What is Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition of the large intestine which over time irritate and damage the digestive tract and can lead to rectal bleeding or bloody stool.

This can usually be accompanied with diarrhea and cramps. There is not only pain associated with Ulcerative Colitis but also irritation of inflamed area, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is defined as inflammation of the large intestine.

It can occur in any part of the colon but tends to affect the rectum and sigmoid colon to a greater extent than it does the rest of the colon, which is where IBD symptoms are typically worse.

The only reason UC symptoms are usually localised to one area of the gastrointestinal tract is because unlike Crohn’s disease patients, whose immune system can attack anywhere on their digestive tract, UC sufferers will generally mount an immune response only in their large intestine.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have IBD in your small intestine – what it means is that your immune system attacks your small intestine at a slower rate or without a full-on inflammatory response.

This article will cover a large area in explaining what Ulcerative Colitis typically is, the symptoms thereof and how to avoid triggers and flare-ups.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

The majority with ulcerative colitis has mild to moderate symptoms.

The direction of ulcerative colitis may additionally vary, with some humans having long periods of remission.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Rectal Pain
• Abdominal pain or abdominal cramping
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Defecate urgency
• Weight loss
• Bloody stool

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of environmental, immunologic, and genetic factors.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include abdominal pain, cramping, urgency, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis may include medications, diet, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Diagnosis

Gastroenterologists may additionally use a selection of tests on the way to apprehend what’s occurring with a patient who’s suspected of getting ulcerative colitis, but it is normally a colonoscopy with biopsies that is used to make the prognosis.

Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is, unfortunately, incurable.

When you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it’s crucial to see your doctor to discover the first-class manner to treat it.

With the proper care, you are able to control your circumstance and lead a complete and productive life.

Some of the most common treatments for ulcerative colitis include:

• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Pain relievers
• Iron supplements
• Antispasmodics
• Surgery

            Ulcerative Colitis Diet Guide            

Eating a diet high in fiber can help to alleviate some of the problems associated with Ulcerative Colitis but there are other things that can be done to lessen the pain and discomfort too.

What are the best foods to eat when you have Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease?

The key word here is animal protein. Animal proteins in the form of fish, seafood and poultry are your best allies.

The reason for this is because they are easy on your system and rapidly absorbed by the digestive tract without causing inflammation in your bowels the way that red meat can (even if its grass fed it can still cause issues down the road).

Focus on low GI carbs such as sweet potatoes, yams, or regular potatoes.

However, avoid white bread or sugary snacks like sweets.

You should also avoid fruit juices while on this diet too since they quickly spike your blood sugar levels which will only aggravate a flare up of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and increase inflammation in your body.

Natural Ways to Reduce UC

By utilising lifestyle choices, it is possible to help prevent the onset of ulcerative colitis and reduce any symptoms that are already present.

These changes in one’s lifestyle need to be adopted for the long-term in order to achieve maximum results.

Remember, when looking at various supplements and herbal remedies, you need to have a solid understanding of what your condition is, in order to prevent any danger or confusion if you wish not only to reduce UC ulcerative colitis but also prevent flare-ups.

While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, you will find that there are many different things you can do to reduce your chances of getting flare ups and make yourself feel far better for longer periods at a time.

For starters, encourage yourself to eat healthier by reducing the amount of fatty, processed foods in your diet and try out a few different recipes using some interesting spices and herbs.

You should also try eating more fruit and vegetables every day, particularly citrus varieties or those that contain lots of water like tomatoes or cucumbers.

You will be adding valuable fiber to your diet, which helps food pass through the intestine more easily.

Managing Flare-ups

Flare-ups can be incredibly painful, so it’s important to manage them effectively to ensure that you can maintain a healthy quality of life.

Although flare-ups can happen for seemingly no reason, there are certain things you can do to reduce their frequency and severity.

• Reduce stress by, for example meditating, doing yoga, or eating more healthily and drinking more water.
• Cut your alcohol consumption if you’re not doing so already
• Try supplementing with fish oils or evening primrose oil – they both may help reduce flare-ups
• Try keeping a food journal for everyday use. This way you can keep track of what you eat and the reaction your body gives when eating certain foods.

• Limit your fiber intake

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day

• Talk to a dietician

• Relaxation exercise

You should usually see your GP again when you have a flare up because they need to assess whether you need conjunctional treatment (antibiotics) or steroids.

Risk Factors

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory colitis (IBD) and is a long-term condition characterized by severe inflammation that affects the large intestine and the lining of the rectum.

Here are 9 risk factors for ulcerative colitis:

• Genetics 
• Autoimmune reaction 
• Smoking 
• Anti-Inflammatory drugs 
• Antibiotics

When To See a Doctor

Although these remedies and guidelines might alleviate the pain, it is recommended to get a professional diagnosis from your doctor or gastroenterologist in order to discuss the way forward.

Dr Eduan prides himself on his ability to help his patients to the best of his ability by embracing good listening skills, effective communication, compassion and knowledge and skill honed during years of private gastroenterology practice.

If you would like to book an appointment with a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist or would simply like more information on a particular GI topic, don’t hesitate to use our online booking form or call Dr. Deetlefs at 021 551 867.

When you think of Crohn’s disease, you usually think of a bloated stomach, lack of appetite and cramps.

