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ulcerative colitis treatments

Read and learn more about ulcerative colitis treatments. For more, visit the Colitis website Colitis.PopularThinking.com

Q: Ulcerative Colitis Treatments/Medications?
What are some treatments for the colon disorder called Ulcerative Colitis (UC)? I know Fish Oil and Omega 3 is a good source but I at least need some more treatments given. If possible please list some helpful links

Thanks

A: Ulcerative colitis is a disease identified by ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower (sigmoid) intestine and spreads upward to the entire colon that leads to diarrhea, severe pain in abdomen and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Using carrot juice, cabbage juice, green juices and herb teas is recommended to promote healing of the bowel lining. When eating solid food, chew thoroughly and do not drink liquids with meals. During a flare-up, avoid high roughage foods, which contain skins and seeds, especially popcorns. Avoid pure cooked vegetables until the condition clears up. Emphasize yellow fruits, cantaloupe, pears, watermelon, kelp, agar and cucumbers. Fruits with pectin, such as apples and pears seem especially beneficial. Eat soups, especially vegetable broths. Eat fruits at the end of a meal. White fish is an acceptable source of protein as are any soy foods such as tofu. After an inflammatory episode has passed, emphasizing complex carbohydrates with high-fiber contents has been shown to be quite beneficial.
Suggested reading;

Q: Ulcerative colitis treatments?
I have ulcerative colitis in the last 20cm of the intestine (colon) and I’ve tried several different treatments including Asacol and salofalk drugs (pills, enemas etc), corticosteroids and azathioprine (Imuran), but it was no use, since the disease’s syptoms remain. So I would be grateful if someone who managed to control this illness could answer me and tell me in short what drugs he/she used and whether he/she followed a diet (and what kind of diet). I know that there is always the surgical solution but it is my last option.
As regarding the cortisone it was Medrol 16mg

A: a new drug infliximab an anti-inflammatory drug also used for treating crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis is now used for ulcerative colitis
The medication is administered intravenously, with an initial regimen of three doses of infliximab, followed by maintenance infusions every eight weeks. Nearly 70 percent of patients receiving the drug experienced clinical response and remission early in the trial, and nearly all had significant results after one year of therapy.
consult ur DOC for this
all the best

Q: Ulcerative Colitis treatments…?
I heard steroids make you gain weight. If i have to take a steroid for a treatment for ulcerative colitis, can i avoid weight gain by eating healthy and working out?

A: Depends on your doctor’s treatment. Prednisone is a steroid and in some cases people’s faces become very round and moon shaped. They also can gain weight.

Sulfa drugs can also alleviate ulcerative colitis and most times your physician will give you pain relievers to help you with stomach pains when you have spasms.

Foods do affect uc, and exercise is always healthy, especially if stress is a part of the reason you have uc.

You should get a sigmoidoscopy if you find blood in your stool .

If you don’t take care of yourself , you may end up with either a colonscopy or an illeostomy, if your colitis gets worse.

Best advice is to go to your family gp or someone who specializes in UC and Crohn’s and follow their advice and treatment.

Q: Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis?
I am on Prednisone, Remicade, Asacol, and Imuran and they are not helping my symptoms. I have also tried acupuncture and natural supplements to no avail. I have seen two specialists that have both suggested surgery, but I am not ready to give up. Are there any other treatments that I have missed?

A: What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Symptoms may include:

Blood or pus in diarrhea
Dehydration
Abdominal pain
Fever
Painful, urgent bowel movements
In addition, ulcerative colitis may be associated with weight loss, skin disorders, joint pain or soreness, eye problems, anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells), blood clots and an increased risk for colon cancer.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but it is likely caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. Food or bacteria in the intestines, or even the lining of the bowel may cause the uncontrolled inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.

Who Gets Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis can be inherited. Up to 20% of people with inflammatory bowel disease have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister) with the disease.

In addition, the disease is most common in the US and northern Europe and people of Jewish descent.

