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Ulcerative Colitis – Causes and Management

Ulcerative Colitis – Causes and Management

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that leads to inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon. It is only present in the sigmoid colon and the rectum, but it can slowly damage the entire colon because of inflammation. Some symptoms patients experience are pain and abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The condition mostly starts in 15 to 25 years of age but can be seen outside the generally affected age range as well.

Causes
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains undetermined to date. Earlier, it was considered to be a result of high-stress levels and unhealthy eating habits. However, recently it has been discovered that these factors contribute to worsening the condition but are not something that directly causes the occurrence. That said, there is a small list of factors that can act as contributing factors, a combination of which might act as a causative factor for the condition:

Genetics
Genetics or hereditary factors play an important role in ulcerative colitis. Some studies have shown that 1 out of 7 patients with ulcerative colitis have a family member that was previously diagnosed with the disease.

Immune system dysfunction
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition. The function of the immune system is to protect the body and fight against disease-causing microorganisms. They fight against infections and disease and nullify anything threatening the body and health. However, there are times when the body mistakes some healthy microorganisms or normal body cells as the enemy. It then proceeds to kill these cells and causes a deficiency in the body, and ends up causing harm by killing important cells. This leads to compromised immunity, and the constant attacks on the gut also lead to prolonged inflammation.

Environmental factors
The environment one lives in plays a contributing role as a possible cause of ulcerative colitis. The lifestyle they adhere to is also important when considering the risk factors of ulcerative colitis. Research suggests that lifestyle and environment are possible causes of the pathogenesis of the disease.

Treatment
Numerous treatment options can be used to improve a patient’s current condition and lifestyle. The primary focus of ulcerative colitis treatment is to relieve the patient and offer better management of their condition. It also offers relief from the severity of their symptoms and helps decrease their frequency. The treatment option is followed, and the dosage depends on the acuteness of the condition. Most treatments work by targeting inflammation since it is a primary causative factor that leads to ulcerative colitis symptoms. Treating the condition can offer patients an improved lifestyle, better symptom management, and even induce remission.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory compound that is used in treating conditions that are either caused or triggered by inflammation. These are naturally produced by the body and available in their synthetic form. They also work as immunity suppressants, preventing more inflammation generation by the body. Doctors prescribe this treatment when patients are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of the condition. Corticosteroids reduce the level of inflammation in the body without coming in direct contact with inflamed tissues.

Aminosalicylates
Aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs treat mild to moderate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They help reduce the inflammation in the lining of the intestine and are one of the recent treatment options used to treat the condition.

Biologics
Biologics are compounds that target specific pathways and suppress the immune system. This suppression helps decrease the levels of inflammation in the body. It is generally prescribed for ulcerative colitis patients when they fail to respond to preliminary modes of treatment.

Immunomodulators
As the name suggests, immunomodulators are compounds that work by modulating or suppressing the immune system. Their mode of action is either by interfering with inflammation-causing proteins or reducing the number of cells responsible for the body’s immune response.

Surgery
A few scenarios might make the doctors consider surgical intervention. One of these is when the patient does not respond positively to the treatment plan. This leaves the patient with multiple flare-ups and compromises their quality of life. The constant flare-ups also impact the overall health of the patient and take away considerable time from their daily schedule that they could have spent being productive. Surgery is also considered an important option in case the patient experiences debilitating and chronic symptoms or has suffered internal bleeding because of their condition. Severe blockage or perforated colon are other cases where surgery is considered. The procedure involves the removal of the impacted area or the entire colon along with the rectum resulting in an ileostomy. This is an opening in the abdomen that helps eliminate bodily waste into a bag attached with the help of skin glue. Alternatively, doctors might form a bag inside the body, connect it to the anal sphincter muscle, and eliminate the need for an external waste pouch.

