Ulcerative Colitis and Weight Loss: Your FAQs

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation and sores in the intestines, which is where your body absorbs most of its nutrients from food.

Inflammation in your GI tract and symptoms like diarrhea and belly pain can prevent you from absorbing enough nutrients, fluid, and electrolytes. Weight loss, weakness, and muscle loss are signs that your body isn’t getting the nutrition it needs.

A well-balanced diet is an important part of managing UC. Eating too few nutrient-dense foods could put you at risk for malnutrition. Too little nutrition can leave you feeling tired and make it harder for your body to heal.

Managing your UC and working with your doctor and a dietitian can help you maintain your weight and feel better during treatment.

It can. Weight loss is a common symptom of UC, especially when the condition isn’t managed. You may lose weight for a few reasons.

Symptoms like nausea and belly pain can make you less interested in eating. Diarrhea and some of the drugs you take to manage IBD can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from foods. And inflammation makes your body burn calories faster.

IBD causes weight loss for a few reasons:

• You have diarrhea. During an active symptom flare, you can have six or more loose bowel movements per day. Frequent diarrhea strips your body of nutrients and can lead to weight loss. Some people with IBD eat less to avoid visiting the bathroom so often.
• You feel too sick to eat. It’s hard to eat well with symptoms like nausea and belly pain. When you have no appetite, you may eat fewer of the calories and nutrients that you need to maintain your weight.
• You have inflammation. During flares, there’s more inflammation in your colon, leading to severe symptoms such as diarrhea and decreased appetite, which may lead to weight loss.
• You experience chronic inflammation. An increased demand for protein is often the result of chronic inflammation. When this happens, your body may start to break down muscle and other fat-free areas of mass. The decrease in muscle mass can cause you to lose weight.
• Your doctor has put you on a liquid diet. Inflammation can leave areas of scar tissue called strictures in your intestines. You may need to stick to a liquid diet until the inflammation goes down and your intestine heals.

Doctors don’t recommend any one diet for people with UC. The idea is to eat foods that give you enough calories plus a balance of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Work with a dietitian to find a meal plan you can tolerate — and that you enjoy.

Certain foods can make UC symptoms worse. During flares, you may need to avoid certain hard-to-digest foods and drinks like:

• fresh fruits with skin and seeds
• raw vegetables
• dairy, such as milk and cheese
• nuts
• whole grains
• sugary foods, such as candy and soda
• alcohol

However, you don’t need to automatically cut all these items out of your diet.

Instead, you can figure out which foods bother you with the help of a food diary. Write down everything you eat and drink, and take note of when your symptoms flare up. Share this diary with your doctor and dietitian. Together, you can come up with a plan that ensures you’re eating balanced meals.

After a flare, you can slowly add foods back into your diet. You’ll want to try and increase your calorie and protein intake to make up for what you lost.

Here are a few other tips to help you put on weight:

• Eat four to six small meals during the day to increase your daily calorie intake. Smaller meals and snacks are sometimes easier to tolerate than three large meals.
• Add more protein from foods like fish, eggs, tofu, and chicken.
• Eat more. If you’re eating foods that agree with you and you don’t feel full, go ahead and have seconds. More food equals more calories.
• Stock your pantry and fridge with foods you like and that are easy for you to eat.
• Ask your doctor whether you should take a nutritional supplement if you’re not getting enough nutrients from foods alone.

Finally, talk to your doctor about UC treatments. Medications can help to manage inflammation and ease the symptoms that prevent you from eating and gaining weight.

The life expectancy of people with UC has improved over the years thanks to new treatments. People with this condition can expect to live full and happy lives.

Some research has found small differences in life expectancy. In one study, women with IBD lived 6 to 8 fewer years and men lived 5 to 6 fewer years compared to people without IBD. That doesn’t mean your life will be shorter than the typical lifespan of person without UC and in good health — these are just averages.

Keep in mind, there are ways to improve your outlook. One is to see a doctor who is experienced in treating UC. Getting on the right treatment plan can improve both the length and quality of your life.

