How to Avoid Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis occurs when the blood flood to the large intestine is slowed or stopped, causing abdominal pain and bloody stool. This can occur because of an injury or a temporary blockage of blood flow through the arteries. Although rarely fatal, ischemic colitis can be very painful and hospitalization may be necessary. The exact cause of the blockage is often difficult to determine, making it difficult to prevent. However, recognition of certain risk factors can help limit potential problems.

Instructions

Risk Factors

• 1

  Consult your doctor before taking certain medicines that can cause ischemic colitis as a side effect. These medicines include: non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogen replacement medications, migraine medicine and blood pressure pills.

• 2

  Discuss testing options with your doctor if you are at a high risk for ischemic colitis. The majority of people who suffer from ischemic colitis are over 50, with many people also having a history of arteriosclerosis of the extremities. Also known as peripheral vascular disease, this is a painful narrowing and hardening of the arteries that lead to the legs and feet.

• 3

  Go to a doctor for immediate treatment if you are experiencing hernia-like symptoms. People with hernias are also more prone to ischemic colitis than the general population.

• 4

  Engage in healthy eating habits, managing your weight and exercising on a regular basis to lower your chances for heart problems and your risk for ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis also tends to effect people with heart problems such as aortic surgery more so than the general population. Because of this, taking care of your heart can help reduce your risk of ischemic colitis.

• 5

  Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis if you are over 50 and see your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently lower than average. Low blood pressure is commonly associated with ischemic colitis---this is one reason that blood pressure medications can have the unintended side effect of causing ischemic colitis. Unfortunately, many people don't take low blood pressure as seriously as high blood pressure and won't see a doctor based on this condition alone.

• 6

  After you have had stomach surgery, be on the lookout for symptoms of ischemic colitis such as pain, fever, cramping, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and contact a medical professional immediately if you experience one or more of these symptoms for any length of time. People who have recently had abdominal operations are also at a higher risk for ischemic colitis.