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Published 04:55 IST, November 1st 2019

Colitis: Here are some symptoms and easy home treatment to control it

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the lining of your large intestine, or colon.

Reported by: Chitra Jain
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Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the lining of your large intestine, or colon. Ulcerative colitis is different from other diseases. It has some similar symptoms, like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. There is no cure to this disease, and people usually have symptom flare-ups off and on for life. But according to medical reports, the right treatment can help you keep a check on the disease.

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Signs and Symptoms of Colitis

The primary symptom of ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhoea. There might be some pus in your stools too, during UC. Other problems during UC include:

  • You may face some cramping belly pain
  • At times sudden urge to empty your colon right away
  • You will sometimes not feel hungry
  • Weight loss suddenly
  • Feeling tired very fast
  • Fever
  • Joint pain or soreness
  • Eye pain when you look at a bright light and strain your eyes
  • You will see a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anaemia
  • Skin sores
  • Dehydration
  • Feeling like you have not completely emptied your colon after you use the bathroom
  • Not being able to hold your stool in

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Home remedies to treat Ulcerative colitis

Including some chemicals found in plants (phytochemicals) in your diet, may help reduce symptoms of UC. Research supports a diet that includes: apples, bilberry or huckleberry, black raspberry, cocoa, green tea, grapes, olive oil, and Indian gooseberry. Hence it is important to have a proper diet.

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Rather than eating or avoiding specific foods from your diet, it is important to control symptoms and some practical strategies may help reduce the symptoms of flare-ups. These include:

  • Drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated, particularly during a bout of diarrhoea.
  • Drinking electrolyte drinks to maintain electrolyte balance when diarrhoea threatens dehydration.
  • Consuming calcium and vitamin D supplement helps to avoid calcium deficiency and bone loss. Many people suffering from UC are calcium or vitamin D deficient.
  • Try eating several small meals each day, rather than having three large ones.
  • It is important to eat well and avoid restrictive diets. Even fast food is preferable to no food at all, particularly in people with UC who are malnourished.
  • Eating a low-fibre diet.
  • Reducing the consumption of greasy, buttery foods.
  • Avoiding milk products. Many people with UC are lactose intolerant.

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Disclaimer: Sometimes symptoms and effects of Ulcerative colitis or eczema might differ from person to person. It is best advised to consult a doctor to detect early signs. Also, a consultation from your physician is advised before starting with any home-treatment.

04:54 IST, November 1st 2019