What does a colitis attack feel like?

If you’re one of the millions of people living with colitis, then you already know how much it can impact your daily life. But for those who don’t have this disease, it can be hard to understand just what a colitis attack feels like. The truth is, there’s no simple answer — every person experiences their symptoms differently. However, by understanding some common signs and symptoms of colitis attacks, you can start to get an idea of what may be happening in your body.

A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of what a colitis attack feels like, let’s take a closer look at what happens in our digestive systems during these flare-ups. Colitis is essentially inflammation that occurs within the colon (also known as the large intestine). There are many different types and causes of colitis, but they all share this same underlying feature: inflammation leading to damage or destruction of any portion(s) lining your colon walls.

During periods when inflammation levels are high (such as during flares or attacks) symptoms such as bloating/gas build-up may become noticeable due to reduced blood flow through damaged areas with fluid collecting nearby infected glandular structures producing foci & adhesions; ultimately leading pain which can range from mild discomfort over moderate cramps (often relieved via bowel movements), along with nausea until vomiting if left untreated long enough!

The Initial Warning Signs

For some people with UC/colit___is , warning signs will help them prepare for an upcoming flare-up . These might involve low-grade fever(=39C)/trembling chills/fatigue/painful joints having difficulty rising especially mornings due arthralgias’, which could mean something serious brewing inside gut/intestines affecting digestion/metabolism along early sepsis developing should remain alert regarding possible complications arising out these attacks. Other early signs include:

• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody or filled with mucus
• Urgent need to pass stool
• Cramping and abdominal pain

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that a colitis attack is imminent — they could just indicate some minor inflammation. But if taken serio__usly at an early stage , they can help you make the necessary changes in your diet/routine/travel history/& mentally prepare for any upcoming hospitalizations that may be needed!

What it Feels Like During an Attack

Once a full-blown colitis flare-up hits, there’s no mistaking it — this isn’t just indigestion or stress-related stomach upset! Here are some common sensations people report when experiencing a colitis attack:

Constant Abdominal Pain & Discomfort

The hallmark symptom of UC/colit___is is usually pain: It typically feels like sharp cramps near the bottom-left side of your abdomen (closest to where your colon begins). Depending on the severity, you might feel constant pressure/pain spreading across lower portion leading exhaustion/fatigue (due recurring fever) à finding relief only via using bathroom, passing mucus/gas and finally providing temporary feeling better.

Uncontrolled Urgency to Defecate

Another key characteristic of flares related to ulcerative colitis -an urgent sensation indicating immediate requirement defecation once signal received fiber optic sensing action ‘I have eaten’ then becomes active. In most cases, getting to toilet seems almost impossible as patients start clenching rectal muscles / engaging pelvic-floor ones forcibly causing spasms till reaching restroom…

Frequent Bathroom Trips

Alongside that urge comes increased frequency bowel movements/vomits as lining infection spread across different parts gut wall.(worsened by lack regularity and continuous intake food_ /liquids) ~related to opportunistic infections through trauma or lack of hygiene~_— often in the range 10 to 20 times per day with intermittent periods rest but always knowing that another trip restroom seems mere moments away!

When an Attack Becomes Severe

For some people living with colitis, their attacks and flares never progress beyond mild-to-moderate degrees, requiring only brief hospitalizations. But for others, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications???!! Any medical help sufficient medical aids required — so it’s essential that you understand what signs and symptoms indicate your flare-up is getting worse. These include:

• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Dehydration
• Inability to keep food down (vomiting)
  -More than six hours without urination: Typically speaks possible kidney involvement necessitate treatment.

If you’re experiencing any of these severe symptoms during a colitis attack, don’t wait! Contact your doctor right away for emergency care.__Failing timely action worsening systemic inflammatory response would develop_”systemic inflammatory rsycndrrome “. “

Coping Strategies During a Colitis Flare Up

While there may not be any definitive cure for colitis
at this time_ _/, there are plenty of things you can do at home which helps alleviate your symptom burden caused due recurring inflammation & damage inflicted upon colon walls ..

Adjust Your Diet

One of the most common things doctors recommend when someone has ulcerative colit___is is changing their diet . Plenty_of hydration/water intake solacing foods like bone broth/gelatin/bouillon based soup broths could effectively enhance absorption decrease potential bloating/flactulance_

Additionally, some fiber-rich nutrient-dense varieties vegetables/fruits/nuts/seeds containing ‘pr-obiotics’ related substances made accessible over counter should introduce systematically .

However_enough evidence present / advisement__to suggest increasing fluid intake throughout day up 2L per day_Hard and fast rules do not apply in the management of flares.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a huge risk factor during times of colitis attacks, which can be caused by frequent bowel movements that drain fluids from your system when absorbed through colon walls causing drowsiness & weakness. Drinking plenty of fluids (ideally plain water with added electrolyte support needed) can help keep you hydrated and reduce these effects — just beware of beverages like coffee/tea/carbonated drinks/alcohol___which might worsen symptoms or dehydrate faster than other options..

Take Meds as Prescribed

If you’ve been prescribed medication to manage your UC/colit___is flare-ups, taking them exactly according to instructions given by doctor . These might include drugs meant either suppress inflammation or corticosteroids for relief some initial pain /sharnk swollen/inflamed tissues.

Lifestyle Changes To Stabilize Flare-Ups

In addition to making dietary shifts/taking medications, there are several lifestyle modifications/actions which individuals may consider implementing once active phase subsides:

• Reducing Stress: Not an easy task but avoiding situations known to provoke anxiety/stress/mood swings could positively impact ease recent exacerbations.

• Regular Exercise Routines : Implementing regular structured exercise routines helps alleviate potential complications arising out reduced immunity pathways strengthening hence lessening work/responsibility our digestive systems especially after episodes recurring relapses

• Comfortable Clothing Choices : Choosing clothing materials/ designs allowing air flow minimizes inducing sweat and irritation providing comfort & easily accessible bathroom breaks if need arises!

Conclusion

Living with colitis isn’t easy , This disease takes a significant toll on physical/emotional wellbeing coupled burden managing routine life duties. While it’s hard to predict when a flare-up will come, understanding the warning signs and being prepared with coping strategies will help immensely when it finally does. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your medical professionals or seek out additional resources online/in-person.__It is important remains vigilant competent treatment and fostering positive support encourages rebuild ‘mental wellness’ necessary thriving amidst chronic illness!