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Ulcerative colitis - discharge

Inflammatory bowel disease - discharge; Ulcerative proctitis - discharge; Colitis - discharge

 

You were in the hospital to treat ulcerative colitis. This is a swelling of the inner lining of your colon and rectum (also called your large intestine). This article tells you how to take care of yourself when you return home.

When You're in the Hospital

 

You were in the hospital because you have ulcerative colitis. This is a swelling of the inner lining of your colon and rectum (also called your large intestine). It damages the lining, causing it to bleed or ooze mucus or pus.

You probably received fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube in your vein. You may have received a blood transfusion, nutrition through a feeding tube or IV, and medicines to help stop diarrhea. You may have been given medicines to reduce swelling, prevent or fight infection, or help your immune system.

You may have undergone a colonoscopy. You also may have had surgery. If so, you may have had either an ileostomy or colon resection (colectomy).

 

What to Expect at Home

 

Most people will have long breaks between flare-ups of their ulcerative colitis if they take their prescribed medicines.

 

Self-care

 

When you first go home, you will need to drink only liquids or eat different foods from what you normally eat. Ask your health care provider when you can start your regular diet. You should eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. It is important that you get enough calories, protein, and nutrients from a variety of food groups.

Certain foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. These foods may cause problems for you all the time or only during a flare-up. Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.

  • Too much fiber may make your symptoms worse. Try baking or stewing fruits and vegetables if eating them raw bothers you.
  • Avoid foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, spicy food, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, raw fruit juices, and fruit (especially citrus fruits). Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine. They may make your diarrhea worse.

Eat smaller meals, and eat more often. Drink plenty of liquids.

Ask your provider about extra vitamins and minerals you may need, including:

  • Iron supplements (if you are anemic)
  • Nutrition supplements
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones strong

Talk with a dietitian, especially if you lose weight or your diet becomes very limited.

 

Stress

 

You may feel worried about having a bowel accident, embarrassed, or even feel sad or depressed. Other stressful events in your life, such as moving, job loss, or the loss of a loved one, can cause problems with your digestion.

These tips may help you manage your ulcerative colitis:

  • Join a support group. Ask your provider about groups in your area.
  • Exercise. Talk with your provider about an exercise plan that is right for you.
  • Try biofeedback to reduce muscle tension and slow your heart rate, deep breathing exercises, hypnosis, or other ways to relax. Examples include doing yoga, listening to music, reading, or soaking in a warm bath.
  • See a mental health care provider for help.

 

Drug Treatments

 

Your provider may give you some medicines to help relieve your symptoms. Based on how severe your ulcerative colitis is and how you respond to treatment, you may need to take one or more of these medicines:

  • Anti-diarrhea drugs can help when you have very bad diarrhea. You can buy loperamide (Imodium) without a prescription. Always talk to your provider before using these drugs.
  • Fiber supplements may help your symptoms. You can buy psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) without a prescription.
  • Always talk to your provider before using any laxative medicines.
  • You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild pain. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) may make your symptoms worse. Talk to your provider before taking these medicines. You may also need a prescription for stronger pain medicines.

There are many types of drugs your provider may use to prevent or treat attacks of your ulcerative colitis.

 

Follow-up

 

Your ongoing care will be based on your needs. Your provider will tell you when to return for an exam of the inside of your rectum and colon through a flexible tube (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy).

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

Call your provider if you have:

  • Cramps or pain in your lower stomach area
  • Bloody diarrhea, often with mucus or pus
  • Diarrhea that cannot be controlled with diet changes and drugs
  • Rectal bleeding, drainage, or sores
  • Fever that lasts more than 2 or 3 days, or a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) without an explanation
  • Nausea and vomiting that lasts more than a day
  • Skin sores or lesions that do not heal
  • Joint pain that keeps you from doing your everyday activities
  • A feeling of having little warning before you need to have a bowel movement
  • A need to wake up from sleeping to have a bowel movement
  • Failure to gain weight, a concern for a growing infant or child
  • Side effects from any drugs prescribed for your condition

 

 

References

Atallah CI, Efron JE, Fang SH. The management of chronic ulcerative colitis. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:154-161.

Dassopoulos T, Sultan S, Falck-Ytter YT, Inadomi JM, Hanauer SB. American Gastroenterological Association Institute technical review on the use of thiopurines, methotrexate, and anti-tnf-a biologic drugs for the induction and maintenance of remission in inflammatory Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology . 2013;145(6):1464-1478. PMID: 24267475 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24267475 .

Kornbluth A, Sachar DB; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Ulcerative colitis practice guidelines in adults: American College Of Gastroenterology, Practice Parameters Committee. Am J Gastroenterol . 2010;105(3):501-523. PMID: 20068560 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20068560 .

Osterman MT, Lichtenstein GR. Ulcerative colitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 116.

 
  • Inflammatory bowel disease - illustration

    Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

    Inflammatory bowel disease

    illustration

    • Inflammatory bowel disease - illustration

      Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

      Inflammatory bowel disease

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

      Tests for Ulcerative colitis - discharge

       

         

        Review Date: 12/1/2016

        Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, Gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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