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.
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.
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:
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:
Foods to avoid to help minimize ulcerative colitis inflammation:
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:
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.
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, ...
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