Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

190 • SERIOUS AILMENTSULCERATIVE COLITISA fairly rare condition, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease inwhich the linings of the rectum and colon become progressively more ulcerated.Colitis affects between 40 and 50 people per 100,000 in parts of the developedworld, and is most common in young and middle-aged adults. Attacks usuallyoccur at intervals.Symptoms• Abdominal pain on the left side.• Diarrhea, with mucus and blood inthe feces.• In severe cases, fever and general malaise.• Possible anemia and, if toxins get into thebloodstream, septicemia.CausesAlthough the exact cause of ulcerative colitisis unknown, it is believed that food allergy,infection, autoimmune problems, low levelsof digestive enzymes and stomach acid,stress, and some antibiotics aggravate thecondition. There may be a genetic tendency.Many sufferers are found to be emotionallystressed, especially if they are frustrated atwork or grieving.Conventional careDiagnosis is by means of a barium enema andan endoscopy of the rectum and lower colon.If these are not conclusive, a biopsy, wherebya small piece of the bowel lining is removed,may be performed. Infections can be discountedby analyzing stool samples. Treatment is withsulfasalazine and its derivatives and possiblycorticosteroid drugs. Ulcerative colitis is apotentially serious condition, and surgery maybe necessary. In a few cases of persistent colitis,colonic cancer has been known to develop, soregular examinations are advisable.Homeopathic medicineConstitutional assessment is a prerequisiteof effective homeopathic treatment. A fullmedical will include referral for colonicinvestigation if necessary. Specific symptomswill then be studied, along with anyaggravating factors that have been observed,and emotional temperament.The most important criteria in determiningconstitutional treatment are the individual’ssymptoms (see page 18). Some remedies havean affinity for the digestive tract, and areparticularly effective in treating the symptomsof inflammation of the colon. Cantharis isprescribed for inflammation of the lining ofthe gut and the production of thick, stickymucus. Colchicum is given for colitis withdysentery-like symptoms. Colocynthis iseffective for colicky and neuralgic painsinduced by irritation of the intestine; andMerc. corr. is used for constant straining of therectum, which is not eased by passing stools.Arsen. alb., Nux vomica, and Sulphur are othercommonly used constitutional remedies.Remedies for acute flare-ups of colitisinclude Merc. corr., when there are hot,foul-smelling stools containing blood andmucus, and cutting pains in the abdomenon passing a stool, which are not relievedby emptying the bowel; Arsen. alb., forrestlessness, anxiety, burning abdominalpains with vomiting, a frequent desire forsips of warm drinks, and attacks that come onaround midnight; and Phosphorus, if stools arebloody, and pain is relieved by passing a stoolbut then the anus feels as though it is gaping.LifestyleChanging to a high-fiber diet with few dairyproducts may reduce the likelihood of furtherattacks. Other foods and drinks that are bestavoided include refined carbohydrates, thosecontaining caffeine, and alcohol. A nutritionistwill be able to advise further. Smoking isinadvisable. When consulting a doctor aboutinfections, colitis sufferers should drawattention to their condition, which may beexacerbated by taking antibiotics. Relaxationtechniques and meditation are advisable forthose leading stressful lives. During a colitisattack, the most suitable foods are those thatare easily digested.CAUTION• If there is persistent weight loss ofmore than about 1 lb (0.5 kg) a week,consult a doctor.• If there is fever, and blood and mucus inthe stools, see a doctor within 12 hours.CASE HISTORYDavid was a 41-year-old stockbroker.Originally diagnosed as having irritablebowel syndrome, his condition had sincebeen identified by a colonoscopy asulcerative colitis. He believed that aninfection picked up while traveling hadmade his condition worse. He was takinga corticosteroid and a sulfasalazinederivative, before which he had five or sixwatery bowel movements a day. His anuswas raw and sore. He had great flatulence,with some pain, and had to get up in theearly morning to empty his bowels.PERSONAL DETAILSDavid’s father had died when he waseight, and his mother had relied heavily onhim. He felt great relief on going away tocollege, and did well in his work, although itwas his main source of stress. He had losta nine-month-old daughter, a victim of cribdeath. David was not sure he had gottenover this. He described himself as solid, butfeared being incapacitated by illness.FOOD PREFERENCESDavid had a fairly sweet tooth. He likedvinegar and spices, but avoided them incase they upset him. He believed that milkand cheese upset his bowel. He loved tea,and had not smoked for 12 years.GENERAL DETAILSDavid felt better in dry heat and worse inhumid conditions. He slept well and awokerefreshed, but had to get up immediately.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPDavid was treated with Sulphur, after whichhis condition improved, with fewer andfirmer bowel movements. The corticosteroiddosage was reduced, and David was able tosleep in later in the mornings. About thistime he had dreams concerning his joband family, but he continued to improve,reducing his conventional drugs. Hewas then prescribed the nosode ofmeasles (see page 20) since he hadsuffered a bad attack as a child. Thisremedy worked to good effect, so thepotency was increased. David’s progresscontinued and he reduced his drugsfurther. When last seen, he was ona maintenance dose of mesalazine,and continued to improve.