Treatment and Ayurvedic overview on Ulcerative Colitis

Healthcare & Medical

Jan 1, 2025

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Abstract

Many of us follow western diet due to which many unhealthy conditions take place in our body, and one of them is Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis comprises two words in which “Ulcerative” means ulcers and “Colitis” means the inflammation of the colon part. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting 30 million people worldwide. It happens when your colon is inflamed. Due to unhealthy eating habits, this condition can trigger more. Stress, diet and lifestyle are the main aggravating factors for Ulcerative Colitis. One can manage this condition by improving their diet and lifestyle and can live a healthy life. Let’s just have a look at Ulcerative Colitis, its types, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, Treatment and Ayurvedic overview on Ulcerative Colitis.

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition which affects the large intestine and rectum. It occurs in any age group, but peaks at between ages 15 and 20. This condition mainly affects the large intestine and affects the innermost lining of the large intestine. In this, the first attack is often the most severe. In severe Ulcerative colitis, there is exhausting diarrhoea with upto 15 or more liquid stools per day. In this condition, the patient lives in chronic ill-health and with continuous diarrhoea. In this, relapse is often associated with emotional stress, intercurrent infection and the use of antibiotics. There is no special risk to the patient of Ulcerative colitis during pregnancy.

In chronic ulcerative colitis, cancer of colon occurs with an increased frequency in patients with total colitis of more than 10 years of duration. Stricture of the colon, anal fissure, abscess and fistula also occur in this disease. Men and women both are equally affected by this disease, but older men are mostly affected. Although, the left side colon is usually the primary site of attack. Ulcerative colitis classically begins in the rectosigmoid but often extends to affect the entire colon. Patients who are suffering from chronic Ulcerative colitis are at greater risk of developing cancer of the colon. Ulcerative colitis typically presents as a remitting, relapsing disorder marked by attacks of bloody mucoid diarrhea that may persist for days, weeks or months.

In chronic ulcerative colitis, the bowel is permanently damaged by fibrosis. The first attack is preceded by a stressful period in the patient's life. Sudden cessation of bowel function may appear with any acute attack. The outlook for patients with this condition depends on two factors, the severity of the disease and its duration. Hence, it has no permanent cure in modern treatment but some dietary modifications can help you out to get rid from this disease. In modern, there is no known medication that can Permanently cure Ulcerative Colitis. Whereas, Ayurveda treats Ulcerative Colitis from its root cause and heals without any side effects.

Types

There are Mainly four Types of Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative proctitis
Left-sided colitis
Widespread colitis
Proctosigmoiditis

1. Ulcerative Proctitis

In this, inflammation occurs near anus (rectum). The main sign of this type is bleeding from rectum. It usually affects the bottom part of the colon. Rectal pain is also seen in these patients.

2. Left-sided colitis

Also known as distal colitis. In this, inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Around 30% of people are suffering from Left-sided colitis. It starts in the rectum and extends up through the lower portion of the colon. In this, symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea and weight loss is seen

3. Widespread colitis

In this, inflammation affects the large intestine.This is also known as pancolitis. Its symptoms are similar to Left sided colitis

4. Proctosigmoiditis

In this, inflammation goes from the rectum to sigmoid. Bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps are the main symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown but some possible causes may include:

Genetics
Immune system issue

Signs and Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms are

Diarrhoea with blood containing mucus and pus
Swelling
Stomach ache and cramps
Pain in rectum
Constipation
Unintentional weight loss
Weakness
Fever
Fatigue
Bloating in the stomach
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling heavy after eating
Urgency to defecate
Feeling stressed or too low

Diagnosis

Complete blood count
Stool test
CT scan
Biopsy
Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
ESR
Sigmoidoscopy

Treatment

Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressants for boosting the immune system
Aminosalicylates
Avoid NSAIDS as they can worsen the symptoms
Surgery to remove colon

Ayurvedic Overview on Ulcerative Colitis

In Ayurveda, Ulcerative colitis is correlated with Pittaja atisara or Raktja atisara. This condition occurs if Pitta and rakta is vitiated in the body. Due to regular consumption of sour, saline substances in excess, excessive exposure to sun, excessive intake of hot and spicy foods. Pitta gets aggravated, suppresses the functions of agni, and reaches the colon and disintegrates the stool because of heat and causes Pittaja Atisara. In Pittaja Atisara, patients pass frequent stools which are either yellow, green or black in colour and the stool emits a foul smell. Burning sensation, feeling thirsty, excessive sweating, colic pain and inflammation are some of the main symptoms of Pittaja Atisara. Due to all of this, Pitta gets aggravated and suppresses the functions of Agni due to the liquidity of pitta and then reaches the colon and breaks the stool because of heat and liquidity and then it causes Pitta Atisara.

Raktatisara may manifest as a complication of Pittatisara. If anyone suffering from Pittaja atisara does not follow the treatment of atisara and does not follow a healthy diet, then Rakta gets vitiated and manifests Raktatisara. Raktaatisara may manifest as a complication of Pittatisara and it may also manifest independently without Pittatisara. Raktatisara is only a stage of the Pittaj type of diarrhea.

Treatment For Pittaja and Raktaja Atisara

Use of drugs like Rakta stambhak (Hemostatic), Vedna sthapak (Pain relieving), Deepan (Carminative), Pachan (Digestive),Vatsakadi kwath, Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilwa (Aegle marmelos) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Some Home Remedies Are

Ask the patient to drink coconut water
Buttermilk is also a better option to calm down pitta dosha
Consume Cow’s ghee early in the morning, it has a soothing effect on the body
For Raktatisara Butter along with honey and sugar may be given before meals.

Herbal Remedies for Ulcerative colitis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company. All the products of Planet Ayurveda are made under the guidance of Ayurveda experts. All the products of Planet Ayurveda are made from pure herbal ingredients. For Ulcerative colitis, Planet Ayurveda provides Ulcerative colitis care packs for Advanced Stages. This pack is made from pure herbal ingredients and is very useful for treating ulcerative colitis.

Product Description

1. Arjuna Capsules

These capsules are made from pure herbal ingredients by Planet Ayurveda. It has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing swelling. Ingredients added to this are pure standardised extracts of Arjuna tree bark (Terminalia arjuna)