Remedies for ulcerative colitis constipation

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon or large intestine. This causes inflammation and leads to the growth of open sores or ulcers.

It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, which affects 1.3 percent of adults in the United States. As ulcerative colitis affects the digestive system, it may cause constipation.
Constipation is a common problem that has many different causes, including low-fiber diets, a lack of physical activity, certain medications, and health conditions.

Ulcerative colitis and constipation

Ulcerative colitis is most often associated with diarrhea and bloody, frequent stools.
However, for some individuals with ulcerative colitis, constipation is also a problem.
Many people think they need to have at least one bowel movement each day, and a failure to do so means they are constipated. However, the normal frequency for bowel movements ranges from three a day to three a week.
Constipation is when a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week. These movements may be difficult or painful to pass and produce hard, dry stools.
The most common form of ulcerative colitis is distal ulcerative colitis, which only affects the left side of the colon. Distal ulcerative colitis affects 80 percent of people who are newly diagnosed with the condition.
Some people with ulcerative colitis on the left side of their bowel can become constipated on the right side. This is called proximal constipation.

Remedies

There are many ways to treat constipation in people with ulcerative colitis, depending on the severity of the symptoms and a person's lifestyle.

1. Dietary changes

The first form of treatment for constipation is usually making dietary changes. These changes include:
  • Adopting a high-fiber diet. A person should consume 22–34 grams (g) of dietary fiber a day. Easy steps to do this include switching white bread for whole grain.
  • Drinking about 2 liters of water a day. Drinking more than 2 liters has not been shown to be any more helpful, so people should not force themselves to drink more.
  • Eating a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet. This means including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

2. Keeping track of bowel movements

Tracking bowel movements can help a person find out if their condition is getting better or worse.
It can also help to eat high-fiber foods at a regular time each day, such as for breakfast, and to attempt to have a bowel movement at the same time each day.
Tips to help keep bowel movements regular include:
  • tracking bowel movements in a journal, noting the time, frequency, and type
  • striving for regularity in bowel movements
  • not delaying bowel movements

3. Exercise

Regular exercise can ease the symptoms of constipation. A lack of physical activity can slow down digestion.
Low-impact exercises can include walking to work, swimming regularly, or doing yoga.

 4.Other medications

There is a range of other medications and prescription laxatives that may help a person with constipation find relief.
These include:
  • Magnesium: A low dose can lead to a bowel movement within 6 hours.
  • Lactulose: Although it can cause gas and may take longer to work than other options, lactulose can also relieve chronic constipation.
  • Sorbitol: This artificial sweetener is as effective at relieving constipation as lactulose and usually costs less.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG): This is usually used to clean out the digestive tract before a colonoscopy. However, once- or twice-daily doses of 17 g can relieve chronic constipation.
  • Anthraquinones: These are stimulant laxatives that activate the digestive system and can promote bowel movements rather rapidly, usually in 6–8 hours. They may cause cramps, however. Types include senna.
  • Diphenylmethane derivatives: These are similar to anthraquinones and can help people with temporary constipation. Types include bisacodyl.
  • Castor oil: This oil can stimulate the intestines, but it may cause cramping.
  • Stool softeners
  • Enemas

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