Ulcerative colitis - stress is not to blame

  Ulcerative colitis - inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, and is characterized by pain and diarrhea in the intestines. As Crohn's disease, IBD another, it can cause extreme weakness and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications. Usually the disease affects only the inner walls of the colon and rectum. In this disease, ulcers appear only in the colon and rectum, in contrast to Crohn's disease in which they may arise anywhere in the intestine and to affect the deeper layers of the affected tissues.

A method to cure ulcerative colitis is unknown, but there are techniques you can use to significantly weaken its symptoms and even cause long-term remission.

Causes

Experts disagree on the causes of ulcerative colitis, but they were able to come to a consensus about the fact that it does not matter. In particular, they do not believe that one of its main causes is stress, although stress may aggravate symptoms. Possible (but not only) cause of ulcerative colitis are:

• The immune system. Some scientists believe that a virus or bacterium may cause ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the immune system is fighting with penetrating into the body harmful microbes. It is also possible that the inflammation is due to an autoimmune response - i.e. protective immune response in the absence of pathogens.
• Heredity. People whose parents and / or close relatives suffered from ulcerative colitis, the likelihood of developing the disease is higher than in others.

Risk factors

The number of male and female patients with ulcerative colitis is approximately the same, so that the floor is not a risk factor. In contrast to such factors as:

• Age. Ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, even in a newborn baby, but more often they become ill people over 30 years. In some people the disease develops only after 50 or 60 years.
• Race and ethnic group. The disease can occur in representatives of every race, but most of all he is exposed caucasian ethnicity. The risk is especially great for the representatives of the Jewish ethnic groups.
• Family history. At risk are people whose close relatives were sick or ill with ulcerative colitis.
• The use of isotretinoin (Accutane). This drug is used in the treatment of acne is very strong, which is not treatable by other means. It is believed that the same drug may cause inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Symptoms and Treatment .
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. No evidence that these drugs - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), Naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene) - are the cause of ulcerative colitis, but found that they cause similar symptoms. In addition, these medications may exacerbate existing symptoms.

Complications

Among the possible complications of ulcerative colitis:

• Heavy bleeding
• Damage, breaking the colon
• Severe dehydration
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis
• Inflammation of the skin, joints, eyes
• An increased risk of developing colon cancer
• Toxic megacolon
• Tests and diagnosis

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, to exclude the likelihood of the presence of other diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ischemic colitis, infections, diverticulitis and colon cancer.

To confirm the diagnosis, do:

• Blood test. Blood test for anemia, infections, and the presence of antibodies that are sometimes useful for diagnosing inflammatory diseases. However, a blood test to make an accurate diagnosis, is not enough.
• Analysis stool sample. The presence in stool WBCs indicates the presence of an inflammatory disease may ulcerative colitis.
• Colonoscopy. Colon are examined using a probe. During the examination, the doctor can also take small samples for analysis of tissue. Sometimes it helps to confirm the diagnosis.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, or examinations the sigmoid, the lower part of the rectum. During this procedure, you can not see the problems that exist in other parts of the rectum.
• Barium enema. With the help of an enema into the rectum, barium is introduced - a contrast dye. Barium covers the wall of the rectum, colon and part of the small intestine, and then all of these sites are examined using X-rays. This procedure is performed only if for any reason it is impossible to do a colonoscopy.
• X-ray. Standard examination of the abdominal cavity do, to identify toxic megacolon or intestinal damage, if there is suspicion of such states.
• Computed tomography is done if the doctor suspects a patient the presence of complications or ulcerative colitis, such as Crohn's disease.

Gestation

In women with diagnosis of pregnancy such generally proceeds normally, especially during pregnancy disease is in remission. There is a small risk of premature birth. Some medicines should not be taken during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, so far as possible, it is necessary to consult a physician before conception.

Risk transfer ulcerative colitis her child, provided that the partner does not have the disease, is less than 5%.

Stress

When you experience stress, the digestive processes are changing, in particular, the stomach empties more slowly and produces more acid. During stress intestine is emptied also slower and sometimes there are changes in the tissues of the intestine.

Of course, it is impossible to completely avoid the stress, but there are some techniques by which it is possible to control:

• Physical exercise. Even small loads to help reduce stress, alleviate depression and normalize the bowels.
• Biofeedback. This technique for stress reduction helps to reduce muscle tension and heart rate. Typically, this technique taught in hospitals and health centers.
• Relaxation and breathing exercises. This is a very effective way to deal with stress. Sign up for a yoga courses or learn these techniques from books or video course.
• Hypnosis. Through hypnosis Hypnosis - ability, sent from above   can reduce abdominal pain and normalize the bowels How to normalize the bowel - products and preparations .

Coping and support

Ulcerative colitis affects not only the body but also on the psychological state. When severe symptoms whole life is focused on the constant need to run to the toilet. In some cases, patients fear to leave the house. And when they go, begin to worry that the disease can take them in the wrong place, but because of the anxiety symptoms worsen.

Even if you have mild symptoms of gas and stomach pain Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms   It can be quite difficult to be in public places. All this sometimes leads to depression. If you constantly feel depressed because of illness, consult a psychologist or find a support group where you can share your problems with people suffering from the same disease. Remember - the treatment of ulcerative colitis depends on your desire to get well.