Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis, a chronic disease of the intestine, specifically the large intestine or colon, that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon. It is quite similar to crohn’s disease and together they are known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers), in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum.

The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells linking the colon. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus.

The main symptom of active disease is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood

The exact cause(s) of ulcerative colitis are not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease but exactly which factors cause this faulty immune response is not known.

Risk factors for ulcerative colitis include:
Genetics or family history: There is a greater incidence of disease if a first relative or parent is involved.
Cigarette Smoking
Psychological factors such as stress can modify the course of disease and result in aggravations

The cardinal symptom of Ulcerative colitis is diarrhoea with or without bleeding. The other common symptoms include:

• Sudden urgency to have a bowel movement and bowel incontinence,
• Lower abdominal discomfort or cramps,
• Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and
• Tenesmus (ineffective, painful urge to move one's bowels).
• Weight loss

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis depend largely upon the extent of involvement of the disease in the intestine. In certain cases it is limited to the rectum (ulcerative proctitis) in these cases mild to moderate rectal bleeding may be the only symptom.

In certain severe cases were the ulceration spreads to the whole intestine (Pancolitis or universal colitis) symptoms like; fever, weight loss, anaemia, anorexia, Joint pains, and night sweats are present along with the other symptoms. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis follow a pattern of waxes and waning

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose ulcerative colitis
Blood test: Complete Blood Count, Liver Function test (LFT), ESR, C-reactive protein.
The main diagnostic test in ulcerative colitis is colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

As described in the article above Ulcerative Colitis has multifactor ail causes. Homoeopathy follows an individualistic approach towards patients suffering from Ulcerative Colitis we believe that every individual is different and thus a full in-depth case study is the first step. Then referring to the risk factors the individual was subjected too, a particular line of treatment is adopted. The usual conventional treatment provides only palliation. On the other hand our deep acting constitutional medicine cure the disease in depth rendering the patient free from the disease

A broad criterion of how the homoeopathic medicines act in cases of Ulcerative Colitis is mentioned below. The response to treatment can differ from one individual to another patients are advised to consult so that the mode of treatment can be discussed pertaining to their particular case

Homoeopathic medicines act by:

• Relieving Symptoms
• Preventing Attacks
• Curing the underlying diseases process

Relieves Symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Floating stools (caused by poor digestion of fat)
• Rectal bleeding, which may lead to anemia.

Preventing Attacks:
Ulcerative colitis usually manifests with exuberating episodes, homoeopathic medicines help at first by increasing the time between these episodes and as the treatment progresses preventing them.

Controlling and reversing the underlying Disease process:
Homoeopathic medicines have proven their efficacy in all sought of Inflammatory Bowel conditions and help by reducing the inflammation & ulcerations and helping in restoring intestinal functions back to normal. It also helps by enhancing ones immune response. If homoeopathic treatment is sought early it helps in preventing the progress of disease and preventing any complications from occurring, which are usually associated with the disease. It helps by reducing the ulcerations at first and over a period of time by healing them.

• We at DRSS provide our patients with diet charts, exercise schedules and guide them how to modify their lifestyle so that better results can be achieved.
• Our medicines can be started with conventional treatment depending upon the disease state and case.
• Homoeopathic medications if taken under proper guidance and care from a qualified homoeopathic practitioner have no side effects