Ulcerative colitis and the medicines you take to manage it can prevent your body from getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and heal. During flares, you might not absorb the nutrients you’re putting into your body.

Work with your doctor and a dietitian to design a diet that gives you the right balance of nutrients. Try different foods until you find ones that you can both enjoy and tolerate.

Onset of Ulcerative Colitis during a Low-Carbohydrate Weight-Loss Diet and Treatment with a Plant-Based Diet: A Case Report

Case Reports

. 2016 Winter;20(1):80-4.

doi: 10.7812/TPP/15-038.

Mitsuro Chiba 
¹
, Satoko Tsuda 
²
, Masafumi Komatsu 
³
, Haruhiko Tozawa 
⁴
, Yuko Takayama 
⁵

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Chief of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Section at Akita City Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ² Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology at Akita City Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ³ Gastroenterologist and the Director of Akita City Hospital. ac990892akita-city-hp.jp.
• ⁴ Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology at Nakadori General Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ⁵ Lecturer in the Life and Culture Department, Seirei Women’s Junior College in [email protected].

• PMID:

  26824967

• PMCID:

  PMC4732800

• DOI:

  10. 7812/TPP/15-038

Free PMC article

Case Reports

Mitsuro Chiba et al.

Perm J.

2016 Winter.

Free PMC article

. 2016 Winter;20(1):80-4.

doi: 10.7812/TPP/15-038.

Authors

Mitsuro Chiba 
¹
, Satoko Tsuda 
²
, Masafumi Komatsu 
³
, Haruhiko Tozawa 
⁴
, Yuko Takayama 
⁵

Affiliations

• ¹ Chief of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Section at Akita City Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ² Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology at Akita City Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ³ Gastroenterologist and the Director of Akita City Hospital. ac990892akita-city-hp.jp.
• ⁴ Gastroenterologist in the Division of Gastroenterology at Nakadori General Hospital in Japan. [email protected].
• ⁵ Lecturer in the Life and Culture Department, Seirei Women’s Junior College in [email protected].

• PMID:

  26824967

• PMCID:

  PMC4732800

• DOI:

  10.7812/TPP/15-038

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are global health concerns. Various effective weight-loss diets have been developed, including the Atkins diet. The Atkins diet is known as an extreme low-carbohydrate diet. This diet reduces body weight and has gained widespread popularity. However, the metabolite profiles of such a diet have been shown to be detrimental to colonic health. Therefore, a concern for the long-term health effects of this diet exists. We encountered a case in which ulcerative colitis developed while the patient was following the Atkins diet.A man, 172 cm in height and weighing 72 kg, at age 36 years followed a low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet. His weight decreased to 66 kg as desired. Thereafter he noticed bloody stool. Colonoscopy revealed diffuse inflammation limited to the rectum, and he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. He underwent an educational hospitalization for ulcerative colitis. A plant-based/semivegetarian diet was provided during hospitalization. Bloody stool disappeared during hospitalization and he achieved remission without medication for inflammatory bowel disease. This case indicates that an onset of ulcerative colitis can be an adverse event to a low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet.

Figures

Figure 1.

Timeline of case. BW =…

Figure 1.

Timeline of case. BW = body weight; LCHWLD = low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet; PBDS…

Figure 1.

Timeline of case. BW = body weight; LCHWLD = low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet; PBDS = plant-based diet score; SVD = semivegetarian diet; UC = ulcerative colitis.

Figure 2.

Photograph taken during colonoscopy. Diffuse…

Figure 2.

Photograph taken during colonoscopy. Diffuse inflammation was observed in the rectum. A small…

Figure 2.

Photograph taken during colonoscopy. Diffuse inflammation was observed in the rectum. A small amount of blood was also observed.

See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

• Stepwise Treatment With Plant-Based Diet and Medication for Patient With Mild Ulcerative Colitis.

  Chiba M, Tsuji T, Ohno H, Komatsu M.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Perm J. 2021 Dec 8;25:21.052. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.052.
  Perm J. 2021.

  PMID: 35348099
  Free PMC article.

