Ulcerative colitis treatment begins with a definitive diagnosis and a determination of the severity of illness. Once this initial diagnosis has been made, the immediate goal of treatment is to reduce the painful physical symptoms associated with it. Since there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the long-term goal of treatment is to prevent future onset of illness, or relapse.

Both ulcerative colitis, and a related disorder called Crohn’s Disease, are characterized by an abnormal immune system response within the intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the location of this response is restricted to the large intestine, or colon. The resulting inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal walls can cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, the main symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Due to the fact that other health conditions may exist that exhibit similar symptoms, care for ulcerative colitis begins with a confirmation of this initial diagnosis. This includes taking stool samples to rule out the presence of parasites or an existing infection within the colon, and performing blood tests to detect elevated white blood cell counts (high white blood cell counts indicate that the cause of inflammation is due to the activation of the body’s own immune response).

A visual examination, either directly using a sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope, or indirectly via a barium enema, will help make the final confirmation that colitis is in fact the culprit. These visualization techniques are an essential step in ulcerative colitis treatment because they allow the physician to measure the severity of the illness, and therefore to figure out the best course to minimize the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Medications play a large part in both the initial treatment and long-term care for ulcerative colitis. These medications fall into two main categories: immunomodulators, which alter the proteins produced by the immune system which cause inflammation, and anti-inflammatory medications, which act to reduce the inflammation directly. Although these medications do not cure ulcerative colitis, they can induce remission of its symptoms and lengthen the time between relapses. As such they offer an ulcerative colitis treatment option that many sufferers take advantage of.

In addition to helping manage mild to moderate UC flares, Asacol (mesalamine) helps relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms including number of bowel movements and rectal bleeding as early as 3 weeks. Asacol is the only sulfa-free 5-ASA medication indicated for both treatment of mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis. Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets are available only by prescription for the treatment of moderately active UC.

Asacol and Asacol HD are generally well tolerated. In clinical studies, some patients taking Asacol or Asacol HD reported upset stomach, diarrhea, stomach pain, belching, flatulence, worsening of UC symptoms, headache, runny nose, sore throat, and general pain. If you want to learn more information, please visit Asacol.com. They will help you understand what ulcerative colitis is and the various aspects of the condition, including treatment, diet, and maintenance therapy.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis mentioned above, make sure you visit your doctor right away for a thorough examination. If you do have this disorder, your doctor will help you determine the best ulcerative colitis treatment for your particular case.

In the 19th century bed rails were used to restrain psychiatric patients then later used to protect people from getting out of bed and help staff maintain control of patient activities. Little has changed in the 21st century. In the 1930′s bed rails became a standard feature to keep patients safe in bed. Incidents increased where patients climbed over or through the bed rails resulting in serious injuries or death. A nursing shortage post war increased the number of patients needing assistance getting out of bed (usually for toileting) thus increasing incidents involving bed rails. Not much has changed since many falls happen when people need to get out of bed to use the toilet.

The 1950′s led to the development of the half-rail to help patients exit the bed and reduce incidents. This helped but didn’t solve the problem. They were also used to aid in turning and positioning while lying in bed. In the 1960′s and 1970′s there was an escalating nursing shortage which prompted their continued use. This included the use of other physical restraints instead of nurse observation. Basically, the same problem we have today.

In the 1980′s falls from bed became a hospital liability issue and when the routine use of bed rails became the standard of good nursing practice. This started to conflict with mobility during recuperation although they still used full length rails on the elderly to keep them immobilized. In 1985 increasing reports to the FDA of patient incidents, accidents and entrapments sparks controversy and investigation. In 1995 the FDA issues a safety alert “Entrapment Hazards with Hospital-Bed-Rails” explaining the potential risks of bed rail use. In 1999 the FDA collaborates with the healthcare industry to form the Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW). In 2000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues revisions to Surveyor Guidance governing the use of restraints in hospitals and nursing facilities due to the risks.

There are many sizes and shapes on the market based on a 19th century design with a couple of exceptions. Bed rail use needs serious thought prior to being recommended or requested in any setting. Understanding their use and history will help everyone make better choices to avoid unintended consequences.