Digestive Problems

Ulcerative colitis

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Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a major inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Your colon, or large intestine, is a hollow muscular tube that processes digestive waste. When your colon is inflamed, this is known as colitis. Colitis is a general term for inflammation in the large intestine. It can be caused by a variety of reasons including parasites, viruses, or bacteria.

Ulcerative colitis can affect people of any age. However, it is most likely to develop between the ages of 15 and 30 or in a person older than 60.

People with UC may have:

  • Up to 20 bowel movements a day
  • Have false urges to go to the washroom
  • Loose stool that contains blood, pus and mucus

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is classified according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Proctosigmoiditis: affects the rectum and lower portion of the colon
  • Left-sided colitis: affects the left side of the colon beginning at the rectum
  • Pancolitis: affects the entire large intestine
  • Ulcerative proctitis: inflammation is confined to the rectum and rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. This form tends to be the mildest.
  • Acute severe ulcerative colitis: a rare form that affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea, bleeding, fever, and inability to eat.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease: What’s the Difference?

Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease - Image

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share similar symptoms and they are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they are not the same illness and they affect different areas of the GI tract.

Crohn's disease
  • Can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus
  • Can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall
Ulcerative colitis
  • Only the colon and rectum (also known as the large intestine) are affected
  • Affects the inner-most lining of the large intestine
Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease - Image

Source:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation – Living with Ulcerative Colitis Infographic
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation - Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease: What’s the Difference? Infographic

Acupuncture for Ulcerative Colitis

We have been helping patients treat their ulcerative colitis for over 15 years. We help them reduce nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. Acupuncture decreases the amount of blood in their stools. The treatments focus on restoring balance to the digestive system, including returning normal function to the large intestine and colon. When it comes to Herb medicine, Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture and Herb medicine don’t have a “one pill” approach for health conditions such as ulcerative colitis. We treat each patient as an individual, to establish balance in their body to restore their health. Ten Ulcerative Colitis may receive ten different Herb medicine patterns diagnosed, depending on their symptoms.

Acupuncture is a generally safe and effective treatment for UC. Because it enhances the body’s natural painkillers. This action helps your body regulate inflammation, and reduces disease action and pain associated with UC.

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