Colitis Treatment Information

When the lining of the large intestine becomes irritated and swollen, a medical condition called colitis can occur. The swelling could be the result of a bacterium or virus, food poisoning or other antibiotics in the body. It is a commonly occurring condition, so one may feel that a colitis cure should be available. However, the best that can be done at this time is proven treatments and preventative care.

Consider the colon the waste management system of the body. The job of this large organ is to make sure that the garbage left behind by the digestive process is contained, stored and eliminated from the body. Most of the time the colon does this efficiently. However, if the inner surfaces of this organ become irritated or swollen, a big traffic jam can occur. Severe diarrhea, cramps, fever and blood showing in the stool all announce this condition quite suddenly.

No matter what treatment is chosen, consultation with a physician, preferably a knowledgeable gastrologist, is the critical first step. Most forms of colitis can be treated quite quickly and easily, but more severe cases may require serious attention, or surgery. The diagnosis can be made by a trained physician.

If the inflamed colon is caused by a bacterial infection, the normal treatment is an antibiotic. Viral infections can be treated with an intake of fluids over a period of time. Inflammation caused by food poisoning, like E. Coli or Salmonella, will not require antibiotics. The body will likely heal itself with sufficient water intake and rest.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn's Disease are both thought to be caused by a malfunction of the immune system. The system gets confused and mistakes the food and normal bacteria in the colon as foreign. The natural reaction is to fight back, but in the process the white blood cells build up in the intestinal lining, creating inflammation. Treatment or this type of colitis is usually a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and an immune system suppressant, prescribed by the gastrologist. In very severe cases surgery may be required to remove dying parts of the colon or small intestine.

Ischemic Colitis can also be developed if the stream of oxygen and nutrients to the organ are insufficient. There could be several reasons for a reduction in blood supply, but the result is a build-up of lactic acid and carbon dioxide in the system. If this occurs, the digestive track can become toxic. Drinking water alone won't be enough to fight this. Fortified fluids are usually administered directly into the circulatory system. If the colitis is extremely serious, surgery may be required to remove the damaged section of the intestine.

Proactive care and diet can play an important role in the prevention of this painful condition. Citrus fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C are a great place to start. Adding them to your diet on a daily basis can help sustain a strong colon.

Sugar is suspected of contributing to an unhealthy atmosphere within the digestive track. Naturally occurring sugar would be an better alternative to processed sugar treats. Incorporating Folic Acid, Omega Fatty Acids and probiotics into your daily vitamin menu can also be helpful.

This medical condition can be introduced into the body at any time, so finding a colitis cure is unlikely. Proper diet, combined with early diagnosis and quick, effective treatments, can often reduce the need for the more serious steps of surgery.