Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that affects the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis is one of them. In this medical condition, the lining of the colon or rectum or both becomes inflamed. Ulcers are formed as a result of this inflammation. This disease normally begins at the rectum and moves upwards to inflame the entire colon.
This results in emptying of the bowel quickly and at regular intervals. The ulcers formed due to this condition also leads to bleeding. It can cause pus formation with or without mucus.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
The common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain
- Sounds in the abdomen
- Fever
- Rectal pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss in weight
- Joint pain
- Swelling in the joints
- Mouth sores
Causes of ulcerative colitis
Research has shown that this medical ailment is caused due to an overactive immune system. Below mentioned are some causes of this disease
1. Genetic factor
Ulcerative colitis may be caused by inheriting a gene from a parent.
2. Environmental factors
The immune system may be affected by viruses, antigens, and bacteria and cause this disease in an individual.
3. Disorders in the immune system
An existing disorder in the immune system can also cause this medical condition to occur.
Diagnosis of the disease
This disease can be diagnosed in the following ways. The doctor can run some or a combination of tests to conclude the diagnosis.
1. Endoscopy
In this method of test, a tube is used to examine the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine.
2. Stool test
The stool is tested for particular bacteria, parasites, and inflammatory markers.
3. CT scan
A CT scan is performed on the pelvis and abdomen.
4. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic test. In this test, a long and flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the inside of the colon.
Treatment of the disease
This disease can be treated by medications and/or surgery.
Foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis
There is a lot to sacrifice with respect to food items when one is suffering from ulcerative colitis. Certain foods may not suit individuals suffering from this condition. Below mentioned are a few of the foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis.
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Carbonated drinks
- Nuts
- High-fiber food items
- Sulfate or sulfur-containing food items
- Dried fruits
- Beans
- Peas
- Spicy food
- Refined sugar
When suffering from this medical condition, one should follow the doctor’s advice properly. It is also advisable to have a dietician’s consultation who will work out a balanced diet chart for the condition. Moreover, any doubts about eating a particular food can be cleared out with the dietician. Both the doctor and dietician will also recommend any supplements that need to be taken, if necessary. Additionally, one can opt for smaller meals throughout the day instead of full meals. This will ease the symptoms by a bit.
