September 29, 2007
What You Need To Know About Crohns Disease And Ulcerative Colitis
Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis have more or less similar symptoms. Crohns disease is a recurring inflammatory bowel ailment, in which the internal lining of the large intestine and rectum becomes inflammatory. Ulcerative colitis is also an acute disorder that is depicted by recurring bouts of abdominal pain, chills, fever, chills, and excessive diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis is also known as ulcers and causes sores in the inside layer of the rectum and colon. These ulcers result in pain and bleeding, and can cause excessive diarrhea.
Overview of Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are similar in the manner that the causes of both the diseases are not known properly. In addition, there is no known cure for either. Some think it is hereditary in nature, while some believe that bacteria cause the ailment. Yet others are of the opinion that both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are caused because of a defective immune system, where antibodies attack the colon. The commencement of ulcerative colitis is usually mild and gradually the severity increases. In some cases, the onset can be very harsh with excessive bleeding and diarrhea.
The colon is a place where waste and water is accumulated. The colon is attached with the rectum near the anus. Individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis have a tendency to develop ulcers and swelling in the inside layer of the colon, which can lead to abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. As already mentioned above, ulcerative Colitis is associated to Crohns disease and they are both considered to be in the same grouping as inflammatory bowel ailment. Both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis have the capacity to distress anywhere between 500,000 to 2 million people in the U.S. itself. Both the gender is equally susceptible. The disease starts during teenage years and/or early adulthood and can last until old age.
The disease is spread all around the world, but is most frequent in Northern Europe, U.S., and England. People with Jewish or Caucasian descent are more susceptible. As of now, there is no cure for both the diseases. Certain steroids can be used to reduce the swelling and soreness of the colon. Antibiotics can also be used to take care of the cramps and diarrhea. Patients also need to follow a proper diet. The diet should be balanced and have sufficient proteins and vitamins. Dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol are a big no. Certain other foods need to be avoided to prevent severity. The diet needs to have sufficient helpings of fish and lean meat.
If you are suffering from either of the diseases, you need to keep your body totally hydrated. Keep drinking water and juices. When you have diarrhea, the fluid is drained out of your body. Therefore, you need to drink fluid at regular intervals, if you want to keep your bowel movement soft and less painful. In addition, water helps your body to avoid the bane of dehydration. If nothing helps, then the last resort is surgery. Unless you are in excessive pain or bleeding profusely, which may risk your life, you must avoid surgery. Though not curable, both Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis can be kept under control, with a little bit of care and prevention.
