Ulcerative colitis can be described as an inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers (sores) and inflammation in the digestive tract. The inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum are the most affected digestive areas in ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis develop gradually rather than instantaneously. This disease can be exhausting and can develop several life-threatening complications. The frequency of occurrence of ulcerative colitis is the same in both males and females.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Ulcerative colitis may vary from patient to patient depending upon seriousness of inflammation and affected digestive area. Some common signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Blood or pus in stools
- Diarrhea
- Pain in rectum
- Pain or cramps in abdominal area
- Urgency to defecate
- Loss of weight
- Fatigue
- Fever
These symptoms become more severe if the treatment is not taken at the correct time.
Ulcerative Colitis Causes
The exact cause responsible for the occurrence of ulcerative colitis is not clear yet.
Doctors studied that malfunctioning of the immune system may be responsible for the ulcerative colitis. When the body’s immune cells begin to attack healthy cells in the digestive tract instead of invading virus and bacteria, ulcerative colitis begin to develop.
Genetic factors may also be responsible for the occurrence of ulcerative colitis as it can run into generations. So, having a family history of ulcerative colitis can also lead to ulcerative colitis.
Unhealthy diet and stress were considered as the cause of ulcerative colitis but now
these factors are assumed as only the aggravating factors of ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis Complications
Prolonged Ulcerative colitis can give rise to many health complications such as:
- Osteoporosis (Bone loss)
- Severe dehydration
- A hole in the colon
- Intense bleeding
- Formation of blood clots in arteries and veins
- Colon cancer
- Inflammation in eyes, skin and joints
Ulcerative Colitis Risk Factors
The factors which can raise the risk of being affected with ulcerative colitis are:
- Age: The growth of ulcerative colitis mostly starts before the age of 30. The people lying around 30 years of age are at increased risk of ulcerative colitis.
- Family history: If anyone in your family such as parents, siblings, etc is suffering from ulcerative colitis. Then there is a huge risk of ulcerative colitis to you also.
- Race: Although ulcerative colitis can develop in any person of any race but the white people can easily become prone to this disease.
Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis
The best method to diagnose ulcerative colitis is to go with endoscopic procedures including tissue biopsy. The doctor may also recommend some blood tests to rule out any complications occur due to ulcerative colitis. To confirm ulcerative colitis, the patient may have to undergo some tests and procedures such as:
- Blood test: The doctor may prescribe some blood tests to check for anemia (a condition of low hemoglobin level). Excessive flow of blood in ulcerative colitis can cause anemia which further reduces the supply of oxygen to the body tissues.
- Stool test: Detection of certain proteins and white blood cells in stool samples can indicate the ulcerative colitis. Infection caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria can also be determined in the stool test.
- Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the procedure of inserting a flexible, thin and lighted tube with a camera in your colon to view the internal condition of the colon. The doctor can also take a sample of tissue from the colon to send it to the laboratory for analysis.
- X-ray of the abdominal area
- CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis
All these test reports will make it easy for the doctor if you are suffering from ulcerative colitis or not.
Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis
Suffering from ulcerative colitis is the most painful and irritating condition. Immediate treatment of this disease is required to get relief which will be done by herbs present in nature because modern science has no exact treatment for the ulcerative colitis while herbs have natural healing properties which will help you to overcome this disease in a natural and effective manner. The herbs beneficial in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are:
- NAGKESAR (Mesua ferrea)
Nagkesar herb is very beneficial in relieving conditions like piles, ulcerative colitis, indigestion, joint pain, asthma, etc. This herb also maintains equilibrium between Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Digestion and appetite can be enhanced by using this herb.
- MOCHRUS (Bombax ceiba linn)
Mochrus herb is rich in anticancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, diuretic, antibacterial, analgesic and antioxidant properties. Use of this herb will improve your overall body and treat various diseases such as ulcerative colitis, piles, diarrhea, indigestion, leprosy, wound, asthma and many skin disorders.
- MARI GOLD (Tagetes)
Mari gold is very favorable in reducing inflammation, excreting free radicals, reducing hemorrhoid pain, spasms, pain, rashes, and rejuvenates the overall body with its health beneficial properties. Use of Mari gold herb along with other herbs will help you in treating ulcerative colitis.
- ANAR (Punica granatum)
Anar is loaded with various nutrients and medicinal properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce inflammation in the colon and rectum and also regulate normal blood pressure in the body. Prostate cancer and breast cancer can also be prevented with Anar herb.
- LODHRA (Symplocos)
The anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory properties of the Lodhra herb plays a crucial role in managing various types of ulcers such as peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, mouth ulcer, canker sores, etc. The active constituents in Lodhra are very advantageous for healing ulcerative colitis efficiently.
Conclusion
The Ayurvedic treatment of Ulcerative Colitis should be taken at the correct time to prevent its complications and irritable conditions. Above mentioned herbs will help you in getting rid of annoying ulcerative colitis by keeping your body natural.
