may include growth failure due to the lack of nutrients and fluids caused by persistent diarrhea. This lack of nutrients and fluids also causes problems for adults and may lead to dehydration and anemia if bleeding is present. Joint pain and skin rashes have also been experienced by people with other ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis is considered a chronic disease, meaning that the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may come and go and vary in intensity throughout a person’s life. Diet may worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms, but no foods are specifically known to aggravate or cause the condition. In fact the cause is not known. Vitamin supplements and botanical remedies like aloe are sometimes recommended to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms. A recent study using fish oil for omega 3 supplementation showed promise, but there is no plan to market the supplement that was used in the study. Treatment is important, even when the symptoms of ulcerative colitis are mild.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Crohn's.
While Crohn's and ulcerative colitis both come under the same category of gastrointestinal ailments, there is a marked difference between them. Both of them are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, and yet neither of them is a constant disease. This means that both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis occur in remissions and relapses. There are acute flare-ups of symptoms, followed by varying intervals of remissions. Moreover, in the period of remissions, it is completely possible to have a more or less normal living with Crohn's disease, with some adjustments in lifestyle.
Infact, most people who are living with Crohn's disease report that the period of remissions generally last longer and occur more frequently than the relapses or when the disease is acute. Flare-ups can occur randomly though, without any warning or pattern, just out of the blue! But, generally they happen immediately after a viral infection, such as common cold, or due to some severe stress which could be personal or professional. Symptoms in acuteness include diarrhea, fever, pain, nausea, along with chills and extreme fatigue.
Severity And Control Of The Disease
Each individual has his own unique pattern and treatment is done on the basis of the actual symptoms reported, rather than on the basis of the laboratory test results. The severity of the disease is measured by keeping a track of the symptoms in a chart. This includes the number of bowel movements in a day, fever, appetite level and also number of days in which the person has to modify his regular schedule due to diarrhea, fever, fatigue or pain. Besides that, the emotional responses of the person are also taken into account, whether he or she is angry, depressed or embarrassed
due to the disease.
It has been observed that malnutrition or compromised nutrition can prove to be a major threat to people living with Crohn's disease. Since this is a disease affecting the digestive tract of the body, any kind of undue stress on the digestive system can aggravate it and worsen the symptoms. And that could lead to a vicious cycle. Fever raises the body's metabolic rate and increases its need for calorie intake. On the other hand, diarrhea leads to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance, which causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, worsening the diarrhea. Besides, there is a general loss of appetite too.
Therefore, the best to manage a normal living with Crohn's is to take care of your nutrition. Make sure you consume a good amount of calories, in the form of proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements, to ensure there is no nutritional deficiency in the body. Also, try to put less stress on your digestive system, by taking shorter, more spaced-out meals. In addition, always remember to eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before sleeping. In addition, during flare-ups, dietary fibers should be avoided, like whole grains, fruits and raw vegetables. By making such minor changes in eating habits, it can be perfectly possible to manage an almost normal living with Crohn's disease.
Infact, most people who are living with Crohn's disease report that the period of remissions generally last longer and occur more frequently than the relapses or when the disease is acute. Flare-ups can occur randomly though, without any warning or pattern, just out of the blue! But, generally they happen immediately after a viral infection, such as common cold, or due to some severe stress which could be personal or professional. Symptoms in acuteness include diarrhea, fever, pain, nausea, along with chills and extreme fatigue.
Severity And Control Of The Disease
Each individual has his own unique pattern and treatment is done on the basis of the actual symptoms reported, rather than on the basis of the laboratory test results. The severity of the disease is measured by keeping a track of the symptoms in a chart. This includes the number of bowel movements in a day, fever, appetite level and also number of days in which the person has to modify his regular schedule due to diarrhea, fever, fatigue or pain. Besides that, the emotional responses of the person are also taken into account, whether he or she is angry, depressed or embarrassed
due to the disease.
It has been observed that malnutrition or compromised nutrition can prove to be a major threat to people living with Crohn's disease. Since this is a disease affecting the digestive tract of the body, any kind of undue stress on the digestive system can aggravate it and worsen the symptoms. And that could lead to a vicious cycle. Fever raises the body's metabolic rate and increases its need for calorie intake. On the other hand, diarrhea leads to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance, which causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, worsening the diarrhea. Besides, there is a general loss of appetite too.
