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How many people have Ulcerative colitis in the us?
It is estimated that as many as 1.4 million persons in the United States suffer from Chrohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these conditions are classified under a broader category called Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis And Its Symptoms?
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease. It usually affects the inner lining of the rectum and colon. This condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the right treatment.What Are Some Of The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis?The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary, depending on the where it occurs and how severe the inflammation is. Ulcerative proctitis, left-sided colitis, pancolitis, fulminant colitis and proctosigmoiditis are the different classifications of ulcerative colitis. The symptoms of this condition also depend on the classification.Ulcerative proctitis is a type of ulcerative colitis that occurs closest to the rectum or anus. Rectal bleeding is the only symptom that many people experience. However, some people may experience severe rectal pain. Ulcerative proctitis is considered the mildest form of this condition. Proctosigmoiditis is the form of ulcerative colitis that affects the sigmoid colon, which is the lower region of the colon. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea and pain. One can also develop tenesmus. Tenesmus is a condition where a person has the urge to move his or her bowels, but is not able to do so. Left-sided colitis is a form of ulcerative colitis that occurs from the rectum to the descending and sigmoid colon. It can cause abdominal cramping, unexplained weight loss and abdominal cramps. Pancolitis often affects the entire colon. It can cause bouts of severe bloody diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal cramping and significant weight loss.Fulminant colitis is a rare form of ulcerative colitis. It can also be life-treatening. Fulminant colitis causes profuse diarrhea, shock and dehydration. People who have this form of ulcerative colitis are at a high risk for developing complications, such as toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is a condition that causes the colon to rapidly expand. People with fulminant colitis are also more likely to develop colon rupture.
Where online can I find a good colitis diet?
There are many plans out there designed to help those with colitis. WebMD offers an in-depth look at what one's diet should comprise of at their website URL: http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/creating-an-ulcerative-colitis-plan.
Where is a good resource for information on ulcerative colitis?
Many health related websites have reliable information on ulcerative colitis. Some examples of websites with this information include Digestive, Mayo Clinic, and Up To Date.
Common Ulcerative Colitis Medications?
What is Ulcerative Colitis?Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis occurs when ulcers form on the inner lining of the large intestine, often extending all the way to the rectum. This chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammatory disease is one of the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease. The other form of inflammatory bowel disease is the perhaps more well-known disease called Crohn's disease. An individual with colitis often experiences symptoms such as rectal bleeding, fatigue, the formation of pus, weight loss and diarrhea.What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?Unfortunately, researchers and doctors do not know the exact cause of ulcerative colitis. Individuals with ulcerative colitis tend to have weak immune systems, but it is unsure whether this is the result of the disease. Researchers believe that colitis sufferer's immune system react unusually when the digestive tract senses bacteria. Ulcerative colitis may or may not be genetic, and it is known that the disease does not develop due to stress. However, emotional stress can often exasperate the disease's symptoms.How is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?An ulcerative colitis sufferer's treatment depends on the seriousness of the disease's damage and symptoms. The treatment options typically include medication, surgery to remove parts of the intestine and special ulcerative colitis diet. A doctor works with the colitis patient to find the best combination of treatment methods that works for the particular patient.What Medications Are Used?There is no known medical cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are several medications that are used to bring about remission. Many individuals experience months or even years of no symptoms when they are in remission due to medication. Aminosalicylates, given orally or rectally, are often used to control inflammation in the intestine. Corticosteroids, like prednisone and hydrocortisone, are typically used in patients who do not respond to the Aminosalicylates. Medications such as Imuran and Purinethol are often used to suppress the patient's immune system to reduce symptoms. Additionally, Infliximab is often prescribed to patients who do not respond to the other medication therapy options.
Foods a Colitis Sufferer Should Avoid?
What is Ulcerative Colitis?Ulcerative colitis is a disease that is characterized by ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, including the colon and the rectum. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis exhibits itself by causing several symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding and diarrhea.What is a Healthy Colitis Diet?Following a colitis diet is an excellent method of reducing painful and annoying ulcerative colitis symptoms. Each person reacts differently to different foods, but there are some foods and eating tips that are beneficial for most individuals suffering from colitis. Individuals often experience beneficial effects by eating small and frequent meals. Unfortunately, a person with colitis typically experiences the fewest symptoms when consuming a diet of bland foods. Since many colitis sufferers experience difficulty absorbing nutrients, they should supplement their diets with vitamins and nutritional supplements. Additionally, like all individuals, they should stay hydrated by consuming at least eight cups of water each day to prevent dehydration and constipation.What Foods Should a Person with Colitis Avoid?The trigger foods are different for each person that suffers from ulcerative colitis, but there are some common foods that tend to cause flare-ups in individuals with colitis. Colitis sufferers should stay away from sodas and any other carbonated drinks, and they should also avoid high-fiber foods like nuts and corn products. Individuals with colitis will typically feel better if they limit or completely avoid caffeine and alcohol. They should also steer clear of sorbitol, a natural sugar alternative. Colitis sufferers typically benefit from avoiding foods that make them gassy, such as broccoli, cauliflower, lentils, and peppers. In addition, an individual who has had part of his or her intestines removed should avoid high fat foods, which often lead to diarrhea and excess gas. A person with ulcerative colitis should take special caution in avoiding any foods that they are intolerant to, such as lactose, as the person may experience severe side effects from consuming these products. Colitis sufferers should play around with their diets to find the diets that work best for them.
