Causes, symptoms and treatment of ulcerative colitis

Cases of nonspecific ulcerative colitis (Crohn's disease) are not often found in modern medicine. Nevertheless, inflammation followed by ulceration of the large intestine - a very dangerous condition, since in the absence of qualified care leads to a mass of complications.

Causes of nonspecific ulcerative colitis

Unfortunately, the mechanism of the onset of this disease is still at the stage of study. But still managed to find out some of the risk factors. In particular, here there is a genetic predisposition.

In addition, as a result of recent tests, it was determined that patients in the blood contain specific antibodies to their own colon cells. This gave grounds to believe that nonspecific colitis in some cases has an autoimmune origin and is associated with a disruption of the body's defense system. On the other hand, some scientists believe that the increased sensitivity of immunity is not related to the structures of the intestine, but to the bacteria that live in it.

The main symptoms of nonspecific ulcerative colitis

Immediately it is worth noting that colitis is a chronic disease, in which exacerbations are replaced by periods of relative well-being, and vice versa. As a rule, inflammation occurs on one or another part of the rectum, but eventually the area of damage increases in size, and sometimes captures the entire mucosa of the large intestine.

Crohn's disease (nonspecific ulcerative colitis) is accompanied by pulling, cramping pains in the abdomen. As a rule, with such attacks there are also strong urges to defecate. Along with this, the body temperature rises to 37.5 degrees. Patients complain of lethargy and weakness, suffer from increased fatigue and loss of appetite.

From time to time, there is diarrhea, and in the feces you can see the admixture of blood. Sometimes patients complain of constipation - the intestine is difficult to empty even if the feces are relatively mild.

With severe inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine, strong intestinal bleeding may occur, which is extremely dangerous for the health and even life of a person.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis

Unfortunately, the exact causes of inflammation can not be established, so treatment in this case is symptomatic. Nevertheless, correctly selected therapy allows achieving a stable remission. First of all, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain medications. This stops the further development of the inflammatory process, relieves pain and normalizes body temperature. In more severe cases, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

In addition, patients are prescribed drugs that inhibit the activity of the immune system, in particular, "Ciclosporin" and "Azathioprine." In some cases, reception of antidiarrhoeal agents is indicated. With anemia, which invariably develops as a result of permanent bleeding, iron-containing substances are used.

Of course, there are other methods that allow to suspend ulcerative colitis. Folk treatment includes the reception of a decoction of wheat and turnip grains. An important part of therapy is the right diet, which excludes the use of foods rich in fiber, as well as sharp, salty, acidic and fried foods.

Only in the most severe cases, the patient needs surgical intervention, which includes a partial or complete resection of the large intestine.