Digestive health
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease that results in inflammation of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract and is a type of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
UC only affects the large bowel (colon and/or rectum) with the inflammation extending only into the surface layers of the bowel wall. The surface layer of the wall of the large intestine gets inflamed, irritated and forms little ulcers.
Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis will experience periods when the disease is not active which is often referred to as “remission”. Periods where the disease is active is often referred to as a “flare”.
What are the symptoms?
Ulcerative Colitis symptoms of the Gastrointestinal tract can vary among individuals, including:
- Diarrhoea (containing blood, mucus or pus)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Urgent bowel movements
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Anal pain
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Anaemia (low iron)
How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
UC diagnosis requires a number of medical investigations, including:
- Disease activity assessments - frequency of blood in the stool, pulse, temperature
- Blood tests - detecting inflammation (CRP) and Anaemia (iron).
- Stool samples - faecal calprotectin and elimination of other causes of infection
- Endoscopic procedures - Colonoscopy (entire colon) or sigmoidoscopy (rectum and sigmoid colon)
- Imaging procedures - CT scan, X-ray, MRI or MRE
Why is it important to seek help from a health professional if you have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis?
An Accredited Practicing Dietitian has the knowledge and skills to guide you through:
- Support with diet and nutrition during “remission” and a “flare”
- The correct procedures for diagnosis
- Information on how Ulcerative Colitis is managed
- Trouble shooting if symptoms persist outside of a “flare” which can include investigation of additional dietary factors such as: lactose intolerance, FODMAP sensitivities and food chemical sensitivities.
- Provide reputable information resources for additional support about the disease
If you think you may have Ulcerative Colitis, book in a consultation here.
CROHN'S DISEASE
What is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s Disease is an autoimmune disease that results in inflammation of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract and is a type of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Crohn’s Disease affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus with the inflammation extending into the entire thickness of the bowel wall. The immune system has a role to play in attacking healthy tissue within the gastrointestinal tract, causing this inflammation.
Inflammation commonly occurs in parts of the small intestine that are responsible for absorbing essential nutrients from food. This inflammation reduces your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from foods as they move through the small intestine.
Individuals with Crohn’s Disease will experience periods when the disease is not active which is often referred to as “remission” and periods where the disease is active which is often referred to as a “flare”.
What are the symptoms?
Crohn’s Disease symptoms can vary among individuals, as the symptom can vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation. Symptoms can include:
- Diarrhoea (containing blood or mucus )
- Urgent bowel movements
- Fatigue or weakness
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Anal pain
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Anaemia (low iron)
How is Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed?
Crohn’s Disease diagnosis requires a number of medical investigations, including:
- Disease activity assessments - frequency of blood in the stool, pulse, temperature
- Blood tests - detecting inflammation (CRP) and Anaemia (iron)
- Stool samples - faecal calprotectin and elimination of other causes of infection
- Endoscopic procedures - Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
- Imaging procedures - CT scan, X-ray, MRI or MRE
Why is it important to seek help from a health professional if you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease?
An Accredited Practicing Dietitian has the knowledge and skills to guide you through:
- The correct procedure for diagnosis
- Information on how Crohn’s Disease is managed
- Support you with diet and nutrition during “remission” and a “flare”
- Trouble shooting if symptoms persist outside of a “flare” which can include investigation of additional dietary factors such as: lactose intolerance, FODMAP sensitivities and food chemical sensitivities.
- Provide reputable information resources for additional support about the disease
If you think you may have Crohn's Disease, book in a consultation here.
