Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. The second common name for the disease is ulcerative colitis..

The disease affects the submucosa and mucous membranes of the large intestine, causing the appearance of non-healing wounds.

Causes of the disease To date, there is no exact data on the causes of ulcerative colitis. Weakened immunity and malnutrition are considered the main reasons.. Also, infections in the gastrointestinal tract, worms, alcohol, lack of personal hygiene, prolonged antibiotic therapy can provoke this disease..

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may differ in severity and localization - it all depends on the stage of the disease.

General symptoms of the disease: diarrhea, fever, weakness, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, weight loss, increased frequency of bowel movements up to 5-20 r / day, incl.. at night, increased fatigue.

Extraintestinal symptoms may develop: uveitis, erythema nodosum, arthritis.

It was also noted that the disease in most cases begins and develops imperceptibly, and more pronounced symptoms of ulcerative colitis are observed in severe cases, therefore it is important at the first similar signs to seek medical help and, when the diagnosis is confirmed, to undergo treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease If ulcerative colitis is mild, its diagnosis takes place without complications. And already at the first examination after a colonoscopy or rectoscopy, a diagnosis is made. With the help of these endoscopic examinations, the doctor can notice redness of the mucous membrane, its granularity and swelling, hemorrhages and the absence of a vascular pattern on the intestinal walls..

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests of feces, a blood test for the level of ESR, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin are performed.

In rare cases, an X-ray research method is also used.. This examination is especially useful when Crohn's disease must be ruled out when benign narrowing of the colon is found..

In severe cases, endoscopy and X-ray are contraindicated - they are limited only to a snapshot of the abdominal cavity.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis Treatment of ulcerative colitis is prescribed medication. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and those that restore the immune system. Apply anti-inflammatory drugs systemically and locally in the form of enemas.

In severe cases of complications of the disease by the formation of fistulas in the intestine and malignant tumors, surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis is indicated - the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe intestine is removed.

In severe and moderate forms of the disease, bed rest is indicated.

Due to the violation of the process of absorption of nutrients from food by the intestines, the patient is shown a diet.

The point of the ulcerative colitis diet is to abstain from coarse fiber, increase protein intake and limit fats. If diarrhea with colitis is severe, fluid intake should be limited.

Recommended products: lean meats, boiled and steamed, mashed porridge, eggs, dry biscuits, white toasted bread, fruit jelly, bird cherry, pomegranate, blackcurrant juice, blueberry juice or compote, walnuts.

You cannot eat fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products.

During the ulcerative colitis diet, eat small meals - about six times a day. Dinner must be no later than 21. 00.

It is undesirable to take antibiotics during treatment - these drugs can aggravate the course of the disease. They are prescribed in extreme cases..

To prevent colitis, it is necessary to monitor the immune system and nutrition, undergo treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases on time, get rid of worms, do not abuse alcohol, observe the rules of personal hygiene.

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