Get Information Regarding Colitis
April 26, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.
Colitis usually begins in the lower part of the colon and spreads upwards. The first symptom of the trouble is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and, sometimes, bloody mucus in the stools. As the disease spreads upward, the stools become watery and more frequent and are characterised by rectal straining. The loss of blood and fluid from the bowels results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and anaemia.
Mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) and olsalazine (Dipentum). These medications tend to have fewer side effects than sulfasalazine has. You take them in tablet form or use them rectally in the form of enemas or suppositories, depending on the area of your colon affected by ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine enemas can relieve signs and symptoms in more than 80 percent of people with ulcerative colitis in the lower left side of their colon and rectum. Olsalazine may cause or worsen existing diarrhea in some people.
The primary goal of treating ulcerative colitis is to reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. In many cases, medication can control symptoms, but surgery may be required when medical therapy fails or if signs of colon cancer develop. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by removal of the entire colon. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the patient’s response to medications.
Cholestyramine (Questran), an agent that binds bile salts, helps to manage diarrhea associated with Crohn disease, particularly in people who have had part of their small intestine removed. Bentyl may relieve intestinal spasms.
Doctors will usually try to put you on a low-fiber diet. The exact opposite is required to cure yourself of colitis. Doctors will try to keep your colitis going so that they can continue to keep you on the drugs and steroids, and possibly end up hospitalizing you, or killing you, which makes a killing for them. Steroids may decrease inflammation, but they also decrease your ability to fight infections and can possibly take such a toll on your immune system that you become dangerously ill or even die.
Balanced diet is a must to keep your body fit and healthy. Patient suffering from colitis should take food rich in green leafy vegetables like cabbage, carrot, etc. There diet should also include fruits like papaya, apple, and banana. However, citrus fruits like orange should be strictly avoided. Patients are kept juice diet, in which they can only take freshly prepared juice 3-4 times a day. This continues for 8-9 days, after that they can be given balanced diet, including whole wheat grain, etc. Junk foods, sweets, chocolates, hard and soft drink should be strictly avoided.
After the juice fast, ,the patient should gradually adopt a diet of small, frequent meals of soft cooked or steamed vegetables, rice, and well-ripened fruits like banana, papaya, yoghurt and home-made cottage cheese. Sprouted seeds and grains, whole wheat bread and raw vegetables may be added gradually to this diet after about 10 days. Tender coconut water is highly beneficial as it is soothing to the soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked apple also aids the healing of ulcerative conditions because of its ample concentration of iron and phosphorus. All foods must be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly.
Thanks to peterhutch for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Colitis usually begins in the lower part of the colon and spreads upwards. The first symptom of the trouble is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and, sometimes, bloody mucus in the stools. As the disease spreads upward, the stools become watery and more frequent and are characterised by rectal straining. The loss of blood and fluid from the bowels results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and anaemia.
Mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa) and olsalazine (Dipentum). These medications tend to have fewer side effects than sulfasalazine has. You take them in tablet form or use them rectally in the form of enemas or suppositories, depending on the area of your colon affected by ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine enemas can relieve signs and symptoms in more than 80 percent of people with ulcerative colitis in the lower left side of their colon and rectum. Olsalazine may cause or worsen existing diarrhea in some people.
The primary goal of treating ulcerative colitis is to reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. In many cases, medication can control symptoms, but surgery may be required when medical therapy fails or if signs of colon cancer develop. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by removal of the entire colon. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the patient’s response to medications.
Cholestyramine (Questran), an agent that binds bile salts, helps to manage diarrhea associated with Crohn disease, particularly in people who have had part of their small intestine removed. Bentyl may relieve intestinal spasms.
Doctors will usually try to put you on a low-fiber diet. The exact opposite is required to cure yourself of colitis. Doctors will try to keep your colitis going so that they can continue to keep you on the drugs and steroids, and possibly end up hospitalizing you, or killing you, which makes a killing for them. Steroids may decrease inflammation, but they also decrease your ability to fight infections and can possibly take such a toll on your immune system that you become dangerously ill or even die.
Balanced diet is a must to keep your body fit and healthy. Patient suffering from colitis should take food rich in green leafy vegetables like cabbage, carrot, etc. There diet should also include fruits like papaya, apple, and banana. However, citrus fruits like orange should be strictly avoided. Patients are kept juice diet, in which they can only take freshly prepared juice 3-4 times a day. This continues for 8-9 days, after that they can be given balanced diet, including whole wheat grain, etc. Junk foods, sweets, chocolates, hard and soft drink should be strictly avoided.
