Left-sided colitis can cause tummy troubles; this article covers symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloody stool, possible causes, diagnosis methods and treatment options.
Dealing with tummy troubles can be, well, a pain, right? Especially when it comes to something like left-sided colitis. Ever heard of it? Probably have, or maybe you’re just starting to suspect something’s up. We’re gonna break down what it is, the symptoms to watch for, and how to tackle it.
Heads up! We’ll explore this topic much more thoroughly in the article below.
- What Is Left-Sided Colitis?
- Symptoms of Left-Sided Colitis
- Causes of Left-Sided Colitis
- Diagnosing Left-Sided Colitis
- Treating Left-Sided Colitis
- Coping With Left-Sided Colitis and Supporting It
What Is Left-Sided Colitis?
Okay, so left-sided colitis is basically a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It affects, generally, the continuous, connected part of the colon, stretching from the descending colon through to the sigmoid, which is near, well, the exit ramp. That said, it’s not always a straight line and things can get, um, a bit more complicated.
The root cause of inflammatory bowel disease, in general, often boils down to some kind of glitch in the body’s immune defenses. This leads to inflammation in the colon lining. And, you know, this inflammation can cause tiny ulcers to form in the colon, leading to all sorts of unpleasantness like bleeding and pus.
Left-sided colitis is a chronic condition, and while there’s no magic bullet to completely cure it, treatments are aimed at easing the symptoms. I mean, there’s no known cure right now.
Symptoms of Left-Sided Colitis
Folks with left-sided colitis can experience a range of symptoms, similar to those of regular inflammatory bowel disease, but with some key differences. Generally speaking, these are the symptoms you might encounter with left-sided colitis:
- Feeling like you constantly need to go, even right after you’ve just gone. This can also be known clinically as tenesmus, and it’s caused by irritation and ongoing inflammation.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue, which is often a result of diarrhea.
- Bleeding.
- Pain in the abdomen.
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Diarrhea.
- Visible blood in the stool in some cases.
Keep in mind that blood in your stool can be a sign of something serious happening in your colon, so if you spot this symptom, you should def reach out to your doctor pronto. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
Causes of Left-Sided Colitis
Pinpointing the exact cause of left-sided colitis is tricky, but we do know a few things. There’s often a genetic component; some researchers think inflammatory bowel disease, in general, is related to autoimmune disorders where the immune system kinda goes rogue and attacks the body.
Speaking of autoimmune stuff, did you know conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes affect the gut too? We’ve noticed some folks with these conditions report similar digestive symptoms, which makes you think about how interconnected everything in our bodies really is! It’s more than just the colon we gotta consider.
Some common factors that might increase your risk, according to doctors include:
- A family history of inflammatory bowel diseases or other types of chronic illnesses.
- Persistent and ongoing stress.
- Genetics, meaning that folks with a family history of colitis or other immune-related problems amongst close relatives.
- Living in an industrialized nation.
- Living far from the equator.
Diagnosing Left-Sided Colitis
Diagnosing left-sided colitis is an important step in getting the right treatment. Usually, doctors will differentiate left-sided colitis from regular inflammatory bowel disease, or even garden-variety colitis by inserting a small camera into your colon. If the symptoms seem confined to the left side after the camera’s tour, then you’re more than likely dealing with, specifically, left-sided colitis.
Treating Left-Sided Colitis
Treatment for left-sided colitis can vary from person to person, depending on several factors. Key factors that influence treatment include symptom severity, and how well someone responds to specific medications. The goal is, usually, to get symptoms under control:
1. Medications
There are several medications your doctor might recommend, including:
- 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) meds.
- Corticosteroids.
- Immunosuppressants.
2. Hospitalization
In severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary, along with special meds such as steroids.
3. Surgery
If the damage is too extensive, the doctor may suggest removing the damaged part of the colon.
Coping With Left-Sided Colitis and Supporting It
There’s lots of chatter out there about natural ways to ease the symptoms of left-sided colitis. But many of them need more research. That said, some doctors do suggest that certain nutrients and supplements might offer some benefits, like:
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Probiotics.
- Curcumin.
- Foods rich in fiber.
- Foods rich in prebiotics.
But, hey, steer clear of using any natural remedies without chatting with your doc first.
Key takeaways
- Left-sided colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects a portion of the colon and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody stool, and diarrhea.
- While there’s no cure, treatments such as medication and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for the right diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is left-sided colitis contagious?
No, it’s not contagious. It’s related to inflammation, often caused by immune system issues, not by a virus or bacteria.
Will changing my diet cure my colitis?
While diet changes can ease symptoms and help manage the condition, there’s no diet that will completely cure left-sided colitis. But, what you eat definitely matters!
Is surgery always necessary for colitis?
Nope! Surgery is usually considered only in severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked. Most people can manage their colitis with meds and lifestyle changes.
Myth: Only older adults get colitis.
Actually, colitis can affect anyone at any age, though it’s often diagnosed in people between 20 and 40.
Fact: Stress can worsen colitis symptoms.
Yep, stress can make your symptoms worse. Finding ways to manage stress, like meditation or exercise, can be really helpful.
I was diagnosed with colitis a few years ago, and honestly, it turned my life upside down. The constant pain and bathroom trips made it hard to work or even leave the house. But with the right meds and a supportive doctor, I’ve learned to manage it and get back to living my life.
At first, I thought it was just a bad stomach bug, but when the symptoms didn’t go away, I knew something was wrong. Getting diagnosed with left-sided colitis was scary, but it was also a relief to finally know what I was dealing with. Finding a good support group has made all the difference.
It’s been a long road figuring out what foods trigger my colitis symptoms. I’ve had to make some major changes to my diet, but it’s worth it to feel better. Yoga and meditation have also been a lifesaver when stress flares up my symptoms.
So, yeah, dealing with left-sided colitis isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, and it can be a bit of trial and error to find what works for you. But, remember, you’re not alone in this, and with the right information and support, managing those tummy troubles is totally doable. I know I felt lost when all this started, but taking it one step at a time really helps.
