If you are periodically excruciated by spastic pains in the abdominal region, then this may be one of the symptoms of such intestinal disease as ulcerative colitis. It appears most often in such periods of life: from 20 to 25 years and from 55 to 65 years.
In this article we will try to find out whether it is possible to cure ulcerative colitis, and how to do it.
Diagnosis of nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a chronic, that is, regularly recurrent, bowel disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucous membranes of the rectum and colon.
The reasons for its occurrence can be:
- hereditary predisposition transmitted at the gene level;
- an infection that can cause inflammation;
- the reaction of the immune system to various bacteria that do not cause any diseases, as well as a malfunction in its work, which led to the production of antibodies against its own cells located in the intestine.
The main signs on which it is possible to recognize ulcerative colitis are:
- frequent loose stools with various impurities (most often with bright red blood, covering the feces on top, mucus and pus);
- spastic or cramping pain, especially after eating, it is located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity;
- bloating;
- diarrhea (5-6 calls per day), less frequent constipation.
These symptoms of ulcerative colitis usually accompanied by general malaise, weight loss, fever, inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis or uveitis) and pain in the muscles and joints. The degree of expression of all these signs depends on the form of the course - acute or chronic.
If such symptoms appear, you should consult a therapist or gastroenterologist who, after examining and probing the abdomen, will be directed to make blood tests (general and biochemical) and feces, as well as endoscopic or X-ray examinations. Based on the results obtained, the drugs necessary for treatment will be prescribed.
How to treat nonspecific ulcerative colitis?
Treatment involves:
- taking anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine or mesalazine);
- immunosuppressants (Cyclosporin A);
- antipyretic and analgesic symptomatic relief (Ibuprofen or Paracetamol);
- vitamin therapy (saturation with vitamins B and C).
In severe and moderately severe forms of leakage, corticosteroids of local action (budesonide) should be used.
Be sure to adhere to a sparing diet, fractional nutrition and bed rest, especially when the disease worsens.
Medicamental treatment of ulcerative colitis can be supplemented with decoctions of such herbs:
- chamomile;
- cotton-thread ;
- nettle;
- yarrow;
- mint;
- mountaineer bird;
- St. John's wort;
- sagebrush;
- alder.
With timely treatment of ulcerative colitis, the prognosis for recovery with the use of medication is about 85%.
Complications of nonspecific ulcerative colitis
Untimely treatment or neglected acute form of ulcerative colitis can lead to such complications:
- bleeding from the colon;
- formation of a malignant tumor at the site of inflammation;
- development of intestinal infection as a secondary disease;
- expansion of the large intestine, which can lead to its rupture and development of peritonitis;
- anemia, as a consequence of a large loss of blood;
- narrowing of the intestinal lumen;
- purulent formations, for example, paraproctitis , abscess, fistula.