After the juice fast, ,the patient should gradually adopt a diet of small, frequent meals of soft cooked or steamed vegetables, rice, and well-ripened fruits like banana, papaya, yoghurt and home-made cottage cheese. Sprouted seeds and grains, whole wheat bread and raw vegetables may be added gradually to this diet after about 10 days. Tender coconut water is highly beneficial as it is soothing to the soft mucosa of the colon. Cooked apple also aids the healing of ulcerative conditions because of its ample concentration of iron and phosphorus. All foods must be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly.
Thanks to peterhutch for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - What Causes It?
April 18, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under About IBS
Some evidence indicates that the immune system, which fights infection, is also involved. Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms result from the following: The normal motility of the colon may not work properly. It can be spasmodic or can even stop temporarily. Spasms are sudden strong muscle contractions that come and go.
The lining of the colon (epithelium), which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the passage of fluids in and out of the colon. In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the epithelium appears to work properly. However, fast movement of the colon’s contents can overcome the absorptive capacity of the colon. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In other patients, colonic movement is too slow, too much fluid is absorbed, and constipation develops.
The colon responds strongly to stimuli (for example, foods or stress) that would not bother most people.
In people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stress and emotions can strongly affect the colon. It has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which has been proven to respond to stress. For example, when you are frightened, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure may go up, or you may gasp. The colon responds to stress also. It may contract too much or too little. It may absorb too much water or too little.
Research has shown that very mild or hidden (occult) celiac disease is present in a smaller group of people with symptoms that mimic Irritable Bowel Syndrome. People with celiac disease cannot digest gluten, which is present in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. Foods containing gluten are toxic to these people, and their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. A blood test can determine whether celiac disease is present. (For information about celiac disease, see the Celiac Disease fact sheet from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).)
The following have been associated with a worsening of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms:
-Large meals -Bloating from gas in the colon -Medicines -Wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol -Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas -Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets
Researchers have also found that women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome problems.
Thanks to David Cowgill for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
The lining of the colon (epithelium), which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the passage of fluids in and out of the colon. In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the epithelium appears to work properly. However, fast movement of the colon’s contents can overcome the absorptive capacity of the colon. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In other patients, colonic movement is too slow, too much fluid is absorbed, and constipation develops.
The colon responds strongly to stimuli (for example, foods or stress) that would not bother most people.
In people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stress and emotions can strongly affect the colon. It has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which has been proven to respond to stress. For example, when you are frightened, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure may go up, or you may gasp. The colon responds to stress also. It may contract too much or too little. It may absorb too much water or too little.
Research has shown that very mild or hidden (occult) celiac disease is present in a smaller group of people with symptoms that mimic Irritable Bowel Syndrome. People with celiac disease cannot digest gluten, which is present in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. Foods containing gluten are toxic to these people, and their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. A blood test can determine whether celiac disease is present. (For information about celiac disease, see the Celiac Disease fact sheet from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).)
The following have been associated with a worsening of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms:
-Large meals -Bloating from gas in the colon -Medicines -Wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol -Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas -Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets
Researchers have also found that women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome problems.
Thanks to David Cowgill for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Article Source: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - What Causes It?
Ulcerative Colitis The Bowel Disease Of Chronic Inflammation
April 8, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed, Ulcerative colitis is a serious disorder which is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, chills and profuse diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis causes both inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum. The ulcerated areas occur in the areas where inflammation has killed off the protective cells that usually line the colon. The inflammation and ulcers lead to pain, bleeding, and the hallmark symptom of profuse and nearly uncontrollable diarrhea.
The inflammation of Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and the sigmoid or lower colon. It may then spreads upward throughout the entire colon. However, except for the lower section, call the ileum, this disease rarely invades the small intestine. Other names for ulcerative colitis include proctitis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.
Currently the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although many theories exist. Some researchers believe that it is hereditary; others believe that it is due to a bacteria or viral invasion, and still others believe it is a defect in the immune system in which the body’s antibodies actually attack the colon.
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, loss of body fluids and nutrients and fever.
