Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Ulcerative Colitis

Answered: How much weight should you gain during pregnancy if you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:13:05 +0000

If you're at a healthy weight, you should have put on 25 to 35 pounds by the end of your pregnancy. If you're underweight to start, you should aim to gain 28 to 40 pounds.

Answered: What foods are good calcium sources if you're pregnant and have ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:11:53 +0000

Some options include:

Yogurt or hard cheeses, which might be easier to digest
Juices and other drinks, cereals, and breads with added calcium
Tofu, soybeans, black-eyed peas, or canned fish with bones you can eat (such as sardines or salmon)
Drinking milk with a meal, or adding it to cereal to make it easier on your system.

Answered: Why are folate and folic acid important when you have UC?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:11:07 +0000

It's a B vitamin that your body needs to make healthy new cells. In women, it also protects against birth defects of the baby's spine or brain. And it can lower your risk of colon cancer, which is higher in people with ulcerative colitis.

When you have UC you may find it hard to eat folate-rich dark leafy vegetables and may end up with low levels of the vitamin. Those levels can go even lower if you need certain medications. Ask your doctor if you should be taking a folic acid supplement.

What is colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:10:09 +0000

Answered: What are the side effects of the J-pouch procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:09:45 +0000

After a J-pouch procedure, the pouch can become irritated or inflamed, which is called pouchitis. Antibiotics usually take care of the problem.

Answered: How can keeping a journal help you manage your ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:09:07 +0000

Writing down your symptoms can help you doctor better treat your condition. It can help you create a list of foods to eat and to avoid, figure out what sets off your flares, and spot potential problems.

You can track how often you go to the bathroom, how much comes out, and the amount of blood you might be losing. Also, pay close attention to the color of your pee and if you’re urinating as much as you used to. Make sure to keep track of your health on good days and bad.

Answered: What are the symptoms of ischemic colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:08:34 +0000

Along with the bloody diarrhea, you’re most likely to feel pain on your left side. But you could feel pain on your right side as well. That can be a sign the condition is more serious. The artery feeding that side of your colon also feeds part of the small intestine. A blockage there can quickly damage or kill tissue. You need to head to the ER or call 911.

Answered: What is ischemic colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:08:05 +0000

Ischemic colitis is more common in people over age 60, but younger folks can get it too.

With this type of colitis, there isn’t enough blood flow to the large intestine (colon). That's because an artery that carries blood has been blocked or has narrowed.

You need blood in your colon because it has oxygen that keeps tissue alive. If the blockage goes on for too long, it can cause serious problems. But if you get treatment soon, you should heal quickly.

Answered: Why is iron important when you have UC?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:07:40 +0000

When you have UC, you might lose iron through bleeding from the sores in your colon. If you don't have enough iron, you can get a condition called anemia, which can make you tired, dizzy, have a fast or irregular heartbeat, and have problems thinking. Your doctor can tell if you don't have enough iron with a blood test. If that's the case, he'll probably recommend you take an iron supplement.

Answered: What is the J-pouch procedure for ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:07:19 +0000

In the J-pouch procedure, also called IPAA (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis), your surgeon removes the part of your bowel that's causing trouble, including your colon and rectum. He'll use the end of your small intestine, called the ileum, to make a pouch inside your body that collects waste. Then he'll connect the pouch to your anus.

Answered: Why is malnutrition possible when you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:06:52 +0000

When you have UC, there's a risk you could get malnourished because you don't eat enough food. When you get flares, you can get cramping pain and severe diarrhea, which can sometimes alternate with hard bowel movements and constipation.

Certain foods may make your symptoms worse. So on top of a lack of appetite that goes along with flare-ups, you may be tempted to cut back on how much you eat in hopes of easing your symptoms.

Answered: How can my UC medicine affect my nutrition?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:06:26 +0000

Some medicines you take to treat ulcerative colitis interfere with your body's ability to absorb and maintain the vitamins and minerals it needs. For instance, corticosteroids such as prednisone can get rid of your body's calcium supply. Drugs like sulfasalazine lower your level of folate, an important B vitamin.

Answered: How can vitamin D help ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:05:58 +0000

You need vitamin D to keep your bones strong. It also plays a role in how your immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- works.

If you have ulcerative colitis, especially if you need steroids, you may be at risk for having low levels of vitamin D.

A good source of vitamin D is dairy foods, but a lot of people with UC cut back on dairy to help them curb symptoms of diarrhea.

Experts have different views on vitamin D supplements, so ask your doctor if it it's a good idea for you to take them.

