Colitis, which flares up from time to time with complaints of abdominal pain, diarrhea and frequent bleeding, can turn your life into a nightmare if left untreated. Colitis, which is most common between the ages of 20-40, may not be treated if it is too late. General Surgery-Breast-Thyroid and Oncological Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Mehmet Emin Güneş wrote
Inflammation of the mucosa lining the large intestine is simply called colitis. As it is known, the large intestine absorbs the water and salt in the feces while advancing the feces towards the anus. The place where water absorption is highest is the large intestine. The most well-known types of inflammation of the large intestine are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Although the cause of ulcerative colitis is not exactly known, it affects the large intestine mucosa. Sudden stress, sadness, some bacterial infections, smoking and some allergic reactions that lead to acute and chronic changes are among the most common causes. At the same time, inflammation of the intestines, namely the colon, by viruses, harmful bacteria or parasites is also among the causes.
Intermittent diarrhea of the small and large intestine, some systemic diseases in which immune resistance decreases (such as AIDS), rheumatic diseases, colon cancer. Inflammation of the pockets called diverticula in the large intestine itself, and inflammation of the large intestine mucosa that occurs during the use of some medications and after radiotherapy applied to the lower abdomen, also cause a similar picture.
SYMPTOMS
The most important symptoms are abdominal pain and sudden onset of watery diarrhea. So much so that the number of diarrheas can reach 15-20 per day. Diarrhea is slimy and frothy. Diarrhea is often accompanied by bleeding. If the patient is not treated, anemia will occur. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and the constant feeling of defecation prevent the patient from daily comfort, and weight loss begins. While the disease is initially limited to a certain part of the large intestine, if left untreated, it spreads to all layers of the large intestine and in its severe form, fistulas, large intestine perforation and severe bleeding are observed. Joint pain and skin rashes often accompany the disease.
HOW IS DIAGNOSIS?
Patients with complaints are treated with Onoscopy is performed and the diagnosis is made with a biopsy taken from the intestinal mucosa.
TREATMENT
The disease occasionally presents with acute exacerbations, and sometimes with a remission period and a sleep period, which we call the silent period. watches. Sometimes this remission period lasts for a very long time and the patient continues his life without any complaints. In the acute period, intestinal rest is important. The patient is started on medication and treatment is continued for a long time. Depending on the severity of the disease, in addition to oral tablet treatment, daily enema treatment is also added. The aim of medical treatment is to improve the patient's quality of life and minimize their complaints. If oral drug treatment is not sufficient in acute exacerbations, oral or intravenous corticosteroid treatment is added to the existing treatment.
WHEN IS SURGERY REQUIRED?
Surgical intervention is not necessary except in cases of necessity. It is not done. Surgery is planned according to complications that occur. If necessary, the entire large intestine is removed.
HOW SHOULD NUTRITION BE?
Diet is important. Since there may be sensitivity to dairy products in colitis, dairy products should be avoided if this condition, called lactose intolerance, occurs. It is necessary to consume protein-rich foods and ensure a balanced carbohydrate intake. It is important to use whole grain products, stay away from carbonated drinks, hot sauces and spices, alcohol and cigarettes. It will be good to use probiotic yoghurt in daily food consumption.
And dear readers, do not neglect yourself, your health and your friends.
Let's not forget that; The real wealth would be if there were no people other than you who were worried about you. Friendship was running like strings in the rain. Getting wet in the rain, friendship was getting cold under the snow. Friendship means telling the truth, not what is pleasant. By saying "come", friendship meant following you without question. Friendship is the one that keeps what comes through its ears in its heart and opens its heart to you.
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