Colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Acetaminophen can help with pain relief, but other over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen should be avoided. Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids can also help, but may have side effects. Lifestyle changes like limiting dairy, eating small meals, and reducing stress can also provide relief.
Colitis is a chronic condition in which a person’s large intestine becomes inflamed. This condition is often characterized by abdominal pain and a number of unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, fever and chills. Acetaminophen can help with pain relief, but it’s important to talk to a doctor because not all over-the-counter medications should be used; he or she may be able to prescribe other pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs that can help. Additionally, you may find that taking steps to prevent episodes of colitis also helps reduce pain.
While acetaminophen can help relieve pain, it doesn’t always work for everyone. It also may not be effective for severe pain. Other common over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen, shouldn’t be taken for colitis pain relief. These drugs and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to worsen symptoms and, in some cases, can even lead to the development of colitis in people predisposed to the condition. Talk to a healthcare professional about how it may be affecting your condition before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also come in handy when you’re looking for effective ways to deal with the pain of colitis. While these medications are not pain relievers, they can be used to reduce or relieve symptoms of colitis. Pain relief can be a positive side effect of treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Typically, anti-inflammatory drugs are available by prescription and can include corticosteroids, which are steroid hormones, and drugs such as mesalamine and sulfasalazine. Unfortunately, some of these medications are notorious for a variety of side effects, so you may need to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before starting such treatment.
You may find that taking steps to avoid episodes of colitis is also helpful in dealing with the pain of colitis. Limiting the number of dairy products you consume each day may provide some reduction in symptoms. You may also experience some relief by eating several small meals a day, instead of eating three large meals, and avoiding fizzy foods. Drinking lots of fluids, and avoiding those that contain alcohol or caffeine, can also help. Additionally, finding ways to reduce stress or developing new coping strategies can also help reduce the symptoms that contribute to the pain of colitis.
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