately diagnose ulcerative colitis, it is important to see a specialist in gastrointestinal conditions when you experience symptoms.
It is important that you take an active role in your ulcerative colitis treatment. You must be able to talk to your gastroenterologist about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. The first visit
If you are visiting a gastroenterologist for the first time, you may want to write down a few things. Consider writing down:
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Diary
Doctors know that ulcerative colitis (UC) is not caused by stress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products. However, both can aggravate symptoms in some people. The more you know about how ulcerative colitis affects you, the more you can do to help manage your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Use this diary to track your symptoms for several weeks. Look for patterns in your diet and lifestyle that may be aggravating your ulcerative colitis symptoms, and try to avoid those in the future.
This diary will also help you discuss your ulcerative colitis with your doctor. He or she can review your results and work with you to help reduce the amount and severity of your flare-ups.
Click here to download the ulcerative colitis Symptoms Diary.
(The PDF above requires Adobe® Reader®. Click here to download.)
Are your UC symptoms under control?Take the control quiz and find out
https://www.livingwithuc.com/livingwithuc/life_with_uc/uc_control_quiz.html
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Eating Smart:
Ulcerative Colitis Diet Tips
Maintaining good nutrition is one way you can lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to make smart food choices.
There is no evidence that any particular food causes ulcerative colitis (UC). But some people may find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
Consider keeping a symptoms diary to see which foods aggravate your symptoms. For example, some people find that spicy or high-fiber foods make symptoms worse. If this is the case, you may want to eat soft, bland foods during a flare-up, instead of raw vegetables or spicy dishes.
Diarrhea and bleeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and rob the body of fluids and electrolytes. Proper nutrition is important to ensure that your body stays healthy. Eat a variety of foods — making sure they are ones you can tolerate — to ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration, so it is equally important that you drink plenty of water, especially during warmer weather.
The following are tips for healthy eating:
- Make sure you are not skipping meals. Try eating several smaller meals during the day instead of three large ones.
- Eat a variety of foods from all food groups. The Food Guide Pyramid can tell you about the food groups and how much of each you should eat in a day.
- Ensure that you have daily intake of an adequate level of calories, proteins, and nutrients.
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Managing Stress With Ulcerative Colitis
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is not easy. You will have good days and bad days. Although it may not be easy, it is important to try to control your stress whenever possible and maintain a positive outlook.
It is important to remember that you did not do anything to cause your illness. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by anything you ate or your personality. Some people report that stressful events precede a flare-up. This is probably because stress affects your body in many ways — most importantly, it decreases your resistance to inflammation. People with ulcerative colitis also report that they experience stress or anxiety as a result of ulcerative colitis symptoms.
There are many ways to manage stress — some people meditate, others like physical activity, and still others like to talk about their feelings. Find the way that works best for you.
Seek Support For Ulcerative Colitis
Speaking to a therapist who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other chronic illnesses helps some people, while finding a support group for IBD patients helps others. Both allow you to discuss your feelings with someone who understands what you are going through.
For additional support, visit the Colitis Foundation of America.
Get Educated
Sometimes a chronic illness can make you feel like your life is out of your control. One way to regain control is to learn everything you can about ulcerative colitis. By educating yourself, you will better understand what is going on in your body and be able to take an active role in your treatment.
Let It Out
You don’t have to be happy all the time. Sometimes it’s OK to feel sad or frustrated. So allow yourself a “bad” day once in a while. Then put those feelings aside and remember that even though ulcerative colitis is often unpredictable, people still live active, successful lives.
..............................................................................................................................................................................
Ulcerative Colitis And Exercise
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and maintain a healthy body. Exercise is generally considered safe for people with ulcerative colitis (UC); however, you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Gentle, relaxing exercises, like yoga or tai chi,
are a great way to reduce stress and remain active. Walking is another good way to reduce stress and stay healthy. If you are nervous about starting a walking program because you won’t be near a bathroom, consider walking on a treadmill. You can get the exercise you need but stay within a comfortable distance to a bathroom.
If you don’t want to go to a gym because you are afraid of suffering a bout of diarrhea or gas, then try an exercise video at home. All you need is a VCR or DVD player and a little room to move.
Remember, hydration is important. Since diarrhea can cause dehydration, people with ulcerative colitis should drink one to two glasses of water before exercising and one glass of water every 20 minutes while exercising.
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Talking About Ulcerative Colitis
Let’s face it, there are some aspects of ulcerative colitis (UC) that are embarrassing to talk about. But it is important for you to be able to discuss your illness, whether it is with your doctor, your family and friends, or even your coworkers. If you are caring for a child with ulcerative colitis, it can be challenging to help him or her cope with their condition.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness, and the people around you need to know what is happening to you and how they can help.
Talking With Your GastroenterologistSince it often requires several visits and tests to accurately diagnose ulcerative colitis, it is important to see a specialist in gastrointestinal conditions when you experience symptoms.
It is important that you take an active role in your ulcerative colitis treatment. You must be able to talk to your gastroenterologist about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. The first visit
If you are visiting a gastroenterologist for the first time, you may want to write down a few things. Consider writing down:
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Diary
Doctors know that ulcerative colitis (UC) is not caused by stress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products. However, both can aggravate symptoms in some people. The more you know about how ulcerative colitis affects you, the more you can do to help manage your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Use this diary to track your symptoms for several weeks. Look for patterns in your diet and lifestyle that may be aggravating your ulcerative colitis symptoms, and try to avoid those in the future.
This diary will also help you discuss your ulcerative colitis with your doctor. He or she can review your results and work with you to help reduce the amount and severity of your flare-ups.
Click here to download the ulcerative colitis Symptoms Diary.
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