Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both conditions affect the bowel, but in slightly different ways. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the full thickness of the bowel wall, in any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the large bowel (colon and rectum). 
More than 75,000 Australians have one of these conditions. They usually begin in people aged between 15 and 30 years, but can start at any age. Crohn’s disease is becoming much more common in children under the age of nine.

 

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease :

The exact causes of ulcerative colitis (the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)) is not known, but there are several theories. Ultimately, scientists believe that there is more than one cause and that the several different factors work together to cause the disease.

1. Genetics

2. Autoimmune Reaction

3. Environmental Triggers 

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn' Disease :

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s symptoms may develop gradually or come on suddenly. IBD symptoms worsen during disease exacerbations (also called flares) and may subside during periods of remission.

Gastrointestinal symptoms of IBD

Many symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis overlap. In both conditions, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, stool urgency (urgent need to defecate), and rectal bleeding are common. People with Crohn’s disease may also experience constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Those with ulcerative colitis may have blood in their stool.

General symptoms of IBD

Crohn’s and UC symptoms that occur outside the GI tract are known as “extra-intestinal manifestations.” People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may experience fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and decreased appetite or loss of appetite. Depression and anxiety are common with IBD, as with all chronic illness.

Complictions of IBD :

Ulcerative colitis is associated with complications both within the digestive system and outside the digestive system (which are called extra-intestinal symptoms). 

Intestinal complications can include :

• Bowel perforation. A hole in the colon which is a medical emergency that can cause severe bleeding and abdominal pain. This complication is uncommon in people who have ulcerative colitis.
• Fissure. A fissure is a tear that occurs in the lining of the anal canal that can cause bleeding and pain but is usually treatable at home. 
• Toxic megacolon. An uncommon condition that causes severe distention of the colon, toxic megacolon is a serious complication that needs emergency treatment.
• Colon cancer. After having ulcerative colitis for about 8 to 10 years, the risk of developing colon cancer increases. It's important to work with a gastroenterologist to schedule screening for colon cancer at regular intervals.

 

Extra-intestinal complications can include:

• Delayed growth in children. Some older medications used to treat ulcerative colitis and malnutrition caused by the disease can contribute to growth problems.
• Eye diseases. Several eye conditions, including uveitis, glaucoma, keratopathy, episcleritis, and dry eyes, are associated with ulcerative colitis or the treatments for the disease. 
• Arthritis. The most common of the extra-intestinal manifestations, several different forms of arthritis can occur in people with ulcerative colitis, including peripheral arthritis, axial arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Skin conditions. Erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosumare uncommon conditions that occur more frequently in people who have IBD. Psoriasis, another immune-mediated condition, is also more common in people who have IBD.
• Mouth ulcers. Also called aphthous stomatitis, these are lesions in the lining of the mouth that may occur along with an ulcerative colitis flare-up.
• Symptoms during menstruation. Some women with IBD find that pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) occurring in the days leading up to their period brings on more diarrhea and pain.

 

Ayurvedic View and Treatment options :

Ulcerative colitis is known as pitta Grahani in Ayurveda and according to Ayurveda, it is caused due to the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the body. It is a disease of pitta dosha and a varying amount of Vata dosha involved too. Impurities and toxins (Ama) accumulate from food containing much amount of pitta. When one eats the food which aggravate the pitta slowly makes a coating on the lining of colon. This results that immune system identifies it as a foreign material and attack the colon affecting both rakht dhatu (blood) and mamsa dhatu (muscles).

Ayurvedic line of treatment : 

1. Ama Detoxification
2. Vata Har (Anti-Inflammatory)
3. Pitta Shamak
4. Rakta-Rodhak
5. Ulcer Healing
6. Bowel Regulator (Not Common Anti-Diarrheals)
7. General Immunity Modulation
8. General Digestive Support
9. General Body And Energy Support
10. Mental And Emotional Wellbeing (Medhya Herbs)
11. Dietary, Exercise and Lifestyle Mentoring
12. Comprehensive Health and Wellness Mentoring

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn' Disease are painful conditions, but can be healed with proper administration of Ayurvedic medicines that must be continued until the symptoms and irritation go away. If you wish to discuss further about your problem, you can consult Ayurveda doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic, Adelaide SA.