0
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Is there an organization that can help with financial aid for an uninsured California young adult diagnosed with ulcerative colitis?
UC support group online: http://www.living-better.com/focus_5.jsp ALSO SEE: "Know Your Rights: A Handbook for Patients with Chronic Illness" http://www.advocacyforpatients.org/
What is a support agency that helps crohn's disease?
There are so many support groups and most are specific to both countries and regions within those countries. I will give you a list to start. All of these are available on the web and can give you more information specific to where you live. Please refer to the "related links" below for more information.The Crohns &Colitis Foundation of CanadaThe Crohns and Colitis Foundation of AmericaThe National association for Colitis & Crohns disease UKCrohns & Colitis Support Group New ZealandIBD Group Australia
Ulcerative colitis?
DefinitionUlcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.See also: Crohn's diseaseAlternative NamesInflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; IBD - ulcerative colitisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated swelling (inflammation) leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis (severe infection) may occur with severe disease.The symptoms vary in severity and may start slowly or suddenly. Many factors can lead to attacks, including respiratory infections or physical stress.Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry.SymptomsAbdominal painand cramping that usually disappears after a bowel movementAbdominal sounds (a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine)Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very often throughout the day (blood and mucus may be present)FeverTenesmus(rectal pain)Weight lossOther symptoms that may occur with ulcerative colitis include the following:Gastrointestinal bleedingJoint painNausea and vomitingSigns and testsColonoscopy with biopsy is generally used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.Colonoscopy is also used to screen people with ulcerative colitis for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer. If you have this condition, you should be screened with colonoscopy about 8-12 years after being diagnosed. You should have a follow-up colonoscopy every 1-2 years.Othe tests that may be done to help diagnose this condition include:Barium enemaComplete blood count (CBC)C-reactive protein (CRP)Sedimentation rate (ESR)TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to:Control the acute attacksPrevent repeated attacksHelp the colon healHospitalization is often required for severe attacks. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. You may be given nutrients through an intravenous (IV) line (through a vein).DIET AND NUTRITIONCertain types of foods may worsen diarrhea and gas symptoms, especially during times of active disease. Diet suggestions:Eat small amounts of food throughout the day.Drink lots of water (frequent consumption of small amounts throughout the day).Avoid high-fiber foods (bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and popcorn).Avoid fatty greasy or fried foods and sauces (butter, margarine, and heavy cream).Limit milk products if you are lactose intolerant,. Dairy products are a good source of protein and calcium.Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine.MEDICATIONSMedications that may be used to decrease the number of attacks include:5-aminosalicylates such as mesalamine or sulfazineImmunomodulators such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurineCorticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) taken by mouth during a flareup or as a rectal suppository, foam, or enemaInfliximab (Remicade) to treat patients who do not respond to other medicationsSURGERYSurgery to remove the colon will cure ulcerative colitis and removes the threat of colon cancer. Surgery is usually for patients who have:Colitis that does not respond to complete medical therapyChanges in the lining of their colon that are felt to be precancerous.Serious complications such as rupture (perforation) of the colon, severe bleeding (hemorrhage), or toxic megacolonMost of the time, the entire colon, including the rectum, is removed. Afterwards, patients may need an ileoostomy (a surgical opening in the abdominal wall), or a procedure that connects the small intestine to the anus to help the patient gain more normal bowel function.See also:Total prolectomy with ileostomyTotal proctolectomy and ileal-anal pouchSupport GroupsSocial support can often help with the stress of dealing with illness, and support group members may also have useful tips for finding the best treatment and coping with the condition.For more information visit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) web site at www.ccfa.org.Expectations (prognosis)About half of patients with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Patients with more severe ulcerative colitis tend to respond less well to medications.Permanent and complete control of symptoms with medications is unusual. Cure is only possible through complete removal of the large intestine.The risk of colon cancer increases in each decade after ulcerative colitis is diagnosed.ComplicationsAnkylosing spondylitisBlood clotsColorectal cancerColon narrowingComplications of corticosteroid therapyImpaired growth and sexual development in childrenInflammation of the joints (arthritis)Lesions in the eyeLiver diseaseMassive bleeding in the colonMouth ulcersPyoderma gangrenosum (skin ulcer)Tears or holes (perforation) in the colonCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop persistent abdominal pain, new or increased bleeding, persistent fever, or other symptoms of ulcerative colitis.Call your health care provider if you have ulcerative colitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.PreventionBecause the cause is unknown, prevention is also unknown.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may make symptoms worse.Due to the risk of colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis, screening with colonoscopy is recommended.The American Cancer Society recommends having your first screening:8 years after you are diagnosed with severe disease, or when most of, or the entire, large intestine is involved12 - 15 years after diagnosis when only the left side of the large intestine is involvedHave follow-up examinations every 1 - 2 years.ReferencesGraham L. AGA reviews the use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and infliximab in IBD. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:410-412.Moyer MS. Chronic ulcerative colitis in childhood. J Pediatr. 2006;148:325.Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.Rutgeerts P, Vermeire S, Van Assche G. Biological therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterology. 2009 Apr;136(4):1182-97. Epub 2009 Feb 26.
How does the body system required to support healthy functioning?
discuss the relationship between body systems required to support healthy functioning
Describe how you a healthy diet can be adapted to meet the needs of the individuals that you support?
The healthy diet can be adapted to meet the needs of the individuals that you support by introducing it to all of their meals.
How can a healthy lifestyle support the body system of the nervous system's choice?
A healthy lifestyle supports many of the human body's functions. Eating healthy and regular exercise provide optimal nutritional support for the nervous system.
What are the legislation that support a healthy lifestyle for children?
the UNCRC 1989 has some articles linking to a healthy lifestyle.
What are the beneficial effects of cleansing agent?
support healthy aging
An ecosystem can be characterized as?
Healthy ecosystems can also be characterized in economic, social, and humanhealth terms. Healthy ecosystems support a certain level of economic activity
Describe how you a healthy diet can be adapted to meet the needsof the individuals that you support?
A healthy diet should be adapted in all the meals that we partake in order to meet our individual needs.
How do you use the word polio in a sentence?
Join a polio support group, stay informed, and stay healthy.
Can a healthy diet contribute to skin revitalization?
Absolutely! A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that nourish the skin and support its revitalization.
