Cases of
ulcerative colitis (Crohn's disease) are not often found in modern medicine. Nevertheless, inflammation with subsequent ulceration of the large intestine is a rather dangerous condition, since in the absence of qualified help it leads to a lot of complications.
Causes of ulcerative colitis
Unfortunately, the mechanism of this disease is still under study. But still managed to find out some risk factors. In particular, there is a genetic predisposition.
In addition, as a result of recent tests, it was determined that patients contain specific antibodies to their own colon cells in the blood. This gave reason to believe that nonspecific colitis in some cases has an autoimmune origin and is associated with a violation of the protective system of the body. On the other hand, some scientists believe that the increased sensitivity of the immune system is not associated with the structures of the intestine, but with the bacteria that live in it.
The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis
It is immediately worth noting that colitis is a chronic disease in which exacerbations are replaced by periods of relative well-being, and vice versa. As a rule, inflammation occurs in a particular section of the rectum, but over time, the lesion increases in size, and sometimes captures the entire mucous membrane of the colon.
Crohn's disease (ulcerative ulcerative colitis) is accompanied by pulling, cramping pains in the lower abdomen. As a rule, with such attacks, strong urge to defecate is also observed. Along with this, body temperature rises to 37.5 degrees. Patients complain of lethargy and weakness, suffer from increased fatigue and loss of appetite.
From time to time, diarrhea appears, and in the stool you can notice blood impurities. Sometimes patients complain of constipation - it is difficult to empty the intestines even if the stool is relatively soft.
With severe inflammation and ulceration of the colon, severe intestinal bleeding can occur, which is extremely dangerous for human health and even human life.
Treatment of ulcerative colitis
Unfortunately, the exact causes of inflammation cannot be established, therefore, the treatment in this case is symptomatic. Nevertheless, correctly selected therapy allows achieving stable remission. First of all, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are prescribed to the patient. This stops the further development of the inflammatory process, relieves pain and normalizes body temperature. In more severe cases, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
In addition, patients are prescribed drugs that inhibit the activity of the immune system, in particular, Cyclosporin and Azathioprine. In some cases, antidiarrheal drugs are indicated. With anemia, which invariably develops as a result of constant bleeding, iron-containing products are used.
Of course, there are other methods to stop ulcerative colitis. Alternative treatment includes taking a decoction of wheat grains and turnips. An important part of therapy is a proper diet, which eliminates the use of fiber-rich foods, as well as spicy, salty, sour and fried foods.
Only in the most severe cases, the patient needs surgical intervention, which includes a partial or complete resection of the large intestine.