Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects greater than 900,000 Americans Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that affects greater than 900,000 Americans and is also prevalent worldwide.1 In patients with UC, ulceration and inflammation of the colon leads to episodes of relapsing and remitting flares, making lifelong maintenance therapy necessary.1,2 Symptoms of UC often include abdominal pain and discomfort, rectal urgency, diarrhea containing blood, and tenesmus.2 Patients may also experience weight loss and feelings of fatigue.1 Diagnosis of UC requires both clinical evaluation as well as confirmation of the disease via colonoscopy and biopsy.2 Treatment of UC involves diet modification, initiation of medications, and surgical intervention, if necessary.1 Pharmacologic therapy of mild to moderate UC typically begins with orally or rectally administered mesalamine.2 Mesalamine, which is structurally similar to aspirin, decreases inflammation via inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 enzymes. Because significant systemic absorption occurs with mesalamine, drug allergies are important to consider when treating a patient. Not only is the literature regarding the cross-reactivity between aspirin and mesalamine lacking, but published evidence about the relationship is also conflicting.2 Some research suggests that cross-reactivity between aspirin and mesalamine does not occur, while other reports state that a test dose should … Continue reading →

New Delhi: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. People who are suffering from the disease usually take medication throughout their lives to prevent relapse, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and improve the quality of their lives. If you are suffering from mild to moderate UC, then you can get trying herbal remedies instead of medicine to get relief from the pain. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is said that aloe vera helps in relieving the pain dealing with a chronic condition like UC. Wheat grass juice has been used for treating various gastrointestinal and other ailments for over 30 years now. Studies have found that fresh wheat grass juice is effective in drastically reducing the symptoms of UC and also help reduce the severity of rectal bleeding. Curcumin is a compound in turmeric with anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the acid secretion from the stomach and protect against injuries such as inflammation along the stomach or intestinal walls and ulcers. The fruit contains a component called bromelain, which acts as a digestive aid and also has anti inflammatory properties. Studies have found that this component can also be … Continue reading →

Nearly 250 guests attended Team Intestinal Fortitudes seventh annual Silent Auction and Raffle on March 16 at the Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton, which raised $100,000 toward finding cures for Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Among those who attended to raise money for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation were Walpole residents and event honorees Kouri Wright and her 12-year-old son, Timmy, who has been living with Crohns and colitis since he was 3 years old. Surrounded by their friends and family at the event, Timmy received Team Intestinal Fortitudes 2017 Man of the Year award, and Kouri received the award for 2017 Woman of the Year. Timmy is a role model to other young kids living with the disease; his story shows that with hard work and a positive attitude, people can live a normal life and manage the disease instead of allowing the disease to manage them. Kouri is active in the Crohns and colitis community and was honored for her extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of children living with the disease. Being a mother of a child with inflammatory bowel disease … Continue reading →