Living with ulcerative colitis may cause you to change your daily routine, like modifying your diet and exercise, making travel plans, and changing other activities just so you can avoid symptom flare-ups.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease. Unlike Crohn’s, which can present anywhere in the digestive tract, ulcerative colitis only affects the lining of the large intestine. The lining of the colon becomes irritated and develops tiny open sores called ulcers.
Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary depending on location and severity of the inflammation.
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Anemia, or low red blood cell count
- Blood, mucus or pus in the stool
- Bowel movements become looser and more urgent
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort and cramps
- Weight loss
- Urges to go to the bathroom
Ulcerative Colitis Risk Factors
In recent decades, the number of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have been increasing. Typically, women and men have the same chances of being affected by ulcerative colitis, however, they do experience symptoms differently. Other risk factors may include:
- Age: Usually begins before the age of 30 but can develop at any age. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in their 50s and 60s.
- Ethnicity: Caucasians and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at highest risk, although it can occur in any race.
- Genetics: You're at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, diet, and other lifestyle choices may impact the onset, progression, and relapse of ulcerative colitis.
- Living Conditions: Ulcerative colitis, like Crohn’s disease, is more common in developed countries, polluted areas, urban areas, and northern climates.
Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Even though there is currently no cure or pinpointed cause for ulcerative colitis, various treatment options can be combined to reduce the inflammation that triggers your signs and symptoms. The goal of treatment is to induce remission and then maximize your chances of staying in remission.
- Medication
- Minimizing stress
- Modifying diet and nutrition
- Supplements
- Surgery to repair or remove affected portions of your GI tract
You can also work to minimize your ulcerative colitis related flare-ups by exercising more, meditating or doing yoga, seeking out counseling and joining a support group. All of these will help you minimize your stress, which will in turn, minimize your symptoms.
Diet modifications like eating less salt, fiber, and lactose while consuming more calories may also help alleviate symptoms during a flare-up. Reduce the amount of greasy, fried foods you eat. Eat smaller meals. Avoid carbonated and caffeinated beverages. Eat bland, soft foods. Most importantly, be sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Maintaining proper nutrition is vital to your successful management of ulcerative colitis. You may even consider asking your doctor about taking a vitamin supplement to make sure you aren’t suffering from any deficiencies.