A chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed, Ulcerative colitis is a serious disorder which is characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, fever, chills and profuse diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis causes both inflammation and sores, also called ulcers, in the lining of the colon and rectum. The ulcerated areas occur in the areas where inflammation has killed off the protective cells that usually line the colon. The inflammation and ulcers lead to pain, bleeding, and the hallmark symptom of profuse and nearly uncontrollable diarrhea.
The inflammation of Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum and the sigmoid or lower colon. It may then spreads upward throughout the entire colon. However, except for the lower section, call the ileum, this disease rarely invades the small intestine. Other names for ulcerative colitis include proctitis, enteritis, ileitis and colitis.
Currently the cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although many theories exist. Some researchers believe that it is hereditary; others believe that it is due to a bacteria or viral invasion, and still others believe it is a defect in the immune system in which the body’s antibodies actually attack the colon.
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anemia, loss of body fluids and nutrients and fever.
Patients may also experience joint pain, rashes, skin lesions, and abscesses. Typically the onset of ulcerative colitis is gradual. However, in some cases the onset can be rather severe with the diarrhea and bleeding being much more significant. Because many of these symptoms can mimic other disorders it is important to see your physician so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can begin.
There is currently no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon.
Some helpful treatments include medications such as steroids designed to control or lessen the inflammation of the colon can help to improve the diarrhea and cramping. Antibiotics may also be used to help control the disorder.
Other medications may be used to control the pain and diarrhea of ulcerative colitis. Dietary changes can also help. For example, during an acute attack of ulcerative colitis, your physician may suggest that you avoid milk, milk products and bulky, heavy fiber foods.
A healthy diet with sufficient calories and adequate protein will help in overall well being. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to correct malnutrition, dehydration or mineral imbalances and to stop the diarrhea.
Surgery may also be required for difficult cases of ulcerative colitis. In cases of excessive bleeding, a perforation of the colon or even a debilitating lifestyle impact from the disease may all be appropriate reasons for surgery to remove the colon. Surgery is generally looked to as a last resort option after all other treatment options have failed.
Ulcerative colitis mimics several other bowel disorders and must be aggressively managed in order to avoid long term damage to the colon and a significant impact on the overall health of the sufferer.
Talk with your physician today and determine the best and most aggressive course of treatment for your disease.
About the Author:
For more important information on
stomach pain
. Be sure to visit
www.a-stomach-pain.com.
You will find advice on common stomach pain causes such as
stomach ulcer
, Crohn’s disease, and more.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ulcerative Colitis The Bowel Disease Of Chronic Inflammation
Depeche Mode- Shake The Disease (Rare Promo Version)
Wondering what that rash, welt, or bump on your child’s skin is? Infection, allergies, and temperature extremes are often behind the skin conditions seen in babies and children — and many are minor and easily treated. You can learn to recognize some of the most common conditions — but remember: always consult a doctor for proper diagnoses and treatment.
Rashes
A bacterial infection of the skin that is very common in children. It gains access through damaged skin, such as cuts, grazes or insect bites. If there is direct skin-to-skin contact with others, or if bedding, clothing or towels are shared, it can spread rapidly through families and communities.This rash can occur anywhere on the body, but most frequently on the head and neck.
Ringworms
Worms don’t cause ringworm. Instead, this skin infection is caused by a fungus living off dead skin, hair, and nail tissue. Starting as a red, scaly patch or bump, it develops into itchy red ring(s) with raised, blistery, or scaly borders. Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal, and by sharing items like towels or sports gear. Most ringworm infections can be treated with antifungal creams
A child who was born with a usually fatal genetic skin disease, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, has been treated and is living a much better life now thanks to University of Minnesota Medical School researchers and cord blood and bone marrow stem cell transplants. The disease causes the skin tissue to be extremely fragile, and also makes the whole intestinal tract very thin as well, so they usually get all sorts of infections and don’t last long.
Hives
Hives, also called urticaria, are an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, the reaction can be to almost anything, including cold, heat, and even emotional tension. Unless you already have a good idea what is causing the hives or you have just taken a new drug, the doctor is unlikely to be able to determine the cause. Most often, searching for a cause is fruitless.
Eczema
Eczema is an unpleasant and restricting condition for any child. It is also distressing for their parents who find there is very little they can do to take away the irritation and pain, except to use a prescription steroid cream. Such creams can seem like a miracle, as they can vastly improve the painful and unsightly eruptions. However, they suppress rather than cure.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap (also called seborrheic dermatitis) is a rash that begins as scaling and redness on a baby’s scalp. This condition is a non-infectious skin condition and is a form of eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis is common in infants, usually beginning in the first weeks of life and slowly disappearing over a period of weeks or months. The condition rarely is uncomfortable or itchy.
About the Author:
Read about Fruit Vegetable Vitamins. Also Read about Tribulus Terrestrisand Womens Magazine, Health Magazine
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Childhood Skin Problems
The Dangers of Vaccines Part 2 Swine Flu H1N1 HPV MMR Gardasil Autism Thimerosal
