Suffering From Ulcerative Colitis:
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Do you suffer from ulcerative colitis? If so, you know how uncomfortable, painful and devastating this disease can be.
On the other hand, you may be trying to figure out if you have colitis. In either case, you will find the colitis information on this page extremely valuable and helpful.
Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) - Crohn's disease is the other. Colitis is most commonly found in young people (ages 15-40); however, it does affect all age groups. In addition, this disease affects males and females equally and appears to be hereditary in some families.
The colitis information provided on this page will give you a better understanding of the...
- Definition of colitis
- Causes of colitis
- Complications of colitis
- Symptoms of colitis
- Treatments of colitis
In addition to this information, you will also learn how cleansing your colon can be a simple and effective way to relieve your suffering.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Let's start with a definition of colitis.
Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon), which is the part of the digestive system where waste material is stored.
Colitis causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine. This inflammation typically occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon; however, it may affect the entire colon.
This inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, which in turn causes diarrhea. The inflammation also kills the cells that line the colon and ulcers are formed - which usually bleed and produce pus.
Causes Of Ulcerative Colitis
To date, the cause of colitis remains unknown; however, there are several popular theories.
People suffering from colitis have abnormalities of the immune system in their intestines. This abnormal activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues of the intestines.
The immune system is usually activated only when the body is exposed to harmful invaders. However, in patients with colitis, the immune system is abnormally and chronically activated - even though there are no harmful invaders present. This continued abnormal activation of the immune systems causes chronic inflammation and ulceration.
Unfortunately, doctors are uncertain whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease.
Symptoms Of Colitis
There is a wide range of symptoms for people suffering from colitis. About fifty percent of colitis sufferers experience mild symptoms, while others suffer from more severe and frequent symptoms. Although some symptoms of colitis are more severe than others, they are all uncomfortable and can often be painful.
Some of the most common ulcerative colitis symptoms are...
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of body fluids and nutrients
Complications Of Colitis
If left untreated, colitis may lead to a whole host of health problems and concerns. Here are some of the most common health complications that may be caused by colitis...
- Colon cancer
- Arthritis
- Low back pain
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Liver disease
- Anemia
- Osteoporosis
- Skin rashes
It is obvious from the list above that the complications of colitis can be severe.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatments
Traditional medical treatment of colitis involves either medications or surgery. Patients with colitis will usually experience periods of relapse, when symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding worsen. This is followed by periods of remission, when these symptoms subside.
There are no medications that can cure colitis; therefore, they merely serve to induce and maintain remission, minimize side effects and to improve the quality of life for people suffering from colitis.
Surgery to remove the colon and rectum, known as proctocolectomy, is reserved for patients with severe inflammation and life–threatening complications.
In fact, 25 to 40 percent of colitis patients will eventually have their colons removed because of massive bleeding, severe illness, rupture of the colon, or risk of cancer.
Colon Cleansing Is A Better Choice
The information provided above paints a bleak picture for those suffering from ulcerative colitis. If you are unhappy with your colitis treatment or just not comfortable with your options, colon cleansing may be your answer.
Colon cleansing is a safe and effective way to thoroughly cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract. Cleansing your colon helps pull mucus and parasites from the colon, as well as removing toxic wastes and poisons.
Once these toxic waste materials are removed from your body, your digestive and immune systems are able to function more effectively and efficiently. Plus, you experience an overall improved level of health.
A healthy colon is your first step to experiencing and maintaining a healthy body.
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SBI!