Why did my doctor recommend colonoscopy? What symptoms indicate a need for a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is broadly used for the diagnosis and treatment of colonic disorders (Range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – diverticular disease and colon cancer. Colonoscopy, in which the doctor looks inside the colon of the patient with a thin, flexible tube that holds a tiny camera and light. Colonoscopy is one method that doctors use to diagnose UC and Crohn's diseases. A colonoscope is a long, thin flexible tube with a camera at the end. The doctor uses it to view the inside of your colon and rectum. In this article, we are going to put a lime light on when a patient is in need of a colonoscopy.

INDICATIONS FOR COLONOSCOPY

• In lower Gastrointestinal bleeding
• For the screening of colorectal polyps
• Help to diagnose colon cancer, colorectal cancer
• Acute and chronic diarrhea
• Abnormal radiological examination
• In unexplained abdominal pain
• Long term chronic constipation

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes two conditions (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Long term inflammation results in damage to the GI tract. So we need to clear out the exact difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and the need to do colonoscopy.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores  in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost line of intestine (colon) and rectum. Occurs in the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.

Symptoms:-

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, bleeding from the anal route and pain in the abdomen.

A colonoscopic finding in ulcerative colitis is swelling, redness, and sores in the intestine. It can show the severity of disease. It will help the doctor to make a correct diagnosis with a colonoscop

Endoscopic Score Of Ulcerative Colitis:-

• Score 0 - Normal  
• Score 1 - Mild disease  
• Score 2 - Moderate disease 
• Score 3 - Severe Ulceration

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a disorder mediated by t -lymphocytes cells which arises in genetically susceptible individuals because of  breakdown in the regulatory constraints  to enteric bacteria. Can affect any part of the GI tract (from the mouth to the anus) - Most often it affects the portion of the small intestine before the large intestine/colon.

Symptoms:-

• Abdominal pain is the most common symptom
• Chronic diarrhea
• A feeling of fullness
• Fever
• A loss of appetite
• Weight loss is a common symptom
• Abnormal skin tags (usually on patient’s buttocks)
• Anal fissures can be there

BASIC SYMPTOMS OF IBD WHEN A DOCTOR THINKS ABOUT COLONOSCOPY

Many of the same symptoms can indicate other problems, but in long term if following common symptoms persist then doctor may advise colonoscopy in Ulcerative Colitis Or Crohn’s Disease.

• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating
• Chronic Fatigue
• Blood in Stools
• Narrow Thin Stools
• Persistent Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Change in Bowel Habits
• Weight Loss
• Cramps

COLONOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF IBD

Cobblestoning (Uncommon finding) mucosa and linear ulcers characterize the endoscopic appearance of Crohn's disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be broadly classified into Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is a chronic idiopathic (Cause unknown) inflammatory disorder badly affecting the gastro-intestinal tract. Terminal ileum is not predominantly involved in Ulcerative colitis but is commonly involved in Crohn's diseases.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF IBD

Rakta Atisara

The vitiated pitta dosha and continuous hetu sevana cause depraved blood and hence rakta atisara. The symptoms include Daha i.e burning sensation, pain, thirst and guda pak i.e rectal abscess, rectal bleeding (Ch. Chikit. 19). Rectal blood is mixed with fecal discharge. The rise in symptoms is due to regular and excessive intake of pitta vardhak aahar (food that vitiates the pitta dosha).

Grahani Rog

The vitiated agni (agni mandya) in grahani is grahani rog.

The food we take in the form of Aahar which is important for the nourishment of DHATU (7 dhatus), AGNI is the main cause of that nourishment. Because if agni gets vitiated, the digestion of food and hence proper nourishment will not be there.

Types Of Grahani Rog:-

• Vataj Grahani (Ch. Chikitsa 14/60-62) - The patient suffering from Vataj grahani has depraved digestion and sour outcome of rasa pak after meal, Digestion impaied, Feeling dry,  Excessive thirst and hunger.undigested food passed in the form of vomitus and in stool, difficulty in defecation and stool passed is usually dry or watery sometimes, Aamyukt (presence of undigested food), coughing and breathing difficulties are other prominent symptoms of vataj grahani.
• Pittaj Grahani (Ch. Chikitsa 14/65-66) - The skin color of the patient gets pale. The stool passed is usually yellow and sometimes blue. Rotten food like burp,  Pain in chest,  Anorexia ,  Thirst.
• Kaphaj Grahani (Ch. Chikitsa 14/67-70) - Troublesome digestion   Anorexia ,feeling of vomit,   Sweetness in mouth, Coughing Stool passed is usually undigested ,kapha mixed and heavy as compared to vataj and pittaz grahani.                                   
• Tridosha Grahani (Ch. Chikitsa 14/72) - Tridosha grahani means assimilation of all three types of doshas and hence assimilation of symptoms of all the doshas.

