Colitis Cure: Prevention And Treatment

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon that can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, parasites, food poisoning, or even antibiotics used to treat other infections elsewhere in the body. A colitis cure is actually more correctly described as a treatment, since the causes can be introduced to the system through various channels.

Consider the colon the waste management system of the body. The job of this large organ is to make sure that the garbage left behind by the digestive process is contained, stored and eliminated from the body. Most of the time the colon does this efficiently. However, if the inner surfaces of this organ become irritated or swollen, a big traffic jam can occur. Severe diarrhea, cramps, fever and blood showing in the stool all announce this condition quite suddenly.

The onset of colitis can be violent, even frightening. Seeking medical attention quickly is important. A professional gastrologist can diagnose the specific type of colitis that is occurring and determine the correct treatment.

Antibiotics are the normal treatment for most bacterial infections of the intestines. If contaminated food or water has introduced a bacterium into the body, the amazing human body can usually rid itself of the bacterium without medication. E. Coli and Salmonella are the most common of this type of bacterium. Infections caused by a virus are treated only with fluids and rest.

The body has a sensitive immune system that normally works quite well. But occasionally the system gets mixed messages and thinks that a piece of food is the bad guy. It can mistakenly kick into combat mode and start to battle against that harmless piece of food. The white blood cells are increased to attack, causing the cells to coat the organ lining, irritating and inflaming the walls. A doctor will normally treat this with a one-two punch: an anti-inflammatory medication to bring the swelling down, and an anti-immune suppressant to get the immune system back on track.

The colon is like any other organ in the body. It needs a steady blood supply to function well. The arteries bring blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, and the veins remove the dangerous carbon dioxide and lactic acid. If a person suffers from any condition that reduces the flow of blood, the walls of the intestine can become swollen. This is called Ischemic Colitis. The most common treatment is intravenous fluids and lots of rest. Again, the most serious cases may need surgical attention.

Adjustment to the diet to increase the daily intake of fruits and vegetables rich in vitami
C is normally recommended. Foods like oranges, plums, strawberries, red peppers, tomatoes or broccoli are will help keep the colon healthy.

Avoid sugary sweets as much as possible. A daily intake of Folic Acid, probiotics, or Omega Fatty Acids is also thought to aide in maintaining the digestive system.

This medical condition can be introduced into the body at any time, so finding a colitis cure is unlikely. Proper diet, combined with early diagnosis and quick, effective treatments, can often reduce the need for the more serious steps of surgery.