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 herbal treatment should be available. However, the best that can be done at this time is proven treatments and preventative care.
This large intestine, or colon, is one of eight organs found within in the body cavity located between the thoracic and pelvic cavities. It works to gather up food that remains undigested during the digestive process. This undigested food is then driven down the intestinal path to be eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus. If the walls of the colon are swollen during this process, this journey is interrupted and painful cramping, diarrhea and blood in the stool results. In severe cases, one may also have a fever.
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.
Treatments can range from doing nothing to surgery. Salmonella and E. Coli Infections may require nothing but water and rest. The body tends to work these out of their system naturally. If other bacteria are the culprit, antibiotics are needed. If the cause of the irritation is an invading virus, fluids and rest are most commonly prescribed. This may include drinking an electrolyte liquid to replenish the electrolytes lost due to the diarrhea.
The body has a sensitive immune system that normally works quite well. But occasionally the system gets mixed messages and thinks that a piece of food is the bad guy. It can mistakenly kick into combat mode and start to battle against that harmless piece of food. The white blood cells are increased to attack, causing the cells to coat the organ lining, irritating and inflaming the walls. A doctor will normally treat this with a one-two punch: an anti-inflammatory medication to bring the swelling down, and an anti-immune suppressant to get the immune system back on track.
The colon is like any other organ in the body. It needs a steady blood supply to function well. The arteries bring blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, and the veins remove the dangerous carbon dioxide and lactic acid. If a person suffers from any condition that reduces the flow of blood, the walls of the intestine can become swollen. This is called Ischemic Colitis. The most common treatment is intravenous fluids and lots of rest. Again, the most serious cases may need surgical attention.
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.
While there is no known colitis cure, the treatments for the onset of colitis are relatively successful. This particular medical condition is very persistent and it can reoccur again without warning. For this reason, many medical professionals suggest attaching the source or root causes of this painful condition.
This large intestine, or colon, is one of eight organs found within in the body cavity located between the thoracic and pelvic cavities. It works to gather up food that remains undigested during the digestive process. This undigested food is then driven down the intestinal path to be eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus. If the walls of the colon are swollen during this process, this journey is interrupted and painful cramping, diarrhea and blood in the stool results. In severe cases, one may also have a fever.
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.
Treatments can range from doing nothing to surgery. Salmonella and E. Coli Infections may require nothing but water and rest. The body tends to work these out of their system naturally. If other bacteria are the culprit, antibiotics are needed. If the cause of the irritation is an invading virus, fluids and rest are most commonly prescribed. This may include drinking an electrolyte liquid to replenish the electrolytes lost due to the diarrhea.
The body has a sensitive immune system that normally works quite well. But occasionally the system gets mixed messages and thinks that a piece of food is the bad guy. It can mistakenly kick into combat mode and start to battle against that harmless piece of food. The white blood cells are increased to attack, causing the cells to coat the organ lining, irritating and inflaming the walls. A doctor will normally treat this with a one-two punch: an anti-inflammatory medication to bring the swelling down, and an anti-immune suppressant to get the immune system back on track.
The colon is like any other organ in the body. It needs a steady blood supply to function well. The arteries bring blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, and the veins remove the dangerous carbon dioxide and lactic acid. If a person suffers from any condition that reduces the flow of blood, the walls of the intestine can become swollen. This is called Ischemic Colitis. The most common treatment is intravenous fluids and lots of rest. Again, the most serious cases may need surgical attention.
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.
While there is no known colitis cure, the treatments for the onset of colitis are relatively successful. This particular medical condition is very persistent and it can reoccur again without warning. For this reason, many medical professionals suggest attaching the source or root causes of this painful condition.