Classical Medicines / Home Remedies / Combinations:-

• Use of Goat Milk - Cold milk of goat mixed with honey and sugar can be used to wash the anal region after defecation (Charak 15)
• Fruit Soup - The patient of ibd can be given the soup of Gambhari fruit (Gmelina Arborea) with juice of pomegranate. (Charak chik)
• Powder of Neelkamal, Mochras, Lajjavathi, Kamal kesar  in equal quantities can be used in the patient of ibd. (Cha Chik. 15)

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal manufacturing company. This company manufactures various herbal products for various diseases. The herbal products are made from the standardized extracts of potential herbs and are 100% natural and vegetarian. These products are made under the guidance of experts.

1. Vatsakadi Churna
2. Pitta Balance
3. Kutajghan Vati
4. Cap. Arjuna

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Vatsakadi Churna

Vatsakadi churna is a  Herbal supplement to cure IBD. It contains Kutaj (Holarena antidysentrica) which helps in effective management of digestive problems and efficient medicine to check gas formation and abdominal discomfort as Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) and Bilva (Aegle marmelos) are the main ingredients of vatsakadi churna.

Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meal or you can boil the powder - 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water, keep it boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink the water. Leave the residue. Do it twice daily. Make fresh every time.

2. Kutajghan Vati

It is classical herbal formulation which contains Kutaj (Holarehna antidysentrica) as the chief ingredient which is efficient herb as it has anti-dysenteric, antidiarrheal, anti-amoebic action and haemostatic properties for treating a group of ailments including dysentery, diarrhoea,  malabsorption syndrome, intestinal infections, effective because of its anti dysenteric properties, much effective in ibs and ulcerative colitis.

Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meal.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance is a polyherbal formulation prepared using Jaha rmohra pishti, Akika pishti and many other calcium compounds. It balances pitta dosha and hence improves digestion during IBD like conditions.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meal.

4. Cap. Arjuna

Arjuna is the chief ingredient of Cap. In IBD, heavy blood loss occurs, hence arjuna boosts the HB level in blood and promotes overall status of the body. Arjuna has cold potency which mainly aids in managing blood loss and promotes good hemoglobin.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion it is quite evident that colonoscopy is recommended by doctors in Inflammatory bowel diseases especially on the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or colon cancer so as to make an exact diagnosis. For quick and long term relief in conditions like IBD above, ayurvedic prescriptions of Planet Ayurveda and basic ayurvedic texts are safest and help patients to get long lasting relief concerning Planet Ayurveda.

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS & Crohn's disease - What is the difference, Symptoms & Ayurvedic treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. There are two types of IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both types are differentiated by their location and types of lesions.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is the long-lasting inflammation of the large intestines resulting in ulcers. In this disease there is an inflammation in the innermost lining of the colon, rectum and ulcers are continuous there is no healthy area in between. In this condition, symptoms develop gradually over time.

Its Signs and Symptoms are:

• Loose stools with pus or blood
• Mucous in stool
• Pain and cramps in abdomen
• Bleeding from rectum
• Urgency to pass stool
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue and weakness
• Retarded growth in children

CROHN'S DISEASE

Crohn's disease is a form of IBD in which inflammation and ulcers occur anywhere across the digestive tract, from mouth to anus. In this inflammation is not continuous, there are some healthy areas between the inflamed patches and ulcers and gives the appearance of cobblestone.

Its Signs and Symptoms are:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Pain and cramps in abdomen
• Blood in stool
• Sores in mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Anal fissure or fistula causing pain

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND CROHN'S DISEASE

Ayurveda can help in IBD, i.e. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease naturally. There are specific herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda which are prepared from natural sources under strict Ayurvedic principles to treat Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. All of these remedies consist of herbs which have specific therapeutic action on the cause and pathology of the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

1. Pitta Balance

As according to Ayurveda IBD is caused due to vitiation and aggravation of the Pitta dosha in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and ulcer formation in the gut. Hence to balance the Pitta dosha, Pitta balance capsules are prepared which consist of natural, cooling and healing substances like Coral, Agate, Jawar pishti, kamdhudha ras, Giloy, and Pearl. These all are naturally cooling and healing substances which cool down the internal heating, soothes the inflammation and heals the ulcers.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

