Nervous colitis is a very recurrent condition that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the intestine, among other names, it is popularly known as irritable bowel syndrome . It is caused by emotional disturbances; episodes of stress, nervousness and generalized anxiety. It usually occurs chronically, with periods in which the symptoms are more active and others in which they remain latent or milder.
In the following FastlyHealarticle we will explain everything you need to know about nervous colitis: causes, symptoms and treatment , so that you know how to prevent, manage and control the annoying symptoms caused by this condition.
Table of Contents
Colitis: What is it?
Nervous colitis is an intestinal disorder that occurs very frequently today. It is usually suffered chronically, manifesting itself in the form of intestinal pain, abdominal inflammation and alterations when going to the bathroom.
This pathology, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, can affect in different ways, from milder cases to patients who suffer from it in a serious way and can occur in young adults as well as in adolescents and the elderly.
Although it is not a malignant disease, it does affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it very clearly . In this sense, we can compare nervous colitis with other types of diseases such as migraine. That is why you should not let your symptoms pass and start treating it from the moment it manifests itself, to prevent its problems from worsening and we can control it.
Colitis: causes
Colitis itself only designates the inflammation of the intestinal mucosa , however, the causes that can cause this inflammation are multiple. In this article we will treat nervous colitis, that which appears as a result of a stressful situation or chronic anxiety and nervousness , which is often accompanied by bad eating habits. In this sense, colitis can appear like so many other stress-related conditions, such as headaches or muscle aches. However, in addition to the psychological causes, there are other conditions that can cause colitis:
- Ulcerative colitis : caused by ulcers or wounds on the walls of the colon.
- Colitis due to drugs : caused by irritation caused by certain drugs to the walls of the intestine, an example of this is antibiotics.
- Hemorrhagic colitis : caused by the bacterial infection of Escherichia Coli.
- Granulomatous Colitis – Also known as Crohn’s disease , an autoimmune condition.
Colitis: symptoms
Nerve colitis presents a wide range of symptoms that cross the entire arch, from the mildest to the most severe. However, depending on the person, some may appear and others may not, it is not exact. The following are the most common symptoms :
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pain in the rectum
- Tummy or stomach noise
- Weird taste in the back of your mouth
- Pus or blood in the stool
- Gas and flatulence
- Colic and abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Greater force at the start of defecation
- Mucus in stool
- Constant urge to defecateNervous colitis: diet
Diet should be a fundamental part of the treatment against irritable bowel syndrome, depending on the foods you eat you can alleviate or worsen symptoms such as diarrhea or gas, especially in those moments when the disorder is more active. That is why we leave you some tips on how the diet for nervous colitis should be :
- Do not eat large meals, eat many small meals throughout the day.
- Drink lots of water, but not all at once, just as with food, do it frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid binge eating and anxiety about eating .
- Avoid eating foods with a lot of fiber, such as seeds, legumes, or cereals.
- Refrain from eating fatty foods, sauces, and processed foods.
- Avoid drinking dairy.
- Refrain from ingesting substances that irritate your intestine such as alcohol, coffee, tobacco, or spicy products.
- Avoid fizzy drinks.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits, preferably apples.
Nervous colitis: treatment
As we have already explained to you, nervous colitis has its origin in the physical imbalance that your body experiences when it is subjected to situations of stress and nervousness. It must be clarified that it is not a mental illness nor are you imagining the symptoms, simply your emotional state affects your physical state. That is why in addition to following a proper diet to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, it is highly recommended to pay attention to your mental health to try to stop this origin.
If you have already been diagnosed, have followed a diet for colitis designed by a gastroenterologist and have received medical treatment for this condition, the most appropriate thing would be to try a treatment aimed at your emotional state . A psychologist can help you channel all that nervousness to the other side, making your gut relax, your pain lessen and the inflammation disappear.
It is vital that in your day to day you incorporate all those activities that help you de-stress and forget your nervousness: hobbies such as reading, going for a walk, going to the movies or cooking have been proven to be good remedies to relieve stress.
On the other hand, it is essential that you lead an active life . Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main factors that cause the appearance of both stress and anxiety, as well as colitis. Regular exercise, such as going for a 30-minute walk a day, releases endorphins and other hormones that lower stress levels and make you feel better.
You can also practice disciplines such as yoga , an ancient activity originating from the East in which breathing and meditation techniques are used to control anxiety and achieve relaxation.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Nervous Colitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.