Patient discussions
Patients should be aware that most over-the-counter analgesics and symptomatic relief products contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and have the potential to trigger or worsen colitis. Where non-specific pain relief is needed, paracetamol or an opioid that has less effect on motility (e.g., tramadol) may help.
If planning pregnancy, patients should be counselled to conceive during remission and advised to continue their maintenance medication unless they are taking a medication contraindicated during pregnancy, such as ciclosporin or methotrexate. Before conception, patients should be well nourished and take folate supplements.[69]
There is little evidence to implicate dietary components in the aetiology or pathogenesis of UC. However, patients are prone to malnutrition and its detrimental effects.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of cancer from long-standing intestinal inflammation and/or the use of immunosuppressive therapies to treat IBD. In patients with IBD treated with thiopurines there is an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, non-intestinal lymphoma and genitourinary cancer.[139]
Patients should be offered advice on where additional information may be obtained and help in interpreting information where the need arises.[46] The following provide access to both general and more detailed information:
CCFA: The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America CCFA: The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Opens in new window
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: ulcerative colitis Opens in new window
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Patient Center American Gastroenterological Association (AGA): GI patient center Opens in new window
Crohn's and Colitis UK Crohn's and Colitis UK Opens in new window
Crohn’s and Colitis Australia Crohn's and Colitis Australia Opens in new window
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