Colitis Symptoms And The Struggle For Quality Of Life

It is all too easy to focus all thoughts and efforts on how to deal with colitis

symptoms whilst perhaps neglecting to address the person's overall quality of life. This is especially true for those who experience symptoms that last over a period of time yet there are ways in which both the doctor and also the patient can address the quality of life issue.

Unfortunately there has been a marked increase in the amount of new cases of colitis being confirmed in the last thirty years. This debilitating disease affects the large colon and causes the inner walls to become inflamed, which results in open sores and the passing of blood. When colitis symptoms are active, the person's daily life can be altered drastically as it can have such a debilitating physical and mental effect. Unfortunately, there is still a general lack of awareness about the disease with the public, but also doctors and nursing staff helping and treating patients may not have a proper understanding of the effects of the disease on a patient.

Those responsible for the treatment administered to colitis sufferers should ensure that they understand and appreciate that apart from the continuous pain and discomfort felt, the person will also be faced with the challenges of fatigue caused by the pain plus also the result of a very restrictive diet. They will be prone to side effects from the various drugs administered including the challenge of undertaking a course of steroids plus also it is not uncommon for the patient to suffer from anaemia. When faced with a prolonged period of colitis symptoms which is then followed by rehabilitation, the health professional must realise that the person does require much comfort, assistance and quality care to ensure their passage through the attack is as well managed as possible.

In terms of having the diagnosis confirmed or when undergoing a periodic examination, it is so important that a colitis sufferer undertakes such medical procedures under the auspices of a gastroenterologist who will understand the workings of the disease rather than relying on a generalist. It is also important for the patient to be referred to a colitis nurse when in hospital and to continue to benefit from their experience and judgement rather than being another patient in the nursing pot. The little do's and dont's that such a nurse is aware of will make a noticeable difference to the care and its impact on the qulaity of life for the patient.

Taking medication can be a problem and especially if there is a large amount being prescribed, there can be omissions. It is often more acceptable and palatible for the patient to have their medication in tablet form and for it to be taken once per day rather than at various times throughout the day. What should also be recognised is the mental impact that colitis can have and thus it is important for the doctor to administer such a problem with a mix of medication, therapy or counselling. By recognising the potential problem and offering solutions, the patient's quality and enjoyment of life can be greatly improved.

Colitis symptoms do have a major impact on the sufferer and thus they often have to mould their life around the consequences that the disease brings. In addition, when treatment is being administered, it should be undertaken on the basis that the person's quality of life should be maintained as much as possible which requires better understanding of the disease and how the treatment is offered.

by: Michael Tasker

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