We tend to avoid some major symptoms that our body gives us when it is fighting from within we should take them seriously at the earliest. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term gut problem It is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. The inflammation typically begins in the rectum and may extend continuously into the colon. This condition can lead to various symptoms ranging from mild to severe, significantly impacting the quality of your life. The cause is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:
Diarrhea: Often with blood or pus/mucus. Which is starting to seem to be like a normal viral infection of food poisoning.
Abdominal pain and cramping: Usually in the lower left side. We tend to take painkillers for this one, Am I right?
Rectal bleeding: You can see blood in stools and on the toilet seat.
Urgency to defecate: Feeling the need to go urgently but passing only small amounts of stools.
Weight loss: Due to reduced appetite or malabsorption. In some cases, extreme weight loss happens.
Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak, often due to anemia or the chronic nature of the disease, and because of continuously passing stools.
The severity and frequency of these symptoms can fluctuate over time, with times when they’re not so bad (remission) and times when they’re worse (flare-ups). Early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are essential to manage symptoms effectively and prevent complications.
Reasons for ulcerative colitis:
Symptoms that Won’t Quit: If you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding that lasts for more than a few days, don’t wait anymore, it is essential to seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate an active flare-up of ulcerative colitis, and prompt treatment can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Changes in Bowel Habits: Significant changes in your bowel habits, such as increased frequency of bowel movements or the sudden onset of diarrhea, pay attention to these changes should not be ignored. This can indicate disease activity and may require adjustments to your treatment plan.
Severe Symptoms: Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, high fever, or profuse rectal bleeding should prompt immediate medical attention. This could mean something’s not right. These are the signs of complications such as infection, bowel perforation, or severe inflammation that require urgent evaluation and treatment.
Signs of Dehydration: Diarrhea and persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, especially during flare-ups. Watch out for dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or extreme thirst. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes are crucial, to charge your body.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Chronic inflammation and malabsorption in ulcerative colitis can lead to nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia or vitamin D deficiency. If you experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, or unusual bruising, consult your healthcare provider to check what’s going on and fix it.
Regular Check-Ups Matter
Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers are essential for managing ulcerative colitis effectively. Even during periods of remission, routine check-ups can help monitor disease activity, assess medication effectiveness, and detect any early signs of complications.
Colonoscopy: Periodic colonoscopies are recommended to evaluate the extent and severity of inflammation in the colon and assess for any changes or complications such as dysplasia (precancerous changes).
Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to monitor inflammation markers (such as C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and assess for nutritional deficiencies.
Symptom Review: Even if they seem small, keeping your doc updated can help catch issues early and keep you feeling better for longer.
Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care
While medical treatment forms the cornerstone of managing ulcerative colitis, certain lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies can complement medical therapy and improve overall well-being:
Dietary Management: Some individuals find that certain foods can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Keeping track of what you eat is very important.
Stress Management: Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, but it sure can make it worse. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or counseling may help manage stress levels and improve symptom control.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis and can worsen disease severity. Quitting smoking is crucial for overall health and may help improve treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, staying informed, proactive, and attentive to changes in symptoms ensures timely medical intervention and enhances the management of ulcerative colitis, ultimately promoting better health outcomes and improved quality of life. Our body is a fighter in general, but we can not forget that we also need to look after it before it has no energy to fight more. Prevention is better than cure!
Dealing with constant abdominal pain? It could be a sign to get expert help for your ulcerative colitis. Karishmma Chawla offers personalized nutritional guidance to help ease your discomfort and manage symptoms.