Answered: What changes do you need to make in eating after an ileostomy for ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:05:33 +0000

After an ileostomy, when you eat, chew your food well. You may need to limit fiber, such as popcorn, foods with seeds, nuts, and raw veggies. Avoid gassy foods such as soda and beans.

Answered: What is an ileostomy for ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:05:05 +0000

In an ileostomy, the surgeon removes your colon, rectum, and anus. This operation reroutes part of your digestive system so food waste goes from your small intestine straight out of your body through a hole, or stoma. It collects in an external pouch, or bag, that's connected to the outside of your lower belly. You change it when it gets full.

Your ileostomy may be permanent, or you might get it as a temporary measure before you get a J-pouch.

Answered: Can surgery help treat ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:04:36 +0000

Surgery can often cure long-term ulcerative colitis (UC), but it's not for everyone. Your doctor may suggest an operation if your UC is severe and you don't get enough help from other treatments, like medicines and changes in your diet. It could also be an option to help you prevent colon cancer.

Answered: How can a journal help in managing ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:04:03 +0000

Keep a journal of all your health-related information so you can bring it to your next visit with your doctor. She'll want to know what foods you've been eating and any flare triggers you’ve noticed.

Not only can it help you create an "eat this, not that" list, it can also help your doctor tell if you're getting the nutrition you need.

Answered: What are other things that my doctor should know about my ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:01:01 +0000

When you keep your doctor informed, you’re more likely to enjoy longer periods without UC flare-ups.

Usually, you need to take meds that fight inflammation in your digestive tract, turn down your immune systems, or both. Your doctor may need to change your medication doses if flares return. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines, in case they are triggers.

A problem like an infection could spell trouble, too. Let your doctor know about anything that’s going on with your health, even if it doesn’t seem to be related to your UC.

Answered: Why do I feel tired with ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:00:04 +0000

Ulcerative colitis causes several problems that can make you feel very tired:

Nausea and loss of appetite keeps you from eating, which leaves your body low on fuel.
Diarrhea and swelling in your colon make it hard for your body to absorb what it needs for energy.
Bleeding in your colon leaves you with too few red blood cells, or anemia.
You don't get enough sleep because you get up often at night to go to the bathroom.
You're dehydrated because of diarrhea.

Answered: What causes ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:58:01 +0000

Doctors don't know exactly what causes ulcerative colitis, but some researchers think it might be related to problems with your immune system -- your body's defense against germs. An infection with a virus or bacteria in your colon may trigger the inflammation that's linked with the disease.

Answered: How often does ulcerative colitis flare up?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:54:50 +0000

Ulcerative colitis has alternating periods of flare-ups and remission. During remission the disease seems to have disappeared. The periods of remission can last from weeks to years.

Answered: Who should you talk to for help about eating right for a healthy pregnancy if you have ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:41:59 +0000

To start, talk to your ulcerative colitis doctor or OB/GYN about how to find a dietitian who can guide you on making healthy choices. Look for one who specializes in working with people who have long-term illnesses.

Answered: What are some tips for healthy eating if you have ulcerative colitis and are pregnant?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:35:21 +0000

Pregnant or not, it makes sense when you have ulcerative colitis to avoid greasy, fried, high-sugar, and spicy foods. Stay away from nuts, popcorn, and corn, because they can make swelling worse.

Make sure you drink plenty of water, since diarrhea can cause dehydration.

Sometimes, five or six small meals a day are easier to handle than three big ones. This habit also helps when you get nausea and heartburn because of your pregnancy.

Answered: Can you have lactose intolerance and ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:34:45 +0000

Some people can't digest lactose, which is the sugar in milk. That's true even for people who don't have an inflammatory bowel disease. But because the symptoms of lactose intolerance look a lot like some symptoms of UC, it may be hard to tell if milk is causing the problem. Your doctor can test you to see if you're lactose intolerant.

Answered: What are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids to eat when pregnant with ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:30:03 +0000

Fish is a great way to get omega-3 fatty acids, which help build your baby's brain and eyes. They may also cut down on UC symptoms and prevent flares.

Some seafood is high in mercury. But when you're pregnant, you can eat other fish by following these guidelines:

Have up to 12 ounces a week of low-mercury fish such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, and catfish.
Don't eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. They tend to be higher in mercury.
Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces a week.

Answered: How many grams of fiber should I get per day to help treat ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:29:02 +0000

Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Steaming, baking, or stewing fruits and vegetables before eating them may be easier on your digestive tract than eating them raw.