Therefore, the best to manage a normal living with Crohn's is to take care of your nutrition. Make sure you consume a good amount of calories, in the form of proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements, to ensure there is no nutritional deficiency in the body. Also, try to put less stress on your digestive system, by taking shorter, more spaced-out meals. In addition, always remember to eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before sleeping. In addition, during flare-ups, dietary fibers should be avoided, like whole grains, fruits and raw vegetables. By making such minor changes in eating habits, it can be perfectly possible to manage an almost normal living with Crohn's disease.
Сrohns disease and symptoms.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may be mild, moderate or severe. Mild ulcerative colitis symptoms may be treated at home, while moderate symptoms typically require prescription medications to put the disease into remission. Severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis will require medications and possibly surgery to remove the affected portion/s of the colon.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically present before the age of 30 and may include diarrhea, with blood or mucus present in the stool. Rectal bleeding is sometimes one of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, but without the presence of diarrhea, rectal bleeding may indicate another condition. A gastrointestinal physician can perform tests to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the amount of the colon (large intestine) that is inflamed and the intensity of the inflammation. There are different types of ulcerative colitis and they are classified according to the portion of the colon that is inflamed. For example, it is referred to by physicians as ulcerative proctitis when only the rectum is inflamed and the only symptom in this case may be rectal bleeding. In more severe cases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that is confined to the rectum may include rectal pain and bleeding, sudden need to empty the bowels or a painful urge to move the bowels without result.
When other portions of the colon are affected, ulcerative colitis symptoms typically include bloody diarrhea and cramps, as well as the symptoms experienced by those who only have inflammation in the rectum. If the left side of the colon is inflamed, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include weight loss and pain on the left side of the abdomen as well. If the inflammation affects the entire colon, it is referred to by physicians as pancolitis or universal ulcerative colitis; symptoms in this case are the same as in the other types of colitis but may include the additional symptoms of fatigue, fever and night sweats. In the most severe form of ulcerative colitis, symptoms may include dehydration, severe abdominal pain, continuous diarrhea, bleeding and even shock.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically present before the age of 30 and may include diarrhea, with blood or mucus present in the stool. Rectal bleeding is sometimes one of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, but without the presence of diarrhea, rectal bleeding may indicate another condition. A gastrointestinal physician can perform tests to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the amount of the colon (large intestine) that is inflamed and the intensity of the inflammation. There are different types of ulcerative colitis and they are classified according to the portion of the colon that is inflamed. For example, it is referred to by physicians as ulcerative proctitis when only the rectum is inflamed and the only symptom in this case may be rectal bleeding. In more severe cases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that is confined to the rectum may include rectal pain and bleeding, sudden need to empty the bowels or a painful urge to move the bowels without result.
When other portions of the colon are affected, ulcerative colitis symptoms typically include bloody diarrhea and cramps, as well as the symptoms experienced by those who only have inflammation in the rectum. If the left side of the colon is inflamed, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include weight loss and pain on the left side of the abdomen as well. If the inflammation affects the entire colon, it is referred to by physicians as pancolitis or universal ulcerative colitis; symptoms in this case are the same as in the other types of colitis but may include the additional symptoms of fatigue, fever and night sweats. In the most severe form of ulcerative colitis, symptoms may include dehydration, severe abdominal pain, continuous diarrhea, bleeding and even shock.
Nutritional Issues And Proper Diet.
Compromised nutrition, even malnutrition, is a constant threat to an individual with Crohn's disease. This is because the disease creates a vicious cycle:
•Fever and diarrhea cause a loss of appetite.
•Fever, by raising the body's metabolic rate, adds to the need for caloric energy.
•Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk sugars).
•Lactose intolerance causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, leading to cramps and more diarrhea.
•Lactose intolerance can also indirectly lead to calcium deficiency, which in turn can lead to the loss of bone density called osteoporosis. This side effect can be especially prevalent among those being treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Nutritional treatment for Crohn's disease has two main goals.
•The first is to increase the intake of calories, especially in the form of proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, to prevent nutritional deficiency.
•The second is to create an eating pattern that minimizes stress on the diseased digestive tract. This often means eating smaller, more frequent meals. Many nutrition counselors suggest that people with Crohn's disease consume six half-sized meals each day, spacing them equally and consuming the last at least three hours before bedtime.