• Onset of Ulcerative Colitis in a Patient with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Dramatic Effect of Plant-based Diet for NAFLD.

  Chiba M, Nakane K, Abe H, Komatsu M, Tozawa H.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2019 Oct 18;25(11):e146-e147. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izz208.
  Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2019.

  PMID: 31560040

• Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN diets for change in weight and related risk factors among overweight premenopausal women: the A TO Z Weight Loss Study: a randomized trial.

  Gardner CD, Kiazand A, Alhassan S, Kim S, Stafford RS, Balise RR, Kraemer HC, King AC.

  Gardner CD, et al.
  JAMA. 2007 Mar 7;297(9):969-77. doi: 10.1001/jama.297.9.969.
  JAMA. 2007.

  PMID: 17341711

  Clinical Trial.

• Popular exclusionary diets for inflammatory bowel disease: the search for a dietary culprit.

  Hwang C, Ross V, Mahadevan U.

  Hwang C, et al.
  Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2014 Apr;20(4):732-41. doi: 10.1097/01.MIB.0000438427. 48726.b0.
  Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2014.

  PMID: 24562173

  Review.

• Diet in the Pathogenesis and Management of Ulcerative Colitis; A Review of Randomized Controlled Dietary Interventions.

  Keshteli AH, Madsen KL, Dieleman LA.

  Keshteli AH, et al.
  Nutrients. 2019 Jun 30;11(7):1498. doi: 10.3390/nu11071498.
  Nutrients. 2019.

  PMID: 31262022
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Incorporation of Plant-Based Diet Surpasses Current Standards in Therapeutic Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

  Chiba M, Morita N.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Metabolites. 2023 Feb 23;13(3):332. doi: 10.3390/metabo13030332.
  Metabolites. 2023.

  PMID: 36984772
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Evidence-based pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis: A causal role for colonic epithelial hydrogen peroxide.

  Pravda J.

  Pravda J.
  World J Gastroenterol. 2022 Aug 21;28(31):4263-4298. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i31.4263.
  World J Gastroenterol. 2022.

  PMID: 36159014
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Relapse-Free Course in Nearly Half of Crohn’s Disease Patients With Infliximab and Plant-Based Diet as First-Line Therapy: A Single-Group Trial.

  Chiba M, Tsuji T, Nakane K, Tsuda S, Ohno H, Sugawara K, Komatsu M, Tozawa H.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Perm J. 2022 Jun 29;26(2):40-53. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.073. Epub 2022 Jun 15.
  Perm J. 2022.

  PMID: 35933676
  Free PMC article.

• Stepwise Treatment With Plant-Based Diet and Medication for Patient With Mild Ulcerative Colitis.

  Chiba M, Tsuji T, Ohno H, Komatsu M.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Perm J. 2021 Dec 8;25:21.052. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.052.
  Perm J. 2021.

  PMID: 35348099
  Free PMC article.

• Ulcerative colitis in the postpartum period.

  Chiba M, Tsuji T, Komatsu M, Watanabe H, Takahashi M.

  Chiba M, et al.
  Autops Case Rep. 2020 Sep 2;10(4):e2020187. doi: 10.4322/acr.2020.187.
  Autops Case Rep. 2020.

  PMID: 33344315
  Free PMC article.

See all “Cited by” articles

Publication types

MeSH terms

Non-specific ulcerative colitis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Contents

• 1 Non-specific ulcerative colitis: symptoms, causes and effective treatments
  • 1. 1 Non-specific ulcerative colitis: what is it?
  • 1.2 What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
  • 1.3 Diagnosing ulcerative colitis
  • 1.4 Causes of ulcerative colitis
  • 1.5 How can I prevent ulcerative colitis?
  • 1.6 Treatments for non-specific ulcerative colitis
  • 1.7 Drug treatment for non-specific ulcerative colitis
    • 1.7.1 Antibiotics
    • 1.7.2 Azathioprine, methotrexate and other immunosuppressants

    900 05 1.7.3 Anti-inflammatory drugs

    • 1.7.4 Probiotics
  • 1.8 How to choose the best treatment for ulcerative colitis?
  • 1.9 Prognosis for ulcerative colitis
  • 1.10 How to maintain a healthy diet in ulcerative colitis
  • 1.11 How can you stay healthy with ulcerative colitis?
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 Which organization conducts research on ulcerative colitis?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
      • 1. 13.0.3 How long can an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis last?
      • 1.13.0.4 Can ulcerative colitis be cured?
      • 1.13.0.5 What diagnostic methods are used to detect ulcerative colitis?
      • 1.13.0.6 What are the treatments for non-specific ulcerative colitis?

