Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis, is an illness that affects your colon health (colon or large intestine). With Ischemic colitis, the colon can become inflamed. There is also a possibility of colon becoming injured. Decline of blood flow to the large intestine, or a disruption of blood flow, can cause this illness. The disruption of blood flow can be long term or succinct.

This illness is also referred to as colonic ischemia. People who are 50 years old and older are at risk of getting Ischemic colitis. This is one of the common illnesses that affects the large intestine in older adults. It is important to go to your doctor if you have any significant bowel movements, because this condition can become serious.

In most people with Ischemic colitis, there are mild symptoms. In few cases does the illness become severe or life-threatening. If there is a serious deprivation of blood to the colon, severe damage is probable. Usually in this case ulcers begin to form in the lining of the colon. Ischemic colitis can affect any part of the colon, and it usually engages pain on the left side of your abdomen.

The most recurrent cause of inadequate blood flow to the colon, is blood clots. If the arteries near the colon are blocked, it can cause Ischemic colitis. In severe cases, build-up of fat in blood vessels is usually the cause of disruption of blood flow to the large intestine.

Sometimes other conditions may cause ischemic colitis. People with high sugar levels are at risk of getting this sickness. If you are under-going radiation to the abdominal, it can also cause Ischemic colitis. Rarely, do medications play a role in causing Ischemic colitis. If you are taking medication for blood pressure, inflamed blood vessels, or estrogen, there is a slight chance that you can get this illness as a side-effect.

Ischemic colitis can sometimes occur after having abdominal surgery. Especially, if you are getting an aneurysm near the colon. Ischemic colitis can also be caused by infections from viruses.

Treating Ischemic colitis depends how severe it is. Mild Ischemic colitis is usually treated by keeping the blood pressure as normal as possible. In doing so, it will help keep the blood flowing to the colon. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. Symptoms for mild Ischemic colitis usually last for only one to two days, if treated properly. Dehydration though may lead to hospitalization, so you can get fluids into your system.

For some, surgery may be essential. If you have tenderness to the abdominal and a fever that refuses to go away, surgery is probably necessary if treatment is not working. People who have blocked arteries may also have to have surgery. Also, if a hole in your colon appears it must be removed.

Older adults are at a high risk for getting Ischemic colitis. Also, people who have conditions that are connected with heart disease are at risk of Ischemic colitis. This includes using tobacco, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, research has yet to find something that will definitely prevent you from getting Ischemic colitis. If you have a severe risk of this illness, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, keep on getting treatment. Taking SEROVERA AMP 500 on a daily basis at the recommended dosage, exercising, following a colitis diet and stopping smoking can help your chances of preventing Ischemic colitis.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing ulcerative colitis. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet

There's no firm evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your symptoms, especially during a flare-up in your condition. It's a good idea to try eliminating from your diet anything that seems to make your signs and symptoms worse. Here are some suggestions that may help:

• Limit dairy products
  Like many people with inflammatory bowel disease, you may find that problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas, improve when you limit or eliminate dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant — that is, your body can't digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If so, try substituting yogurt or low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, for milk. Or use an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose. In some cases, you may need to eliminate dairy foods completely. If you need help, a registered dietitian can help you design a healthy diet that's low in lactose. Keep in mind that with limiting your dairy intake, you'll need to find other sources of calcium, such as supplements.

• Experiment with fiber
  For most people, high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains, are the foundation of a healthy diet. But if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fiber may make diarrhea, pain and gas worse. If raw fruits and vegetables bother you, try steaming, baking or stewing them.
  
  You may also find that you can tolerate some fruits and vegetables, but not others. In general, you may have more problems with foods in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and with very crunchy foods such as raw apples and carrots.

• Avoid problem foods
  Eliminate any other foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. These may include "gassy" foods such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruit juices and fruits — especially citrus fruits — spicy food, popcorn, alcohol, caffeine, and foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and soda.

• Eat small meals
  You may find you feel better eating five or six small meals rather than two or three larger ones.

• Drink plenty of liquids
  Try to drink plenty of fluids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.

• Ask about multivitamins
  Because ulcerative colitis can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients and because your diet may be limited, vitamin and mineral supplements can play a key role in supplying missing nutrients. They don't provide essential protein and calories, however, and shouldn't be a substitute for meals.