Answered: Can I eat high-fiber foods if I have ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:28:12 +0000

You may not have to say goodbye to foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables because you have UC. Besides its nutritional benefits, fiber soaks up extra water in your system and can firm stools.

Even if a high-fiber food seems to worsen your UC symptoms during a flare-up, it may be OK when the flare is over. The only way to know if a particular food is a problem for you is to remove it from your diet and then gradually start to eat it again.

Answered: What's the goal of ulcerative colitis treatment?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:27:18 +0000

UC treatment has two main goals. The first is to ease your symptoms and give your colon a chance to heal. The second is to prevent more flare-ups. You may need a mix of diet changes, medication, or surgery to reach those goals.

Answered: Do probiotics help if you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:20:15 +0000

Some researchers, as well as people with inflammatory bowel disease, think probiotics help ease symptoms. But only certain probiotics will treat ulcerative colitis. In European studies, the probiotic E. coli Nissle helped prevent UC flares, but it isn't available in the U.S. Other studies are testing different probiotics to help control UC. If you and your doctor decide to try probiotics, you'll need to keep taking enough of the right kind for it to work.

Answered: What are some ways to relax if you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:16:46 +0000

Include some "me time" on your to-do list. Take a few minutes to do something you really enjoy. Some ideas:

Listen to your favorite music.
Read a book.
Spend some time in a park or your garden.
Call a good friend.
Take a yoga class.
Try a new recipe.
Use a foam roller or a tennis ball to unknot tense muscles.
Take a warm shower or bath.

Answered: Should I take supplements if I have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:14:14 +0000

If your doctor has recommended a low-fiber diet, you may miss out on the vitamins and minerals that are naturally in many high-fiber foods. Ask your doctor or dietitian if you should take a supplement.

Answered: Does deep breathing help with stress if you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:12:43 +0000

Inhale, exhale. You do it 24-7, usually without noticing it at all. Take a moment to tune in to your breathing. It's an easy, do-it-anywhere way to soothe your body and mind.

Take a slow, deep breath, filling your lungs with air. Then let it out slowly and fully, feeling your muscles loosen up as you do. Take several deep breaths whenever you feel stressed out. Deep breathing not only relaxes your mind, it also sends more blood flowing through your body.

Answered: How can a dietitian help in treating ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:10:32 +0000

A dietitian can make a plan diet that meets your calorie and nutrient needs. Before you take any dietary supplements, talk to your doctor or dietitian.

Answered: How is pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) diagnosed?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:08:03 +0000

To find out if you have PMC, you may need one of these tests:

You also may have a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which are exams that look inside your colon with a thin flexible tube. Your doctor may take a tissue sample during the exam for testing.

Blood test to check your white blood cell count
Imaging tests, like an X-ray or CT scan of your lower belly (for serious cases)
Stool sample test to check for bacteria in your colon

Answered: What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:07:02 +0000

The most common sign is diarrhea with blood or pus in it. If your disease is severe, the urge to empty your colon can also come on fast and furious. Sometimes you may feel like you still have to go even though you just went.

Belly pain from ulcerative colitis can feel crampy, like a charley horse in your gut. It can happen before a bowel movement or while you're going.

Other parts of your body might hurt as well, including your joints or eyes. It also can cause canker sores in your mouth and sores on your skin. You might also get rashes.

Answered: Why is it hard to eat a well-balanced diet if you have ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:06:27 +0000

Many people with UC find certain foods don't agree with them. And loss of appetite or fear of eating can cause you to lose weight or miss out on nutrients. You might want to work with a nutritionist.

Answered: What conditions can pseudomembranous colitis (PMC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:05:36 +0000

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is inflammation in your colon that happens when there's too much of certain bacteria in your system. PMC also can be related to:

Changes in your diet
Chemotherapy
Hirschsprung disease (a condition that affects your colon)
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Malnutrition
Recent bowel surgery
Shock

Answered: Who's at most risk for pseudomembranous colitis (PMC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:04:56 +0000

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is inflammation in your colon that happens when there's too much of certain bacteria in your system. You're specifically at risk if you:

Are over 65
Have been in an intensive-care unit (ICU)
Have burns on your body
Have had a C-section or surgeries of the GI tract
Have kidney problems
Diseases of the colon such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer
Use chemotherapy drugs
Use of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors, which lessen stomach acid
Have had a previous C. diff infection

Answered: How can stool sample tests help to diagnose ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:03:05 +0000

Stool sample tests can help your doctor rule out an infection or parasite in your colon. They can also show if there is blood in your stool that you can’t see.

