Suggest treatment for colitis

Posted on Sat, 28 May 2016

Question: I have colitis. It is very severe..Was in hosp.7 days. Dr said my body had shut down Sent home for there was nothing more to do. Was taking Flagyl Still on it. Weighed 94 lbs after hospital Now after 5 wks. Am much stonger
weigh 95 Eating well.Before hospital was clear liguids & could'nt eat anything in hospital
I have had IBS for many yrs I hav XXXXXXX been healty & strong. Have always exercised.
Is there anything can help me?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

It sounds like you have a combination of colitis (likely diverticulitis at your age), and irritable bowel syndrome. There are a couple of ways you can improve your health and manage these chronic conditions.

First, avoid eating nuts, seeds, and popcorn. These foods can worsen colitis and can create a need for rehospitalization. Maintaining a healthy diet with a lot of vegetables and fiber is essential in this condition.

Second, IBS can be managed symptomatically. This means treating constipation with over the counter laxatives like Miralax, and treating diarrhea with loperamide. Additionally, antidepressants have been shown to help this condition, so you should consider asking your doctor to consider an SSRI antidepressant such as sertraline or escitalopram. This can help keep your IBS under control.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T