LYCOS RETRIEVER
Colitis: Symptoms
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Colitis is best managed when its cause is known and specific therapy can be instituted. When this is not possible, symptomatic management is often attempted. The following are therapeutic medications and strategies that can be helpful in the treatment of colitis.
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Although having a chronic inflammatory condition like colitis is no picnic, there is encouraging light on your health horizon. With good care, proper diet and a less stressful approach to life, you may be able to ease some of the discomfort of colitis and keep it under control. But flare-ups do happen. And when the symptoms start up again, the first thing you'll be looking for is some fast-track roads to relief.
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Mild cases of ulcerative colitis usually cause few symptoms and are associated with fewer than five episodes of diarrhea a day and occasional blood or pus in the stool. More severe cases cause five or more episodes of diarrhea per day, frequent blood and pus in the stool, fever and other complications. Other symptoms include:
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A doctor may suspect ischemic colitis on the basis of the symptoms, especially in a person older than 50. An abdomen that is tender when pressed gently is further evidence of ischemic colitis. A colonoscopy or barium enema is needed to distinguish ischemic colitis from other forms of inflammation, such as infection or inflammatory bowel disease.
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The most serious acute complication of ulcerative colitis is toxic megacolon, a condition in which the colon is paralyzed to the point where a bowel movement cannot occur. Left untreated, it can cause the colon to rupture and cause peritonitis, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. Symptoms of toxic megacolon include abdominal pain and swelling, fever, weakness and disorientation or grogginess.
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Some have found a change in diet to be effective at treating the symptoms of colitis, especially reducing the intake of carbohydrates. This approach has been championed by Elaine Gottschall. As well as carbohydrates, a reduction in lactose products, soft drinks and caffeine can help ease side effects.
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