Medical Questions » Gut (Intestines) Questions » Question No. 441
| Question: | After examination and tests, doctors have diagnosed the cause of my intestinal discomfort and bloody motions as colitis. Their indication that not much can be done for the condition is not very comforting. Cortisone enemas have been prescribed, but results have not been encouraging. I would appreciate your comments. |
| Answer: | Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition of the last part of the bowel that causes multiple deep bleeding ulcers to form. Its cause is unknown.
Patients experience bloody diarrhoea, cramping pains in the lower belly, fevers, weight loss and sometimes anaemia.
When the diagnosis is suspected by a doctor, it is confirmed by performing a colonoscopy. In this procedure a flexible tube is passed through the anus up into the colon, and rhrough this the examining doctor can easily see the ulcers and inflammation that are characteristic of the disease.
Unfortunately there is no cure for this condition. In acute attacks, hospitalisation may be necessary with many medications being given in high doses to bring the condition under control. Long-term treatment with steroid enemas, oral steroid tablets and special antibiotics (sulphasalazine) is then given to control the condition.
Patients with ulcerative colitis should be on a specific diet that is high in protein and low in dairy products. Each patient will learn to identify specific foods that aggravate the condition and avoid them.
As a last resort, it is sometimes necessary for the affected piece of bowel to be surgically removed.
If your condition is not adequately controlled, you should be discussing the matter further with your doctor, as good control of ulcerative colitis is essential for your long-term wellbeing.
|
|
|