Learn about the symptoms and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Learn how to correctly diagnose the disease and how to cope with its manifestations. Useful information for those who are faced with this problem.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by ulcers and irritation of the lining of the colon and rectum. Among its symptoms: bloody diarrhea, pain in the lower abdomen, fatigue and weight loss. There is no cure for this disease, but there are a number of ways to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may influence its development. Diagnosis may include a physical exam, blood and stool tests, and a colonoscopy (examination of the inside wall of the colon and rectum using a flexible tube).

Treatment for ulcerative colitis is aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing inflammation. This may include medication, diet, lifestyle changes, surgery for severe cases, and emotional support. The results of treatment may vary depending on the degree of the disease and the presence of concomitant problematic factors.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis: what is it?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Ulcerative colitis can affect different parts of the colon, from the rectum to the transversal colon.

The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, gastrointestinal cramps and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be quite severe and cause significant inconvenience to the patient.

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis includes examination by a doctor, stool, blood and urine tests, colonoscopy with biopsy of intestinal tissue. The results of the diagnostics help determine the degree of inflammation and the spread of the disease, which allows you to choose the best treatment.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis depends on the degree of inflammation and symptoms of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as salazopyrin or mesalamine are often used, as well as immunosuppressive drugs or glucocorticosteroids. In some cases, surgery may be required.

What are the signs of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a common chronic disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Symptoms vary depending on the extent of the lesion and include:

• Diarrhea is the most common and distressing symptom. Bowel movements become frequent and very watery.
• Abdominal pain – it can manifest itself as acute pain, cramps or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Blood in the stool – this may be a sign of an acute period of the disease, when the inflamed intestine becomes covered with ulcers and fissures.
• Low temperature – Your body temperature may drop if inflammation spreads to large areas of the intestine.
• Weight loss – because you will have poor digestion, you may lose weight due to diarrhea, loss of appetite and other symptoms.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to assess your health and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of non-specific ulcerative colitis

Diagnosis of non-specific ulcerative colitis is a process that involves many procedures and tests to determine the presence of infection or other diseases that may mimic ulcerative colitis.

Endoscopy, such as colonoscopy and rectoscopy, is an important step to look at the lining of the colon and rectum. During this study, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Additionally, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and other educational studies may be done to look for possible complications or other medical conditions.

Successful diagnosis of non-specific ulcerative colitis depends on the timely visit to the doctor and following all the recommendations of the studies that he prescribes.

Causes of non-specific ulcerative colitis

Non-specific ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by ulcers and ulcerative bleeding. So far, there is no exact reason for its appearance, but there are several hypotheses.

1. Genetic predisposition – the presence of certain genes that disrupt the immune system and metabolic processes in the intestines, which can cause the development of ulcerative colitis in the heirs.
2. Autoimmune process – the body begins to fight with its own cells, considering them as hostile. As a result of this process, inflammation in the intestinal area may occur.
3. Infectious and bacterial factors – the disease can occur after contact with bacteria and viruses living in the intestines. It can also be caused by eating foods that contain a certain chemical additive that causes intestinal inflammation.

In addition to the above factors, the risk of ulcerative colitis is increased in smokers, people who drink alcohol, people who eat too fatty foods, and those who already have other gastrointestinal diseases.

How to prevent ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Although the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, there are several ways to help prevent its development.