Most doctors tell people with Crohn's disease that their diet should be "normal, as tolerated." There is no conclusive evidence that particular foods cause flare-ups. During a flare-up, however, doctors often suggest that individuals reduce their intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.
•Fever and diarrhea cause a loss of appetite.
•Fever, by raising the body's metabolic rate, adds to the need for caloric energy.
•Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and temporary lactose intolerance (the inability to digest milk sugars).
•Lactose intolerance causes milk sugars to ferment in the colon, leading to cramps and more diarrhea.
•Lactose intolerance can also indirectly lead to calcium deficiency, which in turn can lead to the loss of bone density called osteoporosis. This side effect can be especially prevalent among those being treated with corticosteroids such as prednisone.
Nutritional treatment for Crohn's disease has two main goals.
•The first is to increase the intake of calories, especially in the form of proteins, along with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, to prevent nutritional deficiency.
•The second is to create an eating pattern that minimizes stress on the diseased digestive tract. This often means eating smaller, more frequent meals. Many nutrition counselors suggest that people with Crohn's disease consume six half-sized meals each day, spacing them equally and consuming the last at least three hours before bedtime.
Most doctors tell people with Crohn's disease that their diet should be "normal, as tolerated." There is no conclusive evidence that particular foods cause flare-ups. During a flare-up, however, doctors often suggest that individuals reduce their intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables.
Remission And Relapse.
Although Crohn's disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory bowel disease, it is not a constant disease. That is, Crohn's disease is characterized by acute flare-ups of symptoms followed by remissions that last for varying periods of time. Each individual's pattern of symptoms is different, and conscientious doctors treat patients according to their reported symptoms rather than the results of laboratory tests or radiological exams.
Diarrhea, pain, and fever-along with fatigue, chills, and possibly vomiting-come and go, sometimes in waves and sometimes in sharp bursts. Flare-ups can occur out of the blue, following a viral illness such as a head cold, or during times of extreme personal, business, or social stress.
Diarrhea, pain, and fever-along with fatigue, chills, and possibly vomiting-come and go, sometimes in waves and sometimes in sharp bursts. Flare-ups can occur out of the blue, following a viral illness such as a head cold, or during times of extreme personal, business, or social stress.
Living With Crohn's Disease.
Most people living with Crohn's disease find that periods of remission (when they are free from symptoms) are longer and more frequent than periods of acute illness. This has never been truer than it is today, when doctors have large and growing arsenal of treatment options to prescribe.
The severity of Crohn's disease can be measured objectively with indexes that chart symptoms, including:
•The number of bowel movements per day
•Appetite level
•Fever
•Number of days in a month when an individual must modify his or her work, home, or social schedule because of diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms
Severity can also be measured subjectively, through a doctor's assessment of an individual's general state of being (such as whether he or she is angry, depressed, in pain, or embarrassed by needing to use the toilet frequently in social or business situations).
There is considerable variation in how people with Crohn's disease experience their illness. An individual whose radiological examinations reveal an extent of disease that would seem to be debilitating may lead a relatively normal life, while a person with few objective signs of disease may find his or her symptoms totally debilitating, both physically and mentally.
The severity of Crohn's disease can be measured objectively with indexes that chart symptoms, including:
•The number of bowel movements per day
•Appetite level
•Fever
•Number of days in a month when an individual must modify his or her work, home, or social schedule because of diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms
Severity can also be measured subjectively, through a doctor's assessment of an individual's general state of being (such as whether he or she is angry, depressed, in pain, or embarrassed by needing to use the toilet frequently in social or business situations).
There is considerable variation in how people with Crohn's disease experience their illness. An individual whose radiological examinations reveal an extent of disease that would seem to be debilitating may lead a relatively normal life, while a person with few objective signs of disease may find his or her symptoms totally debilitating, both physically and mentally.
How Does CD Affect the Digestive System?
Crohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation in one or multiple areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation is the body's response to an abnormal physical, chemical, or biological stimulation, such as injury or infection. Complex reactions in the affected area produce heat, redness, swelling, and pain as the body works to heal an injury or destroy an infection.
In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, evidence suggests that either the body's inflammatory response is triggered when it shouldn't be, or it is triggered appropriately but fails to turn itself off after it has completed its job.
In both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, evidence suggests that either the body's inflammatory response is triggered when it shouldn't be, or it is triggered appropriately but fails to turn itself off after it has completed its job.
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