Lifestyle modifications
Since it is an inflammatory condition, making some changes to basic lifestyle and eating habits can go a long way in the management of the condition. It might also help decrease the frequency and severity of flare-ups, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life. The first step is to load up on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods that can help reduce the free radical damage in the body and keep the inflammation under control. Clocking the right amount and quality of sleep is also a great way of keeping ulcerative colitis symptoms in check. Another convenient habit to inculcate is keeping hydrated. An adequate amount of water in the body keeps the kidneys and liver working smoothly and reduces the risk of increased inflammation. Patients should also look into including regular physical activity in their daily schedule. That said, a chronic illness can be mentally jarring as much as it affects physical health. Turning to stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, music, and even massages can help. Reduced stress levels will also contribute to keeping radical damage and inflammation levels in the body under check. Patients can also enlist their family and friends for mental and emotional support.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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6 Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that usually causes inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, but those with the condition can also experience symptoms in the rectum. For many, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis develop gradually. The condition does not have a permanent cure but can be managed. One such natural treatment option is at-home remedies that can help relieve symptoms.  Try probiotics As ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition, it affects the entire digestive tract, including the lining of the stomach and the intestines. One way to tackle inflammation and prevent other symptoms is to boost the health of the digestive tract using probiotics. This can be a great natural treatment for ulcerative colitis, as probiotics introduce and restore healthy gut bacteria, helping maintain the natural gut flora. This can help reduce the inflammatory response of the gut, helping people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission for a longer period. Make better food choices Another ulcerative colitis natural treatment option is introducing changes to one’s meals. Food can play a huge role in helping relieve and keep flare-ups at bay, as studies have found that avoiding certain foods can help reduce the inflammatory response and prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms. First, one should strictly avoid foods they are sensitive to or those that trigger an allergic reaction. This could include food allergens such as dairy, gluten, and meat. Additionally, those with ulcerative colitis should avoid foods containing excessive fat. Studies have found that low-fat foods can help delay a flare-up. One should also try avoiding processed foods, foods with high sugar content, and those with high carbohydrate content. Instead, one should choose foods with omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides, as they can have a positive effect on the body, helping reduce inflammation. Studies have also found that those who opt for high-fiber foods may see improvement in their symptoms. A fiber-rich nutritional regimen can help with regular bowel movements and improve the consistency of stools. Vitamin C is also shown to have a positive effect on managing inflammatory bowel diseases. Opting for foods rich in vitamin C has been associated with longer remission periods. One should add fruits, like berries, spinach, bell peppers, and parsley, to their daily routine.  Try herbal remedies Herbal remedies are also key natural treatment options for ulcerative colitis. Ginseng is a common natural remedy that has proved to be effective in the fight against inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. There have also been studies to understand how ginseng can help treat or relieve UC in animals. More research is required to understand the exact role of ginseng and how it fights against the disease in humans. Other popular remedies for this IBD are aloe vera gel, wheatgrass juice, and Boswellia serrata gum resin. These natural products have been shown to contain compounds that can reduce immune activity, helping relieve the accompanying inflammation. Many of these herbs are also rich sources of antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation in the body. However, one should seek advice form a doctor before opting for these remedies, as the effects of many of these herbs are yet to be extensively studied. So, consulting a doctor before introducing drastic changes in their management plan can help one avoid unwanted effects and aggravating the symptoms of the condition. Get regular exercise Exercise has a positive effect on one’s overall health and well-being. It improves stamina, boosts confidence, improves mental health, increases muscle strength, and even helps with balance. Further, exercise is also a great way to manage and even prevent many health conditions. Adding moderate physical activity to one’s daily routine can help fight inflammation by strengthening the immune system. This makes physical activity an excellent management option for those dealing with ulcerative colitis symptoms. Experts suggest getting a moderate amount of exercise for at least five days a week. One could opt for walking, swimming, cycling, and even running as per their workout preferences.  Identify and avoid triggers Certain foods, products, and allergens in the environment can trigger immune system response, worsening or increasing the risk of ulcerative colitis symptoms. So, the best course of action when dealing with inflammatory bowel diseases is to completely avoid triggering products to prevent a flare-up. Here, one should begin by identifying the triggers by maintaining a daily diary. This can help them identify the foods or external triggers they had interacted with on a specific day, especially when they experienced a flare-up. By making a note of everything one eats or drinks in a day, one can narrow down the potential triggers and figure out ways to limit or completely eliminate them from the daily routine. Manage stress One of the common triggers of inflammatory conditions is stress. Studies have found that stress can play a role in developing this condition and increasing the risk of flare-ups. High levels of stress can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure and can increase the risk of worsening UC symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. So, one of the natural treatments for ulcerative colitis is to counteract emotional tension, like opting for counseling or one-on-one therapy sessions to cope with stress. Further, people affected by the condition should manage and reduce stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. Deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can also help the body and mind relax. Stress often puts the body in a fight-or-flight mode, affecting the functioning of the stomach, gut, and other organs. In many cases, therapists may recommend mind-body techniques that can help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Additionally, joining a support group and seeking help from friends and family members can also help one deal with stress.

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