Category Archives: Ulcerative Colitis

If you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, the symptoms and complications of your disease will vary depending on the extent of the disease. Its important to understand which type of ulcerative colitis you have and how it will affect you. In addition to ulcerative colitis, there are several other types of ulcerative colitis. The following is a description of the different types of ulcerative colitis and descriptions of common symptoms and complications for each: For approximately 30% of all patients with ulcerative colitis, the illness begins as ulcerative proctitis. In this form of the disease, bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum. Because of its limited extent (usually less than the six inches of the rectum), ulcerative proctitis tends to be a milder form of ulcerative colitis. It is associated with fewer complications and offers a better outlook than more widespread disease. Colitis affecting the rectum and the sigmoid colon, the lower segment of colon located right above the rectum. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramps, and a constant feeling of the need to pass stool, known as tenesmus. Moderate pain on the lower left side of the abdomen may occur in active disease. Continuous inflammation that begins at the rectum … Continue reading →

Indication for APRISO APRISO is a locally acting aminosalicylate indicated for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in patients 18 years and older. The use of APRISO for treating ulcerative colitis beyond 6 months has not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. You should not take APRISO (mesalamine) extended-release capsules if you experience an allergic reaction to salicylates or aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine), or to any of the components of APRISO capsules. It is recommended that you have an evaluation of kidney function prior to treatment with APRISO therapy and periodically while on therapy. Talk to your doctor if you have any kidney or renal problems before taking APRISO. Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from a flare of your ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include cramping, acute abdominal (stomach) pain and bloody diarrhea, sometimes fever, headache, and rash. Talk to your doctor if you experience a worsening of these problems after you start treatment. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking APRISO. There have been reports of liver failure in patients with liver disease who have taken mesalamine. You should not take APRISO while taking antacids because the dissolving … Continue reading →

The first key difference is in the location. Crohns disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from Mouth to Anus, but Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon. However, to complicate matters, Crohns disease may be restricted to the colon (Crohns colitis). In which case, it may be difficult to distinguish between Crohns and UC. The second key difference is in the type of Inflammation. UC affects a continuous patch of intestine, whereas Crohns disease can skip areas, leaving patches of healthy tissue in between. The ulcers in UC are also restricted to the upper layer of tissue, whereas the inflammation of Crohns disease can spread deeper. In some cases, it is impossible to distinguish between the forms of IBD, and a diagnosis of Indeterminate IBD may be given. In Ulcerative Colitis patients, the mucus layer which helps protect the intestinal epithelium from digestive tract microbes, is much thinner than in persons that do not have Ulcerative Colitis.[1] The thinner mucus layer seen in Ulcerative Colitis patients, allows microbes access to intestinal Mucosa, triggering inflammation.[1] Fewer mature Goblet Cells, which secrete digestive tract mucus, are found in Ulcerative Colitis patients.[1] If you think you may be suffering from an … Continue reading →

Reviewed byDrJeniWorden, GP Ulcerative colitis is a superficial inflammation of the large intestine, not caused by bacteria, which results in ulceration and bleeding. The patient typically experiences alternating periods with no or few symptoms, and periods with frequent stomach pains and diarrhoea that is mixed with pus, blood, and mucus. It's rare in the UK, with one new case per 10,000 people per year. Currently, there are approximately 146,000 patients with ulcerative colitis and usually they are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25-years-old, with a smaller peak between 55 and 65 years old. People of Asian origin are less likely to be affected, and men and women are equally affected. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Hereditary, infectious and immunological factors have been proposed as possible causes. Flare-ups cannot be prevented, but the severity and extent of the attacks can be reduced. It's important that affected people follow preventive treatments carefully, watch out for symptoms and consult their doctor if there is blood in their stool. Severe, acute flare-ups may confine the patient to bed. When the symptoms subside, the patient should be able to resume their normal activities. There are no dietary restrictions because changes … Continue reading →

If youve just been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (or even if youve had itfor some time)you may be feeling uncertain about what it is and the potential impact it may have on your life. Weve addressed some of the common questions about Ulcerative Colitis below. You can find more in-depth information in our freeUlcerative Colitis booklet. If youd prefer to speak to someone, were very happy to answer your questions through our Information Service. Ulcerative Colitis is a condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the rectum and colon (the large bowel). In UC, tiny ulcers develop on the surface of the lining and these may bleed and produce pus. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon. If UC only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis, while if it affects the whole colon it may be called total colitis or pancolitis. Its one of the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The other isCrohns Disease. Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition. This means that it is ongoing and life-long, although you may have periods of good health (remission), as well as times when … Continue reading →