How often should at risk patients be screened for colorectal cancer?
Many doctors screen such patients more often than every three to five years. Those with ulcerative colitis should be screened beginning 10 years after the onset of disease; those with Crohn's colitis beginning 15 years after the onset of disease.
What surgery did Amy brenneman recent have?
Amy Brenneman recently had surgery done due to her battle with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) called Ulcerative Colitis which is basically ulcers of the large intestine. All over google i have seen that her bowels are now "fixed" and "cured". This is not so. Ulcerative Colitis is an uncurable disease. It is unknown what causes it but it can be down to many factors. Genes,Environment,Diet,Stress. So she could not have had her intestines "fixed" the only surgery that can be done for Ulcerative colitis is the removal of the large intestine or to get a pouch attached to your small colon and let your waste into that for a year and let your large bowel heal over time then reattach it back to small intestine. But there is still a risk of it returning. So to me I believe Amy Brenneman now has a colostomy bag. If this is not the case and she had a surgury which "fixed" her bowels well I want the number because I also suffer from Ulcerative Colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Recognition, Diagnosis and Treatment?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects many men and women. The disease can cause excessive discomfort and pain. UC can make it difficult to lead a normal life without treatment. Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the lower digestive tract. If you have unusually uncomfortable feelings in your lower abdomen, it is a good idea to learn more about ulcerative colitis.RecognitionIf you have ulcerative colitis, you will probably begin to have symptoms for awhile before you realize it is a serious disorder. UC most often makes itself known with diarrhea, often containing pus or blood. At the same time, you may feel abdominal cramping or pain. You might also feel nausea. It is common to feel fatigue after an attack of ulcerative colitis, and some people eventually become anemic. People may lose their appetite, lose weight, and lose nutrients with the body fluids that leave their bodies so quickly. In serious cases, fever and rectal bleeding can become problems.DiagnosisThe first step your doctor will take in diagnosing your disorder will be to ask you if you are having any of the above problems. This will give him a better idea of whether more testing is warranted. If so, he may send you to a gastroenterologist. This doctor specializes in digestive diseases, and will review your answers to the questions as well. Furthermore, she will do a physical exam and possibly order tests. Possible tests include blood tests, stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema x-ray and computerized tomography (CT scan). Putting all the evidence together, the gastroenterologist will determine if you have ulcerative colitis.TreatmentTreatment for ulcerative colitis can take many forms. For people with light to moderate symptoms, sometimes a modified diet may help. Eating less fiber, in this case, can be helpful. Eating bland foods, avoiding carbonated beverages and eating smaller meals can improve the symptoms. There are some medications that can improve UC symptoms, but none that will cure it. If the problems are severe, there are surgeries that can also improve the situation. Ulcerative colitis may be difficult to live with, but with the proper diagnosis and treatment it is possible to live a better life.
Can insurers deny life insurance coverage due to ulcerative colitis?
Life insurance companies can definitely deny coverage due to ulcerative colitis.Ulcerative Colitis falls into the "impaired risk life insurance" category. It is critical that anyone with ulcerative colitis considering life insurance, work with an impaired risk life insurance expert.Every life insurance company has its own set of underwriting guidelines. Some life insurance companies want nothing to do with you if you have ulcerative colitis, while there are a few companies available that understand ulcerative colitis and how to underwrite it and offer you life insurance.What Do Underwriters Look For:Date and Age at time of diagnosis?How many flare-ups or episodes have you had in the past 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years?Have you been hospitalized for UC?Do you take medications for UC? If yes, what do you take and how much?If you have taken steroids, when did you last take steroids, dosage, and for how long?Have you had surgery for UC? Dates, details needed.Colonoscopy - Dates and results.The right life insurance company will look at your UC and want to know if it is Mild, Moderate or Severe UC, and will make an underwriting determination based on your specific UC history.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two different but related diseases. Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease are incurable chronic diseases of the intestinal tract. The two diseases are often grouped together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) because of their similar symptoms. As many as four million people (including one million Americans, 23,000 Australians, and 250,000 Canadians) worldwide suffer from a form IBD. Crohns disease can affect the small and large intestine as well as other organs in the digestive tract. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only affects the inner layer, Crohns disease commonly involves all layers of the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis, affects the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The disease does not affect the small intestine.
What are foods that aggravate ulcerative colitis?
There are quite a number of foods that can aggravate ulcerative colitis, including: chocolate, beans, spicy foods, fats, and artificial sweeteners. Also be sure to cook all you foods, as eating things raw can be bad.
