Colitis

Colitis

        Internal colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine: the colon. Colitis can have 2 meanings depending on whether one speaks of acute or chronic colitis.
Acute colitis has various origins:

• Infectious (viral, bacterial, fungus, parasite).
• Iatrogenic (caused by drugs: irritant laxative, antibiotics).
• Radiation therapy (use of radiation as a treatment).
• Ischemia.

Colitis symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Anemia
• Loss of appetite
• Thinning
• Asthenia (fatigue)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Uveitis (eye inflammation)
• Spondylitis (inflammation of the spine)

        Whatever the nature of the colitis there was always the same symptoms: dull pain mostly in the left side, frequent bloating, abnormal transit of gas.

The diagnosis of Crohn's disease is through laboratory tests, x-rays of the intestines and sigmoidoscopy. This examination allows direct visualization of the thickened wall of the intestine and the presence of ulcerations. Treatment mostly requires medication with cortisone. Colitis surgery is indicated only for complications (fistula, obstruction, severe bleeding) but also in forms resistant to previous treatment.

Between episodes of colitis symptoms:

• Eat foods rich in fiber to regulate bowel movement.
• Emphasize the protein from lean meats, poultry, fish and eggs. It is important to adopt a healthy diet that contains healthy fats.
• Practice relaxation techniques and make exercise to better manage your stress. If the stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, it can aggravate the symptoms. Exercise also helps regulate the bowel. The relaxation methods can help control colitis pain during symptoms.

Colitis pictures

Colitis treatment

        It is clear that colitis treatment obviously depends on its cause and only the doctor can prescribe the treatment. However, a very common cause of the disease is the abuse of laxatives that are often seen in women. The treatment is based on the replacement of the irritant laxatives with a therapy based on mucilage or paraffin combined with sedatives. They modulate the gastro-intestinal peristalsis and decreased sensitivity to distension. Furthermore, the pacient should have a quiet life and avoid stress. Cold foods must be banned from colitis diet: milk and dairy products, beans, lentils, cabbage.

Colitis surgery

        Some people with ulcerative colitis will undergo surgery to remove the entire colon when the drug can no longer control colitis symptoms. The coloproctectomy is the removal of the colon and rectum and is the only cure for ulcerative colitis. Depending on the extent and severity of colitis, the surgeon will make an:

• Ileostomy, in which a small opening, called stoma, is made in the abdomen to allow passage of stool. The pacient must then wear a bag to collect feces.
• Ileoanal anastomosis, during which the surgeon removes the colon and rectum of the patient, while maintaining the anus and the external muscles of the rectum. The doctor then connect the ileum to the rectum, creating a pocket where the feces accumulate before being evacuated. This procedure can result in the inflammation of the ileal reservoir, which is treated with antibiotics.

Medical treatment of ulcerative colitis

        Colitis symptoms consist in an irritable colon. The patient usually complains of abdominal pain associated with diarrhea or constipation, and sometimes of gas emissions. Chronic colitis is the translation of conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease whose origin is unknown. It affects people of all ages. This intestinal disease particularly affects the small intestine (terminal segment), colon and anus.

        There is no cure for ulcerative colitis. Treatments help reduce symptoms when the disease is active, and reduce their recurrence.

Colitis drugs

        Anti-inflammatory. It is usually the first treatment prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis.

• Aminosalicylates. These drugs are similar to aspirin and suppress inflammation in the colon. They are administered oral or anal.
• Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids quell the inflammation in any part of the body, but can have side effects. They are prescribed to patients with moderate ulcerative colitis or to pacients who do not respond to other treatments.

Colitis diet

        Colitis diet has the role to correct malnutrition in terms of calories and micronutrients. Lack of appetite and weight loss are the consequences of abdominal pain and diarrhea. The reduction of food intake and surgery can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins (A, B9, B12, C, D, E and K) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc ). These deficits are easily treated by providing a balanced diet rich in macro and micronutrients. The nutritional strategy will be developed in collaboration with the physician. Supplementation with complex vitamins and minerals is necessary. The adequate intake of nutrients is especially important for children who are growing.

Possible colitis complications

        Worst complication of colitis is called toxic megacolon. It occurs when inflammation of the colon is so important that its movements cease. The symptoms are severe pain, vomiting and swelling of the abdomen. One must consult a doctor urgently in the presence of these symptoms because the colon can be perforated and peritonitis can occur. Fortunately, this complication occurs only rarely. People with colitis must be attentive to osteoporosis and anemia. They are more at risk because the disease can cause malnutrition. Moreover, the use of corticosteroids over long periods makes them more at risk for osteoporosis.