• Watch your diet. Eat healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables fortified with vitamins and dietary fiber. Avoid spicy, fried and fatty foods, as well as alcohol and coffee.
• Exercise. Moderate exercise may help reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis by improving blood flow and reducing stress levels.
• Avoid stressful situations. They can increase the level of inflammation in the body, which can lead to the development of ulcerative colitis.
• See a doctor. A health care professional will be able to monitor your health and notice early signs of a possible development of ulcerative colitis.

These simple tips can reduce your risk of developing ulcerative colitis. However, if you start noticing any symptoms associated with this disease, it is important to see a specialist immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment options for ulcerative colitis

Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the severity of the disease, its progression, and possible complications. The main treatments include:

• Drugs to reduce inflammation – glucocorticosteroids, antibiotics, amino acids and other drugs.
• Immunosuppressive drugs – such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine, which reduce immune system activity and help control inflammation.
• Biologics – such as infliximab, golimumab, and adalimumab. These drugs are aimed at blocking the effects of certain proteins in the body and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Intestinal resection is the surgical removal of an affected area of ​​the intestine. This method is most effective for patients with severe ulcerative colitis who do not respond to conservative treatment.

It is important to note that the correct treatment of ulcerative colitis should include not only drug therapy, but also lifestyle and nutritional changes. This may include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and fatty foods, and increasing water and fiber intake.

Drug treatment of non-specific ulcerative colitis

Treatment of non-specific ulcerative colitis is aimed at reducing inflammation, protecting the intestinal mucosa and reducing the frequency of exacerbations of the disease. The basis of treatment is various types of drugs that can be used both in combination and separately.

Antibiotics

When the disease is complicated, antibiotics are used to fight the infection and prevent it from recurring. Treatment with these medicines can last for a long time and should be prescribed by a doctor

Azathioprine, methotrexate, and other immunosuppressants

These drugs are prescribed to reduce immune system activity and reduce inflammation. Treatment with immunosuppressants also requires constant monitoring by the physician.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation and pain. Some NSAIDs may be given as ointments, suppositories, or injections. Glucocorticosteroids such as pednisolone may also be prescribed to control inflammation in the body.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be used to restore normal gut flora and reduce inflammation. Their use can also eliminate diarrhea and other intestinal disorders.

Each type of drug has a specific purpose and is used for specific symptoms of the disease. The doctor prescribes treatment in accordance with the nature of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

How to choose the best treatment for ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that can lead to complications such as bleeding and intestinal perforation. Treatment of this disease should be prescribed individually and depends on the severity and stage of the disease, as well as on the general condition of the patient.

The best treatment for ulcerative colitis may include drugs, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants can help reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and improve a patient’s quality of life. Lifestyle changes can include proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, and smoking cessation. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be indicated.

However, the choice of the optimal method of treatment depends on the individual case and should be determined by the medical specialist. Signs of the severity of the disease, the presence of complications, and the risks of certain treatments should be taken into account before treatment is prescribed. It is important to know that self-treatment of ulcerative colitis can worsen the patient’s condition and lead to serious complications.

Ulcerative colitis prognosis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to complications and a poor quality of life. The prognosis for ulcerative colitis depends on various factors.

• The severity of the disease. If the disease is in remission, then the prognosis is usually favorable. However, during exacerbation, especially in the presence of complications, the prognosis may be unfavorable.
• Prevalence of intestinal involvement. If the disease is limited to a small area of ​​the intestine, then the prognosis is usually favorable. However, if the disease is spread to the entire thickness of the intestine, then the prognosis may be worse.
• Presence of complications. If there are complications such as bleeding, intestinal perforation, or narrowing of the intestine, the prognosis may be poor.
• Compliance with treatment and doctor’s recommendations. If the patient follows all the recommendations of the doctor, takes the prescribed medications and adheres to the correct lifestyle, then the prognosis is usually favorable.

So, the prognosis for non-specific ulcerative colitis can be very different and depends on many factors. It is important to seek medical help in a timely manner, follow all the doctor’s recommendations and monitor your health.

How to maintain a healthy diet in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can greatly affect a patient’s quality of life. Good nutrition plays an important role in managing the symptoms of NUC and maintaining good health.

