Tag Archives: Prednisone

Symptoms and Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms and Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Disease, health and medicine, Information, , ,

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder of the digestive system that affects the large intestine. People with this condition experience abnormal inflammation which may result in open sores called ulcers inside the colon and rectum.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

  • Genetic Causes: In some families, ulcerative colitis is inherited. Researchers have identified genetic variations that may contribute to Ulcerative Colitis, but they are not sure exactly how these differences are linked directly to the disease.
  • Overactive Intestinal Immune System: By attacking viruses, bacteria, and other threats, the immune system protects the body. These invaders are suspected of confusing the immune system and tricking it into launching an immune response against the lining of the large intestine, resulting in Ulcerative Colitis. 
  • Emotional Stress: Ulcerative colitis does not appear to be caused by this. Some studies suggest that it can cause Ulcerative Colitis flare-ups in some people who have already developed it.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Abdominal cramps, discomfort or pain
  • Persistent diarrhea with blood, pus, or mucus in the stool
  • Urgent and loose bowel movements
  • Bloody stool
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Slowed or delayed growth in children
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Anemia due to excessive intestinal bleeding

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Five types of Ulcerative Colitis are identified largely by where they are located in the body or their severity. 

1. Ulcerative Proctitis

This is usually the mildest form of Ulcerative Colitis. It is limited to the rectum and rectal bleeding may be the only sign or symptom.

2. Proctosigmoiditis

This type affects the lower end of the colon along with the rectum and is sometimes called the sigmoid colon. Symptoms include abdominal cramps/pain and bloody diarrhea.

3. Left-Sided Colitis

This type causes cramps on the left side of the abdomen that affects the rectum and the portion of the colon on the left side of the body. Signs and symptoms include weight loss and bloody diarrhea.

4. Pancolitis

Pancolitis can affect the entire colon which causes multiple symptoms including major weight loss, bloody diarrhea, pain, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.

5. Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

This condition is rare but affects the entire colon. Symptoms include pain, fever, and bloody diarrhea.

How To Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, doctors review your symptoms and medical and family history and perform a physical exam and tests. Medical tests may include stool tests, blood tests, and endoscopy of the large intestine.

Medications Used For Kidney Infection

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug treatment or surgery.

1. Anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Sulfasalazine 
  • Mesalamine 
  • Balsalazide 
  • Olsalazine 

2. Corticosteroids

3. Immune System Suppressors

  • Azathioprine
  • Mercaptopurine 
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tofacitinib

4. Biologics

  • Infliximab 
  • Adalimumab
  • Golimumab 
  • Vedolizumab
  • Ustekinumab

5. Other Medications 

  • Loperamide 
  • Acetaminophen

Even when you are not experiencing symptoms, take your medication as prescribed. You may experience flare-ups if you skip the medications you’re supposed to take. The best way to manage ulcerative colitis is to follow your treatment plan and talk to your healthcare provider on a regular basis.

Eczema

Eczema

Disease, , ,

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become red and itchy. People of all ages can suffer from it. Eczema tends to flare periodically and is long-lasting. Hay fever and asthma are often associated with it.

Eczema has no known cure. Itching can be relieved and new outbreaks can be prevented by self-care measures and treatment. Avoiding harsh soaps, moisturizing your skin regularly, and applying medicated creams and ointments can help. 

Causes of Eczema

Eczema is caused by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress. 

  • Stress levels can cause or worsen eczema. 
  • Your environment can also cause or worsen eczema. There is a lot in your environment that can irritate your skin. 
  • You are more likely to have eczema if there is a history of dermatitis in your family. 
  • If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants. The overreaction can inflame your skin. 

Risk Factors of Eczema

Risk factors that increase your chance of developing eczema include the following:

  • Dry skin – having dry skin can be susceptible to inflammation. When you have less of that moisture barrier, your skin can become easily injured that resulting in inflammation and eczema.
  • Sweating – your body’s sweat contains chemicals that are not as gentle as your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Excessive sweat that remains on your skin can become trapped moisture. This moisture can lead to skin irritation. 
  • Stress – Your hormones and immune system are affected by stress. Anywhere on your body, including on the surface of your skin, these effects can trigger an inflammatory response.
  • Heat or cold – Excess cold or heat can be irritating to the surface of your skin.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema signs and symptoms differ from person to person. These signs and symptoms may include:

  • Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
  • Dry skin 
  • Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
  • Sensitive and swollen skin from scratching

Diagnosis of Eczema

Your doctor will likely make a diagnosis by examining your skin and reviewing your medical history. They may also use patch testing or other tests to rule out other skin diseases or detect conditions that accompany your eczema.

Treatment and Medication for Eczema

Eczema can be persistent. You may need to try various treatments to control it. Even if treatment is successful, signs and symptoms may return. 

Treatment should begin as soon as you recognize the condition. Your doctor may suggest one or more of these treatments if regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don’t help:

  • Tacrolimus (Protopic) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel) – are creams that control itching and help repair the skin 
  • Antibiotic cream – to fight infection 
  • Prednisone – to control inflammation 
  • Dupilumab (Dupixent) – used to treat people with severe diseases who do not respond well to other treatment options