How Is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
A variety of diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests are used to distinguish ulcerative colitis from other conditions. First, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a complete physical examination. One or more of the following tests may be ordered:

Endoscopy, such as colonoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy
Blood tests
Stool samples
X-rays
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?
Treatment can include drug therapy, dietary modifications and/or surgery. Though treatments cannot cure ulcerative colitis, they can help most people lead normal lives.

It is important for you to seek treatment as soon as you start having symptoms. If you have severe diarrhea and bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent or treat dehydration, reduce your symptoms and ensure that you receive proper nutrition.

Medications
Several medications, including sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics, are used to reduce inflammation of the bowel tissue, allowing it to heal and relieve symptoms.

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Mesalamine and sulfasalazine are principal medications in the treatment for ulcerative colitis. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to sulfa before taking this medication. He or she can prescribe a sulfa-free 5-ASA.
Corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory medications can be used when 5-ASA is ineffective. Corticosteroids are also used to treat people who have more severe disease. The use of corticosteroids is limited by side effects and the potential of long-term complications. In general, corticosteroids are used for short periods of time to cause remission. Remission is maintained with a 5-ASA medication.
Immunosuppressants. If corticosteroids or 5-ASA are not effective, immunosupressants, such as 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), azathioprine (Imuran) or cyclosporine-A may be prescribed.
Nutrition
While foods appear to play no role in causing the disease, certain foods may cause more symptoms when the disease is active. Your doctor may suggest dietary recommendations depending on your symptoms. Vitamins or nutritional supplementation may also be deemed appropriate by your doctor.
Surgery
Surgery, in which the diseased section or entire colon is removed, may be necessary when medications are not effective or if you have significant progression of symptoms or severe complications of the disease.

If the entire colon is removed, the operation most often creates an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall, to which a bag is attached (called a permanent ileostomy or Brooke ileostomy). The tip of the lower small intestine is brought through the stoma. Wastes pass through this opening and collect in an external pouch, which is attached to the stoma and must be worn at all times.

The pelvic pouch, or ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), is a newer procedure that does not require a permanent stoma. In this procedure, the colon and rectum are removed, and the small intestine is used to form an internal pouch or reservoir that will serve as a new rectum. This pouch is connected to the anus. The reservoir is called a J-pouch. This procedure is frequently done in two operations and requires a temporary ileostomy in between.

The continent ileostomy (Kock pouch) is an option for people who would like their old-style ileostomy converted to an internal pouch and for people who don’t qualify for the IPAA procedures. In this procedure, there is a stoma but no bag. The colon and rectum are removed, and an internal reservoir is created from the small intestine. An opening is made in the abdominal wall, and the reservoir is then joined to the skin with a nipple valve. To drain the pouch, you insert a catheter through the valve into the internal reservoir.

There are also other techniques that are available. All surgeries carry some degree of operative risk and post-operative complications. If you have been told you need surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, you may want to seek a second opinion to ensure the treatment prescribed is the most appropriate option. Make sure your diagnosis is confirmed by experts at an institution experienced in identifying and treating digestive disorders.

When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor immediately if:

You are having heavy, persistent diarrhea.
You have rectal bleeding, with clots of blood in your stool.
You have constant pain and a high fever.

Q: Has anyone tried Dr. Ray Lala’s Back to health mineral treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?
I am 12 years old and have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 2 years ago.
Does anyone have a links for a cure or any information? I am in desperate need of help.

A: Be sure to check into the Specific Carbohydrate Diet or SCD. It was written specifically for people with IBD’s. I have Ulcerative Colitis and this diet works wonders for me as well as others. You should be able to come up with plenty on google regarding it. Be sure to read the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gotschall. Good luck!

Q: Is it okay to use Glutamine as a treatment for ulcerative colitis?
I recently recommended to a friend of mine that he use Glutamine as an alternative treatment for his condition because I’ve read a few websites that advised that. I don’t know how reliable these sources are though. Any suggestions?