This is an Ayurvedic formulation of various herbs like Holarrhena antidysentrica, Aegle marmelos, Foeniculum vulgare, and Coriandrum sativum. It improves the functioning of the digestive system and helps to heal ulcers and inflammation. Herbs used in this herbal churna are digestive, carminative, astringent, anti-dyspeptic, anthelmintic and liver stimulant.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Arjuna Capsules

Standardized extract of Arjuna bark is used to prepare these herbal capsules which is full of medicinal properties and help to treat IBD. It especially helps in controlling and checking the bleeding from the ulcers and fissures. Arjuna capsules have natural healing properties that heal the ulcers in Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and astringent properties.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Kutajghan Vati

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is the herb of which standardized extract is used to prepare herbal tablets called Kutazghan vati. It helps to control diarrhea and maintains the proper functioning of the digestive tract. Kutazghan Vati also helps to eliminate the ama from the body and checks inflammation, bleeding and abdominal pain.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

It is one of the most common bowel problems that affects the population worldwide. In IBS there is the over-reactive and hypersensitive reaction of the intestines to mild stimulation. There are no pathological findings or structural changes to be found in any of the laboratory tests. Only the ruling out of other similar conditions can prove to be suggestive of IBS. It can be of three types, IBS with constipation, diarrhea or mixed (alternating both).

It's Signs and Symptoms are:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea alternating with constipation
• Episodes of abdominal pain
• Bloating or too much gas
• Stools are harder or looser than normal
• Mucus in stool

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR IBS

Ayurveda helps to treat Irritable bowel syndrome naturally. There is a combination of herbal remedies which treats the causes, signs, and symptoms of the disease in a very natural way. These herbal remedies are prepared from pure and authentic herbs which specifically target on the pathology of the IBS and hence treats it naturally.

IBS Care Pack

1. Digestion Support

Standardized extracts of various amazing herbs are used to prepare these capsules. These herbs are Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Foeniculum vulgare, Coriandrum sativum, Piper longum, and Cyminum cuminum. All these herbs help to maintain the normal digestion naturally due to the presence of therapeutic properties like stomachic, antiemetic, carminative and anti-inflammatory.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Kutajghan Vati

These herbal tablets are prepared from pure extract of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It prevents and treats diarrhea and maintains normal digestion. It also helps to pacify Vata, Pitta and Kapha Dosha. Kutazghan vati reduces the inflammation and helps in restoring the normal digestion

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Pitta Balance

Vitiation of Pitta dosha is the main reason for the development of any type of digestive disease. Hence to treat IBS it is necessary to pacify the Pitta dosha so that the cause is treated. Pitta balance capsules are prepared from Coral calcium, Agate calcium, Jawar Mohra psishti, Kamdudha ras, Giloy stava, and Mukta pishti. These all are naturally cooling compounds which pacify the pitta and relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Sanjivani Vati

It is a digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory and carminative herbal tablet which helps to treat IBS naturally. Herbs used in these tablets are potentially digestive and cooling like Embelia ribes, Piper longum, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinale, Acorus calamus etc. It contains all the medicinal properties that are required to treat the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

Top 4 Ayurvedic Medicines for Permanent Cure of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that is responsible to rupture large intestine or colon. This disease causes severe irritation and inflammation. According to Ayurveda panchtatva (five elements- air, water, fire, ether and earth) and tridosha (three energies- vata, pitta and kapha) are the major components of human body. Equal balance of all three energies are responsible for good health and imbalance of above three energies leads to cause various disorders. In the same way aggravation of pitta dosha in body, is responsible for causing ulcerative colitis.

In Ayurveda, Ulcerative colitis is mentioned as pittaj garahani. From ayurvedic point of view, excess intake of pitta aggravating food results in the formation of poisonous sticky material called AMA in digestive system. This material further clings to the walls of intestine and causes ulcerative colitis. To get rid of this serious illness one should avoid dairy products and foods that are responsible to accumulate extra pitta dosha in body.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Planet Ayurveda provides you the best ayurvedic medicines for ulcerative colitis in the form of Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack. Supreme quality of herbs are used to prepare this miraculous pack. Arjuna capsules, Pitta balance, Kutajghan vati and Vataskadi churna are four top ayurvedic medicines for ulcerative colitis available at house of Planet Ayurveda.

