Ulcerative Colitis Online Support Group

Although ulcerated coliyis and crohns disease have symptomsin common -diarrhoea and abdominal pain,,,the treatment differs.

For u.c.during a severe attack you need bed rest and plenty of fluids and a caring atmosphere ,,,the victims of u, c. are often upset. Take no dairy products if you are allergic  and follow a bland diet with smooth textured, nourishing ,  cooked dishes with plenty of prorein and a high calorie coun .

If a blood checkshows anaemia you need an iron suplement and vitamin c to help its absorption , plus such non irritating natural sources such as corned beef, eggs, chocolate and treacle .

medication for diarrhoea can be bought over the counterand includes codine, which also relieves pain.

Ant -ispasmodics may help but is dangerous if the whole of the colon is affected .

Sulphasalazine  is mildly helpful in an attack. but really useful in preventing a relapse.

Steroids, such as prednisolone make u feel good but should not be used for more than six weeks with this disease, and do not prevent relapse.

surgery is necessary if symptoms continue, or complications like perforation or haemorrhage arise.

The usual operation is a colectomy, removal of the whole colon , with an ileostomy -an artificial anus.

For crohns disease the treatment for diarrhoea is the same as u.c.  but differs otherwise.

If you are anaemic , you may need vitamin B12, as well as an iron injection .You are generally ill nourished because the small intestineis affected , the area where food is absorbed.Steroids are the linchpin of treatment and continue indefinately. ,     Antibiotics     ........                 for example metronidazole,  are sometimes helpful.

Immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporin , methotrexate ,and interferon sometimes help{salazopyin is seldom helpful}.Surgery involves either the removal of affected segments , or the whole colon .