A: I just did a quick review of the medical literature (via Medline) on the use of glutamine in the treatment of UC. There are several animal studies that suggest its use may be beneficial. Sadly, there are few human studies on this issue.

Glutamine may be worth a ‘clinical trial period’ to see if it helps your mother. You should discuss this with her doctors first.

What nutritional interventions have her doctors used with your mother? What was her response to them?

The literature suggests that long-term use of corticosteroids for UC is very dangerous. Consequently, your mother’s docs should be working very hard to find alternative therapeutic approaches for your mom. If they are not doing so, why not?

Her doctors are getting paid serious money for treating your mom. Demand the best care and efforts from them. If they are not willing to ‘give their all’, find new doctors that will.

Best wishes and good luck.

Q: My nephew is under treatment for ulcerative colitis & taking ‘Ramicaid’ through IV.Food restriction for him?
My 15 yrs old nephew is under treatment for ulcerative colitis & taking ‘Ramicaid’ through IV,Doctor is not much specific about his food and drink intake.What kind of food and drink he should not eat?Tomatoe or other vegetable soup are good for him?Anyone have really a good suggestion for him?Thanks in advance.

A: Self-care
Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing ulcerative colitis. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
Diet
There’s no firm evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your symptoms, especially during a flare-up in your condition. It’s a good idea to try eliminating from your diet anything that seems to make your signs and symptoms worse. Here are some suggestions that may help:
* Limit dairy products. Like many people with inflammatory bowel disease, you may find that problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas, improve when you limit or eliminate dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant — that is, your body can’t digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If so, try substituting yogurt or low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, for milk. Or use an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose.
In some cases, you may need to eliminate dairy foods completely. If you need help, a registered dietitian can help you design a healthy diet that’s low in lactose. Keep in mind that with limiting your dairy intake, you’ll need to find other sources of calcium, such as supplements.
* Experiment with fiber. For most people, high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, are the foundation of a healthy diet. But if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fiber may make diarrhea, pain and gas worse. If raw fruits and vegetables bother you, try steaming, baking or stewing them.
You may also find that you can tolerate some fruits and vegetables, but not others. In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and with very crunchy foods such as raw apples and carrots.
* Avoid problem foods. Eliminate any other foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. These may include “gassy” foods such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruit juices and fruits — especially citrus fruits — spicy food, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, and foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and soda.

Q: Ulcerative Colitis?
I have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis since 2002 and have been taking 6 Asacol a day and sometimes tapering dose of steroids (prednisone) when I have flare ups. I have been reading online about the bad effects of long term use of steroids. I know a few people who have taken steroids for long periods of time. I was wondering if there is any one out there who takes steroids (prednisone and such) as part of their ongoing daily treatment. Please share any experience that you might have.

A: Hi! I was diagnosed with crohns disease 2 1/2 years ago. I am currently taking steroids too, and actually just had to go up with the dose the other day as the tapering started to affect me. i hate being on them as I get a humungous appetite, and my face goes soooooo round i look like a balloon!!! On the same note, I dont have so many effects of my crohns when i am on them. We can never win! when i was first diagnosed, i was taking steroids for a year. So far, even after long term use, i havent had any real bad side effects, my bone density is still ok. the only thing i can really complain about is my weight issue now, but im working on that. Sorry if i havent helped much, but sometimes its nice to just hear from people who share similar experiences. Email me if you want to chat about anything else
bianca.zeni@yahoo.com.au

Cya!!!! xxxxxxxx Bianca

Q: is there any treatment for ulcerative colitis in naturopathy?
Ulcerative colitis is inflamatory condition of bowel.
Is there any book availble on bowel diseases in natruopathy in Hindi

A: yes talk to a naturopathic doctor. thay will lead you in the right direction.

