Colitis is an inflammation of the intestine that causes symptoms such as alternate periods of diarrhea and constipation and can be caused by food poisoning, stress or bacterial infections. Because it has several causes, colitis can be divided into several types, the most common being ulcerative, pseudomembrane, nerve and ischemic.
Treatment is cause-based, but the gastroenterologist usually indicates the use of medications that relieve symptoms, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In addition, it is important to have a healthy diet guided by a nutritionist for colitis to avoid intestinal irritations and more injuries.
- Colitis has several causes.
- Which can occur from stress.
- Anxiety.
- Infection with viruses.
- Bacteria or fungi.
- Inflammation or allergic reactions to food.
- For example.
- Thus.
- Colitis can be categorized according to the cause in different types.
- The main being:.
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the intestine characterized by the presence of several ulcers in the intestinal wall that cause many discomfort. Ulcers can appear throughout the intestine, in isolated areas, or at the end. In addition to ulcers, there may be diarrhea with mucus and blood, abdominal pain and fever.
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not yet clear, but it may be due to genetic factors, often related to the immune system, and infections with viruses or bacteria. Learn more about ulcerative colitis.
When ulcerative colitis is rapidly identified, the gastroenterologist can quickly treat and eliminate the cause and wounds, however, with the progression of inflammation, the lesions are irreversible. In addition, people with untreated ulcerative colitis are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. See what the symptoms of colorectal cancer are.
Pseudomembranous colitis is characterized by very liquid diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, fever and general discomfort and is most often associated with the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and azithromycin. This type of colitis is also associated with the presence of Clostridium difficile bacteria, which produces and releases toxins that can damage the walls of the intestine. Learn more about pseudomembranous colitis.
Nerve colitis, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is more common in young people and is caused by psychological conditions, such as stress and anxiety, that make the intestine more sensitive and promote injuries. This type of colitis is characterized by pain, abdominal swelling and excess gas. See what the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are.
Ischemic colitis is closely related to the person’s lifestyle, as its main cause is obstruction of the main intestinal arteries by the presence of fatty plaques, which causes ulcers, abscesses and swelling to form, as well as increasing the likelihood of bleeding. . Therefore, the best way to prevent ischemic colitis is to improve eating habits and exercise.
Symptoms of colitis are related to progressive inflammation of the digestive system and may be more or less severe depending on the cause of colitis and a person’s overall health. The main symptoms associated with colitis are:
Diagnosis of colitis is made by the gastroenterologist through the assessment of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the result of imaging tests such as CT, x-ray, colonoscopy with biopsy or opaque enema, which is an imaging exam that uses X and contrast to evaluate the conditions of the large intestine and rectum.
Thus, according to the doctor’s assessment, it is possible to determine the cause of colitis and thus initiate the most appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and promote the quality of life of the person.
Treatment of colitis is done with the purpose of relieving symptoms, often prescribed by the doctor the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for example, to relieve abdominal pain and reduce fever. In addition, depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as metronidazole or vancomycin. Learn more about treating colitis.
Recommendations for the treatment of colitis include avoid eating raw foods and chewing them well. If symptoms persist, you should follow a liquid diet, drinking vegetable juices such as beetroot or cabbage for example. It is also very important to increase bacterial flora by consuming more probiotic foods such as yogurt and fermented milks, for example. See how the diet is done for colitis.
Treatment of colitis can also be done with medications to stop diarrhea and improve the absorption of nutrients by the gut, in addition to taking dietary supplements, but still under medical supervision.