1. Arjuna Capsules

Standardized extract of bark of arjuna tree is used to prepare this formulation. Tree bark of this plant is famous for wound healing and protecting cardio vascular system. Harmful substances and free radicals are responsible for the rupture of endothelial layers of arteries. This herb is used to protect blood arteries from these toxins. It also works wonderfully on the internal lining of intestine and helps to heal intestinal wounds and ulcers. This herb is also effective for cardiovascular system and very effective in the patients that are suffering with excessive blood loss in ulcerative colitis. To improve overall strength and haemoglobin levels in body this herb is very powerful. Arjuna capsules is good anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-oxidant in nature. Herb used to prepare this powerful supplement are richest source of calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium.

Dosage – 2 capsules twice daily after meals with normal water.

2. Vataskadi Churna

Vataskadi churna is second herbal remedy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This herbal and natural blend is a powerful mixture of ayurvedic herbs that are mentioned below-

• Kutaz - Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica) is wonderful ayurvedic herb that helps to pacify pitta and kapha doshas. Basically in Ayurveda this herb is used to treat diarrhoea and irritable bowel disorder. Bark, seed, fruit and flowers of this herb are well known for its medicinal properties. But bark of this herb is antihelmintic, amoebicidal and astringent in nature. It is used to treat dysentery and other gastric disorders.
• Bilva - Bilva is second herb used to prepare this formulation. In Ayurveda, this herb is mentioned under the category shothhara herbs used to relieve excessive inflammation. In the same way it used to reduce inflammation of intestine in case of ulcerative colitis. Also used to relieve diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting and excessive thirst. Bilva is that herb which is used to regulate proper body energies.
• Saunf - Saunf is richest source of iron and very helpful to regulate normal haemoglobin levels. In Ayurveda, this herb is used to improve strength and immunity, ayurvedic term used to recognize these properties are BALYA. It is used to relieve burning sensation. Fruits, fruit oil and roots are major parts of this herb is used in various ayurvedic supplements.
• Dhania - Coriander seeds and leaves are used in Indian cuisines though this herb is also well known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. It is categorized under sheetprashmana and trushnaprashmana gana it means this herb is used to relieve burning sensation and excessive thirst. It also used to cure pain and cramps. It is very effective in ulcerative colitis sufferers.
• Nagarmotha - Cyprus rotundus” is botanical name of nagarmotha. This plant contains numerous chemical compounds and well known for its therapeutic effects. This effective herb is used to maintain good health of digestive system.
• Anar - Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is very nutritious fruit. All the parts of this tree like fruit, bark, fruit rind and roots have medicinal properties. It helps to gain the lost blood levels and sweet fruit helps to maintain the balance between all three doshas- vata, pitta and kapha. This herb is also balya in nature provides body strength.
• Chotti Ealachi - “Elettaria cardamomum” is latin name of this herb. It is called king of spices. This herb is used as laxative and used to relieve severe pain in stomach and good for digestive system. In ulcerative colitis patients this herb helps to reduce inflammation and to prevent diarrhoea.   
• Jaiphala - Nutmeg is a very good aphrodisiac herb and used as a good digestive tonic. Very effective herb used to relieve diarrhoea with bloating and helps to reduce severe abdominal pain.

All the above mentioned herbs are used to prepare this effective herbal remedy for ulcerative colitis.

Dosage - 1 teaspoon twice daily with normal plain water after meals and you can also boil teaspoon of churna in 400ml of water, boil it until it remains 50ml. Strain and drink the water after leaving residue. You can take it twice a day and make it fresh.

3. Pitta Balance Capsules

Pitta balance is herbal formulation of mukta pishti, jahar mohra pishti, kamadhenu rasa, praval pishti, akik pishti and giloy satva. Compounds used in this herbal formualation are rich is calcium. Presence of these rich calcium compounds Calcium control the internal bleeding in ulcerative colitis and cooling properties helps to sooth the internal lining of intestine. It maintains balance between all three doshas and mainly it helps to pacify extra aggregated pitta dosha in patient. Pitta balance is herbal remedy that helps to improve digestive fire and strengthen the intestine.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with normal plain water.

4. Kutazghana Vati

Kutaja (Holarrhena dysentrica) is the herb used in the preparation of this herbal remedy for ulcerative colitis. This herb is well known for treating diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. It supports digestive system and very effective to maintain good health of intestine. In Ayurveda this herb is called shelshapittahara – herb used to pacify both kapha and pitta dosha. This herb is effective to light up digestive fire and used to relieve bleeding disorders.

Dosage - 2 tablet twice daily with normal plain water.

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

Above mentions supplements are top four herbal remedies for ulcerative colitis. These herbal formulations are free from chemicals, any type of fillers and preservatives. Herbs used in above mentioned formulations are natural and pure. These all herbs makes a proper balance between all three doshas of body and promotes good digestive health.