But did you know there many other symptoms of Crohn’s?

They are all unique, as every person is different. You might not have all or even any of them. It’s important to remember that a symptom you experience doesn’t mean that you have Crohn’s.

If you experience any of the symptoms below, see your healthcare professional.

In this article we discuss everything you need to know about Crohn’s disease and how to live a healthy life despite this disease.

Introduction to Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the gastrointestinal tract.

The disease is named after Dr. Burrill Crohn, who first described the condition in 1932. Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that is marked by inflammation in the lining of the small intestine.

The inflammation can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it is most commonly found in the last section of the small intestine, called the ileum.

People with Crohn’s disease often experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever.

The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can also lead to the development of ulcers in the digestive tract known as Ulcerative Colitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

This chronic condition can cause inflammation, pain and other symptoms in different parts of the digestive system.

The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Bloody Stool
• Mouth Sores

Other possible symptoms include:

• Urgent need to move bowels
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Skin lesions
• Inflammation of the liver or bile ducts
• Kidney stones
• Iron deficiency
• Delayed growth in children

Crohn’s disease is a serious condition and can lead to many possible complications, including malnutrition, dehydration, intestinal blockages, and cancer.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease typically involves medications and surgery.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Causes of Crohn’s Disease?

The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but there are several theories about what may trigger the disease.

Some possible causes of Crohn’s disease include:

Genetic factors: Crohn’s disease may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some people may be more likely to develop Crohn’s disease because they inherit genes that make them more susceptible to the disease.

Bacterial infection: It is possible that a bacterial infection may trigger Crohn’s disease. The bacteria may enter the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth or nose and cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

Smoking:  Cigarette smoking could double your risk of Crohn’s disease.

Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease

To diagnose Crohn’s disease, doctors take a medical history and perform a physical exam. They may order blood tests, stool tests, a sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscopy.

Additionally, they may also use a device called a capsule endoscopy, which is a pill that takes a picture of the small intestine.

The three most common ways to diagnose Crohn’s disease are discussed below.

Blood Test – Blood tests are one of the most used testing methods for diagnosing Crohn’s disease.  Doctors can use blood samples to check for signs of infection in your blood. If you have an increased level of white blood cells in your blood, it may be a sign of infection or inflammation in your body.

Stool Test – Your doctor might want to order a stool test to check if you have blood in your stool.  To have blood in your stool is normally a sign that you have digestive problems such as Crohn’s disease.

Sigmoidoscopy – A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon. A sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced into the sigmoid colon. This allows the doctor to view the lining of the rectum and sigmoid colon and to detect any abnormalities.

Colonoscopy – A colonoscopy is a screening test for colon cancer. It is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end is inserted through the anus and passed through the rectum and into the colon. The test is used to look for polyps, which are small growths on the lining of the colon that can become cancerous.

Capsule Endoscopy – Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic test that uses a small camera to take pictures of the inside of your small intestine. This test is used to help diagnose problems in the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and tumors.

What Is the Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?

There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms.

Treatment may include medication, diet and lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Food Preparation and Meal Planning

Although everyone is different and no one-size-fits-all when it comes to food, these tips can help you find your rhythm and guide you to a better daily nutrition.

• Eat 4 – 6 small meals per day
• Drink enough liquids such as water, broth, tomato juice
• Prepare your meals in advance
• Use simple technique when cooking like boil, grill, steam or poach. Try not to deep fry and techniques using a lot of oil or butter.
• Use a food journal to keep track of what you eat and when you experience Crohn’s symptoms.

What Are the Possible Complications of Crohn’s Disease?

Some of the most common complications include:

– Inflammation of the joints, skin, or eyes

– Rectal bleeding

– Ulcers in the intestine

– Swelling of the intestinal wall

– Structures or narrowing of the intestine

– Malabsorption of nutrients

– Abscesses

– Inflammation of the pouch created by surgery to treat Crohn’s Disease

– Cancer of the intestine

It is important for people with Crohn’s disease to be aware of the potential complications and take steps to prevent them from occurring.

The Relationship of Diet and Crohn’s Disease

There is no one food that Crohn’s disease patients must avoid, but there are some general dietary guidelines that can be helpful.

Patients with Crohn’s disease should aim to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

It’s important to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar, as these can aggravate symptoms.

Some specific foods that may be troublesome for Crohn’s patients include nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and dairy products.

It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as dehydration can aggravate symptoms. Some patients find that drinking caffeine or alcohol can worsen symptoms.

It is important to listen to your body and take note of the reaction your body shows after consuming some foods. 

Conclusion

If you are worried about Crohn’s there are some easy steps to take to improve your condition, regardless of what your specific diagnosis is.

These follow-up measures include taking good care of yourself; eating a healthy diet; avoiding alcohol; controlling stress through exercise, meditation or yoga; and using probiotics to improve gut health.

For any additional information regarding Crohn’s disease, it’s best to find a trusted and experienced Gastroenterologist who can answer your questions clearly, recommend appropriate solutions, and perform tests with precision and expertise.

Dr. Deetlefs has earned the reputation of a trusted health expert providing consultative, diagnostic, and therapeutic endoscopic and related services to patients in Cape Town and beyond.

Dr. Deetlefs can be contacted to confirm the estimated breakdown should you be interested in having the procedure done.