Colitis, the symptoms of those who suffer from it
The colitis is also known as irritable bowel syndrome and is the set of disorders affecting the colon.
The symptoms of sufferers are:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- constipation
- diarrhea
- feeling of bloating in the stomach
- mucus in the stool
- meteorism
- Hard or dry stools
- fever
- weight loss
It is a chronic condition that can continue for several years as well as treatment to cure it. It affects about 15 percent of the population in developed countries and women suffer most from it.
Probable risk factors are:
- age less than 45 years
- sex (women suffer from it more, as anticipated)
- family history of colitis
- psychological problems (anxiety, depression, personality disorders)
Causes are still being studied but the most accepted one emphasizes that there is a communication problem between the brain and intestines.
It is certain that may influence the onset of colitis and in the worsening of symptoms:
- an unbalanced diet with overuse of inflammatory foods (with preference in consuming chocolate, coffee, tea, spices, fatty foods, peas, fruits, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, milk, alcohol, sugar)
- stress, during the most hectic times, many people in fact complain of ailments worse than colitis
- of hormonal imbalances and alterations (for example, during the menstrual cycle)
- the presence of infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Underestimated or untreated colitis can lead to more serious consequences, so when suspicious symptoms are experienced, it is a good idea to visit the doctor to undergo all the necessary tests to seek the best treatment (although unfortunately it is not a cure but a treatment to improve the patient’s quality of life).
Usually stress-relief therapy with associated exercise and a good night’s rest, all together with a diet that leads to eliminating the consumption of foods that stimulate the onset of cystitis.
In more severe cases, drug therapy will be required instead, to be determined with one’s physician.