Q: Remicade: How long to clear up an Ulcerative Colitis flare??
I have Ulcerative Colitis and just started my first treatment of Remicade (IV) yesterday, which will be given every 8 weeks instead of the medication I have been taking for the past 7 years. I have had Remicade infusions before but it was along with steroids. My question is asking if anyone knows how long it should take for the Remicade to start “healing” my flare-up. I have been bleeding for 2 weeks. Like I said, I have been responsive to Remicade before but it was along with steroids so I don’t know which was working at what time. I am just now beginning the every 8 weeks treatment. Before, I was given 3 treatments at once, like they do for Crohn’s patients.
I am just on my regular medication now, no prednisone (that was fall 05). As far as how bad my disorder is, I have always responded to medication but have flare-ups (bleeding) every 6 months-1 year (not having Remicade infusions, just other pills)

A: I am scheduled for my first infusion to treat Crohn’s on July 5. I have been told by others in my support group, and I have also found through my own reseach and in talking to doctors, that one of the purposes of using Remicade as a treatment is to get you off of steroids. Steroids are not a long term treatment for IBD. Immunomodulators taken at the same time as Remicade can give an added benefit to the treatment of Crohn’s, but steroids don’t. The effect is different in different people and can work within a few days (which I am hoping for) or can take up to a few weeks. You have to watch carefully for side effects and infections as there is a greater risk when taking Remicade. Also, because it resembles human DNA by only 75%, your body has a higher chance of building anti-bodies against it. Since you have taken Remicade once before, the chances of you having anti-bodies and the medicine not working at all is very high. Monitor this with your doctor. Good luck with your treatment. It is not fun having a flare.

Q: Does someone knows about a cure or a very good treatment for ulcerative colitis?

A: Rest. reducing stress, diet, plenty of fluids, and most importantly check with your doctor for other medical conditions, and medications. This can come and go depending on highs and lows in a persons life. Hope you can get some good and lasting relief

Q: Does anyone have ulcerative colitis and joint pain, if so, what treatments help the joint pain?
i have had ulcerative colitis for aver 3 yrs now. I am 20 years old and relatively healthy and not overweight. i find it ridiculous that at 20 sometimes it literally pains me to comb my hair or go downstairs. i have been suffering with this pain for the last 6 months or so, is this most likely related to my u.c. and has anyone ever tried having their joints injected with steroids? my uncle used to be a doctor n suggested that doing that on a regular basis may be the only way to truly find relief.
PLEASE HELP!

A: i have ulcerative colitis too. my main problem is the joint pain.

it is so horrible it can not move at all.

i can understand what you go through. my medications that is used to treat UC helps with the pain as well. Basically when i am in remission my pain goes away. when the disease flares up, the joint pain comes back. i have to take painkillers for that.

Talk to your doctor about this. he/she might prescribe painkillers. steroids are not the best thing. i would say avoid that.

Q: In France if someone with Ulcerative Colitis is traveling what kind of medicines are prescribed if that?
person should become ill with the colitis,what course of treatment is involved, Are Prednisone or cotosteroids, part of the treatment ?

A: treatments are the same as in the US. And even if the 1rst answer is correct dont worry, medications are cheap in france, so even if you are not covered by some health insurance it would cost you only a few bucks . just know that most pharmacies will give you corticosteroids without prescriptions if you can explain them you already know why you are taking them. pharmacies are often closed on saturday afternoon and definately closed on sunday ( except for the ones that are on duty … generally 1 per district)
So if you bring your own medications, and run out of them, dont freak out.. Even if you show up at a doctors office it will cost you 20 euros and he may very well give you free samples of the drug you need.

Q: does anybody know anything about Ulcerative colitis, and if yes, what would be it’s treatments?

A: they can also resect your colon and get rid of the ulcerative section and is considered a “cure” for this condition.

Q: Is there a treatment in homeopathy for ulcerative colitis?

A: No idea.

Personally wouldn’t advise.you.

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