Answered: What medicines can treat ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:55:34 +0000

If you have ulcerative colitis, you’ll need to take medicine to help manage it. There are several kinds your doctor will consider, depending on what you need.

Most people with UC take prescription drugs called aminosalicylates (or “5-ASAs”) that tame inflammation in the gut. You can take them by mouth or as an enema or suppository, depend on the area of your colon that's affected. As long as you avoid your triggers, these may be enough if your disease is mild to moderate.

You may need something else, including surgery, if your condition is more severe or if those standard treatments stop working.

Answered: If I have ulcerative colitis, how can I handle lactose?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:50:00 +0000

If you're lactose intolerant, you'll want to limit or cut out dairy foods that cause problems. Look for lactose-free versions of those foods. Using an enzyme product such as Lactaid may help as well.

Also try other calcium sources, like fortified soy milk, almond milk, or other products that have calcium added to them. Canned salmon and leafy greens also have a lot of calcium.

Check with your doctor to make sure you get enough this important mineral in your diet.

Answered: Do you need to avoid lactose if you have ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:23:12 +0000

Not necessarily. Ulcerative colitis doesn't make you more likely to have lactose intolerance. Your doctor can do a test to find out.

Answered: How can I manage pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) at home?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:21:46 +0000

Pseudomembranous colitis is when certain bacteria inflames your colon. Drinking lot of water or watered-down fruit juice can help flush out your system. Eat soft foods that are easy to digest like applesauce, rice, or bananas. Avoid high-fiber foods like nuts, beans, and veggies.

Eat several small meals during the day instead of a few large ones, and stay away from fried, spicy, or fatty foods. They can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.

Wash your hands regularly to keep C. diff from spreading and getting back into your system.

Answered: How often should I eat if I lose weight because of ulcerative colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:20:45 +0000

If you lose weight because of your ulcerative colitis, try to eat five or six small meals and snacks during the day instead of two or three large meals.

Answered: Which antibiotics can help with treating pseudomembranous colitis (PMC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:20:01 +0000

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is inflammation in your colon that happens when there's too much of certain bacteria in your system. If an antibiotic caused the problem, your doctor may prescribe other antibiotics that help good bacteria grow back so your symptoms go away faster.

These include:

Fidaxomicin (Dificid)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Vancomycin

Answered: How can corticosteroids help treat ulcerative colitis (UC)?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:18:27 +0000

Corticosteroids, also called steroids, turn down your immune system to fight inflammation. You can take them as pills, through an IV, or with an enema or suppositories to treat your ulcerative colitis. They aren’t the kind of steroids some people misuse to gain muscle, so you won’t bulk up.

Answered: Do I need to stop taking my medications for ulcerative colitis if I want to get pregnant?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:03:32 +0000

Two drugs for ulcerative colitis are known to cause birth defects: methotrexate and thalidomide. Ask your doctor to switch you to other drugs at least 3 months before you plan to start trying to get pregnant.

Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking steroids or take a very low dose. They can be risky during pregnancy, including a slightly higher chance that a baby will be born with a cleft palate.

Other medications for ulcerative colitis may be OK to take.

Answered: What is the treatment of microscopic colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:02:34 +0000

Sometimes, microscopic colitis goes away on its own. If not, your doctor may suggest you take these steps:

If those don't work, your doctor may suggest medications:

If these treatments don't work, you may need medications to suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine (Imuran). Surgery for microscopic colitis is an option, but very few people ever need it.

For most people with microscopic colitis, treatment generally works well. Some people have relapses after they stop treatment.

Avoid food, drinks or other things that could make symptoms worse, like caffeine, dairy, and fatty foods.
Take fiber supplements.
Stop taking medication that could trigger symptoms.

Over-the-counter drugs to stop diarrhea, such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol.
Prescription drugs to reduce swelling, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), or steroids.

Answered: What are the two types of microscopic colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:01:06 +0000

There are two types of microscopic colitis:

The differences are minor, and the symptoms and treatments are the same. But the tissues of the two types of microscopic colitis look different under a microscope.

Collagenous colitis
Lymphocytic colitis

Answered: What are the symptoms of microscopic colitis?

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:00:18 +0000

Symptoms of microscopic colitis include:

The symptoms may get better and then come back.

Watery (but not bloody) diarrhea that may last weeks to months
Cramps
Pain
Bloating
Dehydration