Ulcerative Colitis: A Still Unknown Disease
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the colon and rectum. In most cases, symptoms do not appear suddenly, but they can lead to serious health complications.
Although there is still no treatment that definitively prevents or improves this condition, recognizing its clinical manifestations is very important to control it in its early stages and prevent it from evolving.
Next, we will tell you more about this disease and we give you some tips that help both to prevent it and to improve its symptoms.
What is ulcerative colitis?
According to a National Health Service publication , in ulcerative colitis the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and small open wounds or ulcers develop, which can produce pus and mucus.
This combination of inflammation and ulceration causes abdominal discomfort that is concentrated in the colon area. It is worth remembering that the colon can concentrate its pain in the lower abdomen, a little below the navel. However, this discomfort may decrease when the person is lying down.
It is important to bear in mind that the treatment for this ailment is still unknown and its etiology is still under study. Anyway, when suspected, it is essential to go to the doctor to obtain a diagnosis and control therapies as appropriate.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Most people with ulcerative colitis complain primarily of abdominal pain, as it is recurrent and severe. According to the Mayo Clinic , general symptoms can vary depending on the specific case of each individual. However, it is important to take them into account. They can be the following:
- Diarrhea, which usually has blood or pus.
- Abdominal pain and cramps.
- Pain in the rectum
- Rectal bleeding.
- Urgent need to defecate.
- Inability to defecate despite the urge.
- Slimming
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- In the case of children, growth problems.
These symptoms are not permanent, that is, they tend to come and go. Sometimes they can occur a few times a month, for two or three years, and later remit. However, as we have already mentioned, it is necessary to always have a medical check-up to learn to cope with it.
Possible causes
Although it has been attributed to genetic predisposition, poor eating habits and stress, the truth is that the causes of this condition are still unknown.
The Mayo Clinic publication mentioned above suggests that one of the possible causes could be the malfunction of the immune system, since this, in an abnormal response, can attack the cells of the digestive system.
Also, he points out that this disease affects men and women equally and, in general, usually appears over 30 years of age.
How to control it?
As detailed in a post in Harvard Health Publishing , there are some basic tips to keep in mind to lessen symptoms. You can try them out and find out which one best suits your personal needs.
- Try to eat as natural a diet as possible, avoiding foods that contain gluten. Also, avoid the consumption of dairy products and foods prepared or with preservatives.
- Increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber or omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, salmon, olive oil or avocado).
- Lifestyle modification is also important. Managing stress and negative emotions, quitting smoking, doing daily physical activity, among others, can help reduce symptoms.
- Take vitamin C to help your immune system have more defenses.
- Drink natural smoothies based on natural ingredients such as apple, carrot and cucumber.
It is worth remembering that, as has been pointed out throughout the article, in case of ulcerative colitis, it is very important to have a medical diagnosis. The professional, through pertinent tests, can determine if the symptoms correspond to this disease and if treatments beyond lifestyle are necessary.
