Things You Should Know about Colitis Disease

Variations of colitis disease include Crohn's colitis, ulcerative colitis, ischemic colitis, diversion colitis, fulminant colitis, infectious colitis, chemical colitis, collagenous colitis, atypical colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and microscopic colitis.

Pseudo-membranous is a fairly well known sub-type of 'infectious colitis' and is a result of infection caused by a toxigenic strain of the Clostridium Difficile. Colitis can also be caused by parasitic infections.

Fulminant colitis refers to any colitis that is accompanied with a quick downhill clinical course. Besides fever, anemia, and diarrhea that are commonly seen in colitis, the patient also suffers from severe pain in the abdominal region, and this gives the impression of the possibility of septicemia, wherein shock is also present. Close to 50% of these cases are referred for surgery.

One common source of confusion is the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is sometimes referred to as spastic colon or spastic colitis. While the name suggests that it is a form of colitis; that is not the case, and it is a completely different disease.

Common colitis symptoms/signs include tenderness and pain in the abdominal region, rapid weight loss, depression, pain/aches in joints, increase in bowel frequency, fatigue, the colon tissue experiencing swelling and redness, fever, colon ulcers (in ulcerative colitis),and rectal bleeding. While diarrhea can be seen in many cases, different forms of colitis are also known to cause constipation, and in some others there is no change in bowel movements.

Other symptoms/signs can also include bloating, gas, heartburn, indigestion, reflux, cramps, as well as uncomfortable aches/pains within the gastrointestinal tract.

A large number of colitis patients have experienced aggravation in their conditions due to the intake of different foods and beverages. These include caffeine; alcohol; carbonated (aerated) beverages; dairy products (especially in patients who are lactose intolerant); peas, legumes, and dried beans; fruits with seeds or pulp; berries and dry fruits; high fiber foods; pepper and paprika; meats; popcorn; nuts; refined sugar; as well as all spicy foodstuff.

While there is little in terms of conclusive medical evidence, many patients claim to experience relief by eliminating the aforementioned foods from their everyday diet.

Treatment for colitis can include general 'non steroidal anti inflammatory' medications (NSAIDS) and antibiotics being administered. These could include Mesalamine, Azathioprine, and other similar immuno-suppressants. Steroids like prednisone and prednisolone can also be administered. Since this is a chronic condition, the main focus is on remission as opposed to cure.

Surgery is generally called for in cases where the patients experience permanent or regular flare-ups, especially in cases involving fulminant colitis. Surgery generally involves the removal of the bowel and the colon and creating a 'pouch' using portions of the small intestine, which, over a period of time adopts the colon's characteristics.

The medical fraternity is fairly divided when it comes to the role of the patients' diet in treating the condition. While some medical practitioners recommend certain restrictions in patient diets, some others choose not to.
If you think that you or someone you know might suffer from any form of colitis, it is best to get professional medical help at the very beginning.

I have had Ulcerative Colitis from the age of 8, and am now 40. Various things have helped get this disease under control, and give me a normal life once again, but I have to say, this great guide helped me immensely.

Check it out for yourself, as it comes with a 100% money back guarantee, so you are not risking a thing.

Try it for yourself Click Here!