Canada has one of the highest incidence rates of Ulcerative Colitis in the world. Based on the incidence data collected from 1998 through 2000, the national averages were 13.4 and 11.8 cases of Ulcerative Colitis per 100,000 persons–years, respectively. Canadian incidence rates are considered modestly high when compared with rates in northern Europe.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colon due to non-specific causes.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis:
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown. Some doctors believe that an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract. Heredity also seems to play a vital role in ulcerative colitis. Recent studies have shown that psychological stress and strain are contributing factors to ulcerative colitis.
Homeopaths believe that Ulcerative Colitis is due to an underlying miasm that needs to be treated symptomatically. Our clinical experience has shown that patients who have not taken adequate medical advice for indigestion or acute diarrhea or bacterial infections usually end up with Ulcerative Colitis in a few months. In other words, maltreated gout disease is a common cause of ulcerative colitis.
What is the pathology behind Ulcerative Colitis?
A patient does not develop Ulcerative Colitis overnight; it takes a few days to months to develop, so early detection and treatment would help in such conditions. The pathological changes initially start in the rectum, which becomes inflamed and roughened, called granular proctitis. The mucosa bleeds easily due to trauma, and multiple small ulcers with exudate are seen. The disease then spreads proximally up to the cecum and sometimes into the terminal ileum. In chronic stages, the mucous membrane becomes hyperplastic and polypoid.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:
Based on the pathology and symptoms, this disease is divided into 4 grades:
- Grade 1: The disease is confined to the rectum. The patient complains of loose stools with blood and mucus with a frequent sensation to pass stools. The patient may also complain of low-grade fever.
- Grade 2: Periodical attacks of loose stools with blood and mucus. Pain and discomfort in the abdomen with a feeling of tenesmus. Loss of weight and pallor are also very marked in this case. Some patients develop vitamin deficiency. Generally, patients at this grade develop pain or tenderness over the left iliac fossa.
- Grade 3: The frequency of stools increases drastically with occasional episodes of high fever. The patient will also develop extreme exhaustion and loss of weight. Anemia and Tachycardia are also clinical signs noticed in patients at this grade.
- Grade 4: At this stage, there is persistent diarrhea wherein the patient is not able to retain any fluids. Anemia and exhaustion are profound.
Investigations:
Early detection is essential for treating patients with ulcerative colitis. Sigmoidoscopy, Rectal biopsy, stool cultures, colonoscopy are the usual investigative procedures done to confirm the diagnosis. Blood shows anemia with leukocytosis, high ESR, and the total protein level is low. X-ray – Your doctor may suggest an X-ray of the abdomen area to rule out serious complications such as a perforated colon. CT scan is a more advanced investigative procedure usually performed if your doctor suspects a complication of ulcerative colitis.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis:
- Strictures & Perforations
- Hemorrhage
- Carcinomatous and Polypoid changes
- Anemia
- Septicemia
Homeopathic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis:
At Apollo Homeopathy Clinics, under the expertise of Nishant Babusenan, we have been successful in the management of patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. During the treatment, we require a lot of cooperation from the patient's side, as the diet plays a vital role in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. During your first visit, our homeopaths try to make an assessment based on the symptoms and lab reports presented by the patient, after which a thorough understanding of the underlying cause of the disease is made, and a homeopathic diagnosis is done. Medications prescribed for such conditions are purely based on symptoms and not solely on the diagnosis.
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