Patients may also experience joint pain, rashes, skin lesions, and abscesses. Typically the onset of ulcerative colitis is gradual. However, in some cases the onset can be rather severe with the diarrhea and bleeding being much more significant. Because many of these symptoms can mimic other disorders it is important to see your physician so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can begin.
There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon.
Some helpful treatments include medications such as steroids designed to control or lessen the inflammation of the colon can help to improve the diarrhea and cramping. Antibiotics may also be used to help control the disorder.
Other medications may be used to control the pain and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes can also help. For example, during an acute attack of ulcerative colitis, your physician may suggest that you avoid milk, milk products and bulky, heavy fiber foods.
A healthy diet with sufficient calories and adequate protein will help in overall well being. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to correct malnutrition, dehydration or mineral imbalances and to stop the diarrhea.
Surgery may also be required for difficult cases of ulcerative colitis. In cases of excessive bleeding, a perforation of the colon or even a debilitating lifestyle impact from the disease may all be appropriate reasons for surgery to remove the colon. Surgery is generally looked to as a last resort option after all other treatment options have failed.
Ulcerative colitis mimics several other bowel disorders and must be aggressively managed in order to avoid long term damage to the colon and a significant impact on the overall health of the sufferer.
Talk with your physician today and determine the best and most aggressive course of treatment for your disease.
Thanks to Jeff Foster for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Ulcerative colitis causes both inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum. The ulcerated areas occur in the areas where inflammation has killed off the protective cells that usually line the colon. The inflammation and ulcers lead to pain, bleeding, and the hallmark symptom of profuse and nearly uncontrollable diarrhea.
The inflammation of Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and the sigmoid or lower colon. It may then spreads upward throughout the entire colon. However, except for the lower section, call the ileum, this disease rarely invades the small intestine. Other names for ulcerative colitis include proctitis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.
Currently the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although many theories exist. Some researchers believe that it is hereditary; others believe that it is due to a bacteria or viral invasion, and still others believe it is a defect in the immune system in which the body’s antibodies actually attack the colon.
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, loss of body fluids and nutrients and fever.
Patients may also experience joint pain, rashes, skin lesions, and abscesses. Typically the onset of ulcerative colitis is gradual. However, in some cases the onset can be rather severe with the diarrhea and bleeding being much more significant. Because many of these symptoms can mimic other disorders it is important to see your physician so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can begin.
There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon.
Some helpful treatments include medications such as steroids designed to control or lessen the inflammation of the colon can help to improve the diarrhea and cramping. Antibiotics may also be used to help control the disorder.
Other medications may be used to control the pain and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes can also help. For example, during an acute attack of ulcerative colitis, your physician may suggest that you avoid milk, milk products and bulky, heavy fiber foods.
A healthy diet with sufficient calories and adequate protein will help in overall well being. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to correct malnutrition, dehydration or mineral imbalances and to stop the diarrhea.
Surgery may also be required for difficult cases of ulcerative colitis. In cases of excessive bleeding, a perforation of the colon or even a debilitating lifestyle impact from the disease may all be appropriate reasons for surgery to remove the colon. Surgery is generally looked to as a last resort option after all other treatment options have failed.
Ulcerative colitis mimics several other bowel disorders and must be aggressively managed in order to avoid long term damage to the colon and a significant impact on the overall health of the sufferer.
Talk with your physician today and determine the best and most aggressive course of treatment for your disease.
Thanks to Jeff Foster for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
For more important information on stomach pain. Be sure to visit www.a-stomach-pain.com. You will find advice on common stomach pain causes such as stomach ulcer, Crohn’s disease, and more.
Crohn’s Disease Treatments and Details
April 4, 2009 by About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Filed under Crohns and Colitis
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
Crohn’s disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family’s history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that “the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body’s immune system may trigger the disease.” Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn’s disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn’s disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn’s Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn’s disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug’s known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn’s disease.
Thanks to Katie Kelley for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
Crohn’s disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family’s history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that “the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body’s immune system may trigger the disease.” Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn’s disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn’s disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn’s Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn’s disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn’s disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug’s known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn’s disease.
Thanks to Katie Kelley for contributing this article to our IBS blog:
For more information on Cimzia and Crohn’s disease, visit http://cimzia.legalview.com or http://www.LegalView.com/. Here, readers can find the latest on other controversial issues such as the latest mesothelioma jury verdicts or the most recent statistics and facts on truck accident injuries.