About Alternative Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis offered by Dr. Harish Verma Dr. Harish Verma offers Ayurveda based Alternative Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis especially for those patients who never had a remission with mainline allopathic drugs like 5-ASA compounds (Sulphasalzine, Mesalamine), Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants (mercaptopurine, azathioprine, 6-MP, methotrexate, cyclosporine) or Biological products (Infliximab). Dr Vermas method of treatment is a ray of hope for those patients who are recommended Colostomy or Colectomy (surgery of colon). For the last twenty five years, Dr. Harish Verma is treating the patients of all categories of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Resistant IBD as well as Continuous IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, Pancolitis, Crohn's Disease. So far he has treated many thousand patients of Ulcerative Colitis with his Ayurveda based Alternative Treatment and saved patients from dangerous colon surgery. Dr. Vermas Ayurveda based Alternative Treatment is like food supplements. Almost all patients are advised to add two types of food supplements Ulcerin Compound I & Ulcerin Compound II along with their mainline medication and within four to six weeks, patients start getting symptomatic relief. Their consistency of stool improves, frequency to rush to toilet also decreases and the quantity of blood and mucus in the stool reduces. After … Continue reading →

Understanding the gut The gut (gastrointestinal tract) is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the back passage (anus). Food passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach and then into the small intestine. The small intestine has three sections - the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The small intestine is where food is digested and taken up (absorbed) into the bloodstream. The structure of the gut then changes to become the colon and rectum ( the large intestine), sometimes called the large bowel. The colon absorbs water and contains food that has not been digested, such as fibre. This is passed into the last part of the large intestine where it is stored as stools (faeces). Stools are then passed out of the anus into the toilet. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of the colon and the rectum (the large intestine). The inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine cause the common symptoms of diarrhoea and passing blood and mucus. When doctors talk of inflammatory bowel disease, they usually mean people who either have UC or Crohn's disease. Both of these conditions can cause inflammation of the colon and the rectum (large intestine) with similar … Continue reading →

Colitis Colitis Overview Colitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the colon. There are a variety of causes of colitis including infections, poor blood supply (ischemia), and autoimmune reactions. The colon is located in the abdominal cavity and is divided into the following parts: the cecum, the ascending colon, the transverse, the descending colon, the sigmoid, the rectum, and the anus. The right colon includes the cecum and ascending colon. The left colon includes the transverse segment to the sigmoid. The colon (large bowel or large intestine) is responsible for collecting and storing the waste products of digestion. It is a long muscular tube that pushes undigested food towards the anus for eventual elimination as a bowel movement. Food is digested in the stomach into a liquid slurry that passes through the small intestine where the nutrients are absorbed into the body for use. When the liquid mixture enters the colon, it mixes with mucus and normal bacteria that reside in the colon. The wall of the colon has numerous layers. There is a smooth muscle layer that wraps the outside and is responsible for squeezing the undigested food through the length of the colon. The inner layer, … Continue reading →

What Is Ulcerative Colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the rectum, colon (large intestine), and, infrequently, the last part of the small intestine (ileum). The inflammation affects the inner lining of the colon, causing small sores, or ulcers. Ulcerative colitis, along with a similar condition known as Crohn's disease, are collectively called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Below, find the most important information about ulcerative colitis and links to more in-depth coverage on each topic. It is thought that IBD may be an autoimmune disease, and one theory about the cause is that it could be a result of an allergic response. Another possibility is that IBD may be caused by some combination of environmental factors. The actual cause of IBD could be a result of one or more of these theories, or there may still be a cause that research hasn't uncovered. Blood tests can also offer helpful information about the status of IBD, especially the red blood cell and white blood cell counts. Blood tests can also monitor levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which may be depleted because of chronic diarrhea. Types of drugs commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis include: … Continue reading →

Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. Several categories of drugs may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. The type you take will depend on the severity of your condition. The drugs that work well for some people may not work for others, so it may take time to find a medication that helps you. In addition, because some drugs have serious side effects, you'll need to weigh the benefits and risks of any treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They include: Corticosteroids. These drugs, which include prednisone and hydrocortisone, are generally reserved for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis that doesn't respond to other treatments. They are given orally, intravenously, or by enema or suppository, depending on the location affected. Corticosteroids have numerous side effects, including a puffy face, excessive facial hair, night sweats, insomnia and hyperactivity. More-serious side effects include high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma and increased chance of infection. They are not usually given long term. These drugs also reduce inflammation, but they do so by suppressing the immune system response that starts the process of inflammation. For some people, a combination … Continue reading →