Basic principles of NUC nutrition:

• Avoid foods that cause inflammation

During an NUC flare, it is important to avoid foods that cause inflammation and irritation of the intestines. It can be spicy, fatty, spicy, or too sweet. Limiting your intake of caffeine, alcohol, high-fiber juice, and lactose-containing foods is also recommended.

• Increase water and fiber intake

Patients with NUC will benefit from increased water and fiber intake. Look for foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, legumes, and some fruits. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen NUC symptoms.

• Healthy Diet Supplements

If you have NUC, you may benefit from adding certain foods to your diet. For example, probiotics, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut, and fish oil, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

How to maintain your health with ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a serious inflammatory bowel disease that requires complex treatment. However, in addition to drug therapy, it is also important to monitor your lifestyle and nutrition. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy with ulcerative colitis:

• Watch your diet . Avoid spicy, fatty, smoked foods, and dairy products (unless you are lactose intolerant). Protein foods, cereals, vegetables, fruits may suit you. Be sure to consult your doctor or dietitian about your diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids . Drinking regimen is a very important aspect of maintaining health in ulcerative colitis. You need to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of fluid per day, including water, tea, low-fat broths.
• Avoid stressful situations . Stress can aggravate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing.
• Watch your weight . Being overweight can exacerbate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Choose the optimal mode of physical activity for yourself, which will help maintain health.

Ulcerative colitis requires ongoing medical monitoring and treatment, but following simple dietary guidelines and a healthy lifestyle can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms.

Related videos:

Q&A:

Which organization conducts research on ulcerative colitis?

There are many organizations involved in research into ulcerative colitis, such as the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the Crohn-Colitis Foundation. These organizations are conducting research to identify new methods for diagnosing and treating this disease.

What are the symptoms of non-specific ulcerative colitis?

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include pain in the lower abdomen, bloody diarrhoea, frequent trips to the toilet, feeling tired and malnutrition. Some patients may experience high fever and weight loss.

How long can an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis last?

The aggravation period can last from several days to several weeks. However, in some patients, the period of exacerbation can last up to several months.

Can ulcerative colitis be cured?

There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, long periods of remission can be achieved.

What diagnostic methods are used to detect ulcerative colitis?

Methods that can be used to diagnose ulcerative colitis include blood tests, fecal blood tests, endoscopic and x-ray studies, and colonic mucosal biopsy.

What treatments are used to treat ulcerative colitis?

Treatment options for ulcerative colitis may include drugs, lifestyle and dietary changes, surgery, and, in some cases, intestinal stem cell transplantation. Treatment should be tailored individually for each patient.

Ulcerative colitis: symptoms and treatment, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | Alpha

The Alfa Health Center clinic in Moscow offers to undergo an examination for the diagnosis of nonspecific ulcerative colitis. A qualified coloproctologist will select the best treatment option and give personal recommendations.

Causes of disease

The exact reasons why ulcerative colitis develops are still unknown to medicine. It has been established that a number of factors are involved in the development of the disease:

• immunological;
• environmental;
• genetic;
• infectious.

According to available data, autoimmune non-specific ulcerative colitis is most common among residents of northern Europe and America. It is more common in countries with high levels of hygiene.

The theory of the hereditary nature of the disease is confirmed by the fact that ulcerative colitis of the intestine is common among certain ethnic groups – for example, Jews. If one of the blood relatives had this disease or Crohn’s disease, the likelihood of developing UC is 25%.

Studies also show a correlation between the occurrence of colitis and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Meanwhile, NSAIDs are widely used throughout the world, so it is impossible to explain the development of an autoimmune disease by medication alone.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nonspecific ulcerative colitis vary depending on the severity, the area of ​​the lesion and the localization of the inflammatory process.

Common signs include:

• diarrhea, often with pus, blood, or mucus
• stomach ache;
• frequent urge to defecate.

