Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, usually appears between the ages of 15 and 30, setting you up for a long life of managing this chronic, progressive condition. The experienced physicians and medical marijuana specialists at Kaya Life in Gulfport, Mississippi, offer ongoing support. Medical marijuana eases the pain and discomfort of ulcerative colitis flare-ups, dramatically improving your life. Book an evaluation online or call the office today to learn if you qualify for medical marijuana.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is one of a group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the rectum and large intestine (colon). Inflammation and ulcers develop, which may remain limited to one area or spread to the entire colon.
What symptoms does ulcerative colitis cause?
Ulcerative colitis goes through cycles of symptom flare-ups and remission. Whether your symptoms are gradual or rapid, mild or severe, you have one or more of the following:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Blood in your bowel movements
- Passing mucus or pus during bowel movements
- Sudden, urgent need to go to the bathroom
- Constant urge to go to the bathroom even if your bowel is empty
- Rectal bleeding (when you’re not having a bowel movement)
- Rectal pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
A mild flare-up means having fewer than four bowel movements daily and occasionally passing blood. You have severe symptoms if you have six or more bowel movements daily and usually pass blood.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
Standard medical treatments have two goals: to ease symptoms when they occur and to keep the disease in remission as long as possible.
To accomplish these goals, physicians prescribe medications to treat diarrhea and pain, reduce inflammation, and suppress the immune system. If bleeding causes iron deficiency anemia, you may also need iron supplements.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that medications can't cure. Surgery can cure the disease, but only by removing the entire colon.
How does medical marijuana help ulcerative colitis?
Cannabis activates your body’s endocannabinoid system, which has a widespread effect on your body, including your gastrointestinal system.
Through this system, medical marijuana improves the pain and discomfort caused by ulcerative colitis. It also reduces inflammation in the colon and helps other symptoms like the loss of appetite.
Ulcerative colitis is one of the qualifying conditions approved by the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act. To get medical marijuana, you need an in-person evaluation by the registered providers at Kaya Life. After they determine you qualify, you apply for your card online.
After receiving your state identification card, you can purchase medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary. Then, you need to follow up with your Kaya Life provider in six months (or sooner if you have any problems).
Book an evaluation online or call Kaya Life today to improve ulcerative colitis symptoms.
