Understanding and Managing Colitis: Symptoms, Treatment & Relief

Colitis (also known as ulcerative colitis) causes ulcers, or inflamed sores, in the lining of the colon and rectum. These sores can bleed and cause pain for colitis patients. Colitis symptoms include bloody stools, constipation and frequent diarrhea. Colitis is a common disease, but medicine and proper diet, nutrition and exercise ease symptoms and allow patients to live pain-free.

Colitis Medication

• One of the latest drugs, Colazal, is one of the best drugs on the market found to treat ulcerative colitis. Approved recently by the FDA, Colazal treats mild to moderate colitis.

Proper Diet and Nutrition

• One of the best ways to treat colitis is to eat a proper diet. Some foods that colitis patients should eat on a limited basis include dairy products, roughage such as cabbage, spicy food, chocolate, alcohol and soda.

Eat Small Meals

• One of the best ways for colitis patients to curb symptoms is to eat smaller meals (five to six small meals per day). This allows the food to be digested easily and makes it easier (and less painful) to eliminate waste from the body.

Exercise

• Another good way to alleviate colitis symptoms is through exercise. Exercise relaxes the body, reduces pain, relieves stress and regulates colon and bowel functions.

Alternative Health Therapies

• Complementary, alternative health therapies such as biofeedback, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, Tai Chi and hypnosis can reduce colitis symptoms.