Ulcerative Colitis Attacks: How To Prevent Them?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Attacks of ulcerative colitis occur when the lining of the large intestine, rectum, or both becomes inflamed. How can we prevent this condition?
The disease may have periods of remission, characterized by mild or barely perceptible symptoms. Conversely, crises or attacks occur in some phases, with the appearance of symptoms such as diarrhea, pain and abdominal colic.
Its treatment may vary based on coexisting medical conditions and factors such as the person’s age, lifestyle and health status.
Nevertheless, on a general level it is possible to keep in mind some recommendations in order to prevent ulcerative colitis attacks so as to avoid any complications.
How do you recognize an ulcerative colitis crisis?
The clinical manifestations of ulcerative colitis can vary from person to person, depending on the person ‘s immune system response and lifestyle. Many patients have mild symptoms or asymptomatic periods. Nevertheless, this disease also manifests itself with attacks or crises characterized by:
- Intense abdominal pain
- Increased abdominal gurgling
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Moderate fever
- Rectal pain
- Obvious weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Skin problems
- Loss of appetite and nausea
Tips for preventing ulcerative colitis attacks
To calm and prevent attacks of ulcerative colitis, it is first of all essential to receive a medical diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to determine if your symptoms are due to ulcerative colitis or other disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulosis.
Case tests may include blood tests, stool sample collection, barium enema, or colonoscopy. If symptoms are actually due to ulcerative colitis, the practitioner may suggest medications and some lifestyle changes. In severe cases it may be necessary to undergo surgery.
On a general level, a few tips can help prevent and treat attacks. These are simple measures that can be adopted in daily life, both in periods of remission and during crises. We invite you to put them into practice.
1. Limit your consumption of dairy products
To date, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that attacks of ulcerative colitis are related to diet. Despite this, science has established that certain foods and drinks can aggravate symptoms, particularly during the most acute stages of the disease.
Among these dangerous foods we find dairy products. Consuming them regularly can worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and flatulence. Consequently, the consumption of packaged milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt must be limited as much as possible.
2. Increase your fiber intake
Dietary fiber plays a very important role in digestive health. In case of ulcerative colitis, they can act positively or not. Consuming them in moderate amounts can help regulate digestion during periods of remission. However, during crises they can be counterproductive.
Getting too much fiber can exacerbate symptoms such as inflammation, gas, and diarrhea. During attacks, the ideal is to minimize the consumption of whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and other sources of fiber. Don’t stop eating these foods altogether though.
3. Avoid alcoholic and stimulant drinks to prevent attacks of ulcerative colitis
Knowing how to choose the right drinks to keep the body hydrated also helps us prevent attacks of ulcerative colitis. Undoubtedly, water is the best option. However, some teas and infusions also offer various benefits. Instead, alcoholic or exciting drinks should be avoided altogether.
Beer, wine, coffee, and sodas aggravate this disorder and make diarrhea episodes worse. In addition, carbonated drinks are more problematic since they cause a greater accumulation of gas.
4. Make small meals
Another measure that can alleviate the symptoms of this disease is to improve the distribution of meals. Instead of having three main meals, it is better to have five of them consisting of smaller portions. It is thus possible to reduce the load that the digestive system has to bear, promoting intestinal balance.
5. Keep stress under control
There is no doubt that stress is a direct cause of this pathology. Consequently, knowing how to manage it is crucial to minimize its symptoms. Exposure to constant sources of stress and anxiety can trigger attacks. Some useful measures to minimize it include:
- Get moderate exercise
- Receive therapeutic massages
- Undergo aromatherapy sessions
- Meditate and practice yoga
Do you suffer from this disease? Don’t forget to have regular medical checks. Although there will be asymptomatic periods, it is important to carefully monitor the course of this disorder.
