Ulcerative Colitis Ayurvedic Treatment

What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative Colitis Ayurvedic Treatment

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It mainly occurs when the lining of the large intestine, rectum, or any of them becomes inflamed. This inflammation results in tiny sores called ulcers on the lining of your colon. It usually begins in the rectum and grows outwards.

The colon is a part of the digestive system where fluid is taken out from the undigested food, and the remaining part is stored. The inflammation is the reason why your bowel moves the undigested food and empties it. As cells on the surface of the bowel zap, the sores appear. Over time, these ulcers can result in bleeding and release pus and mucus.

In some patients, the inner lining of the colon can lead to signs of pain in the abdomen, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea.

It affects people of all age groups, but most often, the signs can be recognized between the ages of 15 and 35. After 50, it is hard to diagnose ulcerative colitis in men.

Sarcoidosis Treatment in Ayurveda

Ulcerative colitis can be life-threatening as it tends to affect the quality of life. While allopathy believes there is no cure for UC, Ayurveda has herbs that can help reduce signs and symptoms linked to ulcerative colitis and offer complete remission.

Types

Based on the location of ulcerative colitis, doctors classify them as:

  • Ulcerative proctitis – The inflammation mainly occurs around the area closest to the anus. The only sign includes rectal bleeding.
  • Proctosigmoiditis – Inflammation spread to the rectum and the lower end of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. The signs include abdominal cramps and pain, inability to move the bowels even though you want to, diarrhea, etc.
  • Left-sided colitis – The inflammation spread from the rectum and growing to the sigmoid and descending colon. Pain on the left side, tenesmus, or frequent urge to have a bowel movement are some common signs.
  • Pancolitis – In this condition, the lining of the inner rectum becomes inflamed. Bloody diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, and pain are often the signs.

Signs and symptoms

The seriousness of ulcerative colitis varies differently in people. The signs may change depending upon the severity of the condition and the type of UC.

Also, the signs can return and go, which is called a flare-up. The common signs include:

  • abdominal pain
  • bloody stools
  • diarrhea
  • rectal pain
  • weight loss
  • malnutrition
  • fever

The additional signs in some cases may include:

  • mouth sores
  • joint pain and swelling
  • decreased appetite
  • skin problems
  • inflammation in the eyes
  • nausea

When to see the doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience changes in your bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms as mentioned above.

Causes

Researchers believe that ulcerative colitis occurs because of a faulty immune system or overactive immune system. However, how this happens and why some immune system attacks the intestines and not others is still not clear.

Causative factors responsible for the occurrence of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Genes. Inheriting certain genes from a parent elevates your chance of UC.
  • Other immune disorders. Having one type of immune disorder eventually increases the risk of the second one.
  • Environmental factors. Bacteria, viruses, and antigens may trigger your immune system.
  • Age. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs before the age of 30, while others may not have it until after age 60.
  • Family history. Your risk of getting UC elevates if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, with the disease.

Different tests can help your doctor diagnose UC. This disorder mimics other bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease. Your doctor will run multiple tests to rule out other conditions.

Complications

Possible complications of UC include:

  • Severe bleeding
  • A hole in the colon
  • Swollen colon
  • Bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • Inflammation of your skin, joints, and eyes
  • Increased risk of colon cancer
  • Risk of blood clots in veins and arteries
  • Severe dehydration

Diagnostic tests

Tests to diagnostic ulcerative colitis may include:

  • Stool test. The stool is checked for blood, parasites, bacteria, and other inflammatory signs.
  • Colonoscopy. This diagnostic test involves inserting a tube into the rectum to diagnose the colon inside.
  • Biopsy. The biopsy involves removing tissue from the colon for analysis.
  • CT scan. It is the X-ray of the abdomen and pelvis.
  • Blood tests. A complete blood count will help you know if you have anemia. The test also checks for inflammation, such as a high level of C-reactive protein and a high sedimentation rate.

Antibody tests are also conducted for reference.

Ayurvedic treatment for ulcerative colitis

Ayurveda uses old science and the knowledge being shared by the ayurvedic practitioners back then. The unique body constitution and doshas are taken into account to maintain good health. Even for ulcerative colitis, herbal concoctions are prepared, keeping in mind the individual body type and the causative factor. This natural therapy is a way to rejuvenate the damaged cells and tissues, which lead to inflammation in the colon and rectum. By using additional therapies, the body is detoxified of waste substances, and you are able to live healthily.