Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes blood stool, diarrhea, rectal pain and other symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with blood tests, stool tests and imaging tests. It is OK to experience a bout of occasional abdominal cramps and diarrhea. However, if you have been experiencing these symptoms frequently, consult your doctor. It may be...
Category: digestion
Crohn’s Disease in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Causes
Crohn’s disease can develop in children younger than 15 years old. Here are the symptoms of the disease to look out for in your child. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that commonly affects people between 15 and 30 years of age. However, it can also affect children younger than 15...
Does Crohn’s disease weaken your immune system?
Studies show that Crohn’s disease is the result of a weakened immune system; however, the extent of that weakness varies by patient. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In Crohn’s patients, their immune system attacks healthy body cells due to abnormal regulation of the white blood cells in...
Warning Signs of Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms & Diagnosis
Crohn’s disease can cause these signs and symptoms; however, only a doctor can properly diagnose you with the condition. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects each person differently. The condition is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions. Flare-ups are active periods of the illness when you experience the symptoms, whereas...
Best Crohn’s Disease Diet: Food Triggers for IBD
Your diet for Crohn’s disease will vary depending on the food triggers that result in your symptoms. Crohn’s disease is one of the two inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), apart from ulcerative colitis. It is a chronic condition that has no cure. However, medications, surgery (when necessary) and dietary modifications can help you lead a better...
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Crohn’s Disease. Are They Related?
Since Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the body, including the joints, sufferers are at a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Crohn’s disease is a condition of the digestive system characterized by inflammation that occurs most commonly in the colon. However, it can affect any gastrointestinal site from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s falls...
Cortenema (hydrocortisone enema) Side Effects (Weight Gain)
What are the uses for hydrocortisone enema? Hydrocortisone enema is used rectally for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, and anal itching, burning, and inflammation caused by several conditions that affect the anal area. What brand names are available for hydrocortisone enema? Cortenema Is hydrocortisone enema available as a generic drug? Yes Do I...
rifaximin (Xifaxan) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is rifaximin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rifaximin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used for treating traveler’s diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy. It is derived from rifamycin, a naturally occurring chemical produced by a bacterium called Streptomyces mediterranei. Rifaximin is active against Escherichia coli bacterial strains that cause traveler’s diarrhea, preventing growth of...
Opium Tincture Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is tincture of opium liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Opium tincture is an oral liquid medication used to control diarrhea. Opium tincture contains morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion, secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. These effects help in controlling diarrhea. Opium tincture...
mesalamine (Lialda) for UC, Side Effects, and Dosage
What is mesalamine (Lialda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is an oral drug used for treating ulcerative colitis. Lialda is mesalamine in a form that is slowly released in the intestine so that it can be given just once-a-day. Other oral drugs containing mesalamine that are similar to Lialda include Asacol, Pentasa,...