Patients complain of weakness, apathy, weight loss. This is a consequence of the disease, and not its symptom: due to disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, body weight gradually decreases.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms of non-specific ulcerative colitis become more diverse. To the existing symptoms, inflammation of the eyes, redness and swelling of the skin in different parts of the body, ulcers on the oral mucosa are added. Signs of arthritis may appear – sore joints.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease with periodic exacerbations. During this period, an increase in body temperature is added to the symptoms, the amount of blood in the stool increases, and the heartbeat becomes irregular or rapid. As a rule, exacerbations provoke stress and infections, although each patient may have a different set of provoking factors.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of nonspecific ulcerative colitis are characteristic of a large number of other diseases, therefore, it is impossible to make a diagnosis only taking into account complaints and taking anamnesis.

A number of studies will be required, including:

• general blood analysis;
• stool analysis;
• CT or MRI;
• radiography with contrast.

A colonoscopy is required to examine the condition of the intestinal mucosa. It is possible to conduct a biopsy to take material and further study it.

Treatment

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a disease that persists throughout life. To mitigate symptoms and prevent exacerbations, prescribe:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs. The doctor selects rectal suppositories or tablets based on aminosalicylates, in severe cases – corticosteroids.
• Antibiotics. They are used to control the infectious process.
• Immunosuppressants. Drugs that suppress immune responses speed up the onset of remission.
• Painkillers. Ibuprofen and its derivatives are used to eliminate uncomfortable symptoms.
• Antidiarrheals. They are used to normalize the stool.
• Iron preparations. They are used to eliminate iron deficiency anemia, which may be one of the consequences of the disease.

There is only one way to completely recover from ulcerative colitis – by performing an operation. It is the removal of a fragment of the large intestine, sometimes with the rectum. In this case, a hole will be formed in the abdominal wall, to which the edge of the small intestine will be attached. A colostomy bag is attached to the formed ileostomy to collect feces.

An ileostomy is used as a permanent or temporary solution. In some cases, it is possible to form a reservoir from the small intestine and attach it to the anus. Once the healing phase has passed, the artificial ileostomy can be sutured and the stool can be expelled naturally. Only the frequency of bowel movements will change – up to 8-9 times per day.

Complications

Complications of non-specific ulcerative colitis include:

• intestinal bleeding;
• intestinal perforation;
• colon cancer;
• toxic megacolon;
• thrombosis;
• liver damage.

Violation of the gastrointestinal tract and frequent diarrhea lead to severe dehydration. Osteoporosis, arthritis, thrombosis and other diseases often develop.

Colon cancer is diagnosed in approximately 5% of patients with previously diagnosed ulcerative colitis. The likelihood of cancer is lower if the inflammatory process is localized in the lower part of the small intestine and rectum.

Prevention of exacerbations

Diet plays an important role in the prevention of exacerbations of nonspecific ulcerative colitis. If the condition worsens, it must be observed until remission occurs.

Patients are recommended:

• refuse spicy foods, alcohol, drinks with caffeine in the composition;
• reduce the consumption of foods with coarse fiber – whole grains, vegetables, fruits;
• reduce the consumption of dairy products;
• reduce the amount of fat in the diet.

You need to take food in small portions, often and little by little. Be sure to drink enough water.

Expert recommendation

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a disease that is characterized by a variety of individual reactions. The patient needs to know what factors lead to an exacerbation of the inflammatory process in his case. To do this, it is useful to keep a diary of observations.

To avoid exacerbations, it is advisable to avoid severe stress. For this purpose, patients are shown breathing practices, moderate physical activity, and a balanced lifestyle.

Diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific ulcerative colitis in Moscow

At the Alfa Health Center clinic, you can consult with a coloproctologist and a surgeon about the treatment of nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Doctors are available by appointment. Contact the clinic administrator if you have any questions.

Sources

1. Nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Vatutin N.T., Shevelyok A.N., Karapysh V.A., Vasilenko I.V. 2015 / Archive of internal medicine.
2. Nonspecific ulcerative colitis. Abdullkhakov R. A. 2003 / Practical medicine.
3. On the pathogenesis of nonspecific ulcerative colitis.