Once diagnosed with colitis, the vast majority of sufferers will realise over time that symptoms will appear then fade away, yet unfortunately the disease will never disappear. And whilst there is no definite reason for what initially causes it, there are factors which will increase the risk of colitis symptoms reappearing. It is thus important to try and avoid these if possible to maintain the period of remission.
The most important tip you must adhere to is the continual taking of any medication that has been prescribed. Whilst this is self evident during a flare up, when the symptoms recede and the feeling of wellbeing reappears it is only natural to question the need for continued medication. Unfortunately, colitis is not a medical condition that can be forgotten about once the symptoms disappear. During a period of remission of whatever length, it is dormant and the prescribed medication should continue to be taken to try and keep it in this preferred state. The sufferer must realise that if the medication is lowered or stopped then there is a much higher chance of the symptoms reappearing as there is no other means to keep them suppressed.
The second tip is a general call to ensure the sufferer's overall health is watched and maintained, as there is an increased chance of developing an infection or minor illness due to the acknowledged fact that medications such as steroids, used to counter the inflammation of the bowel, can lower the body's immune system. The effect of this is having a reduced ability to fight off infections such as the common cold or flu. Having regard to this, it is important to avoid available remedies such as aspirin or ibuprofen as they do contain ingredients that can cause a flare up.
When diagnosed with colitis it is very important to maintain a healthy diet that has variety. There will be some foods that may create a reaction in the bowel and trigger some mild symptoms, so these should be identified and avoided if possible. If diet becomes a problem it is important to seek advice from a trained colitis dietitian who can advise on the correct course of action to take. By eliminating various foods there can be a risk for the body of not receiving adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and this is where the role of supplements can play an important part. The sufferer should not forget that any taking of such supplements must be discussed with a doctor to ensure that it is the correct course of action.
In addition to maintaining a healthy and varied diet, the taking of regular exercise is also beneficial in the fight against colitis. By undertaking some form of exercise, even just going for regular walks, this will boost the body's immune system and builds ups strength to counter the fatigue factor that undoubtedly occurs for colitis sufferers. By being more active, the body will be in better shape, mentally and physically, to reduce the chances of colitis symptoms appearing and fighting them if they do make an appearance.
The last top tip and a vitally important one is that far too many sufferers do not pay enough attention to the occurrence of stress and the effect it can have. It has to be understood that stress itself does not cause colitis, it is the over exposure to even moderate levels of it that can lead to a flare-up. Whilst it is acknowledged that the body and mind requires some level of stress to function optimally, once beyond such a level will only increase the danger of colitis symptoms appearing. The sufferer has to become much more aware of the stress levels that they are being exposed to and imposing on themselves and learn to cope with and also have effective measures to reduce them.
It is important for the colitis sufferer to gather as much information as possible about the disease and how to cope with living with colitis and leading as normal life as possible. And whilst the danger of a flare up and colitis symptoms appearing is always present, there are many effective methods to try and reduce the risks of it happening.
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