Treatment for Nausea in Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon that can be caused by a number of factors. It may be caused by a viral infection, bacteria, ulcers or just hereditary predisposition. All forms of colitis share one thing: nausea. An inflamed colon makes digestion and excretion difficult, leading to nausea. Fortunately, treatment options are available.

Treating the Symptom

• The simplest way to treat nausea is with basic stomach medication. Petpto Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which effectively relaxes the digestive system. Other common nausea repressors include Reglan and Tigan.

Treating the Condition

• When the intestinal inflammation of colitis is reduced, nausea will subside. Anti-inflammatory drugs include sulfasalazine, mesalamine, olsalazine and corticosteroids. Your doctor will likely prescribe one or two of these drugs as the first step of treatment. You also may receive immunosuppressant drugs; since the inflammation is an immune response, slightly reducing the immune system can reduce inflammation. These drugs include azathioprine, cyclosporine and infliximab. This class of medications should be taken with caution and for a short period of time; by lowering your immune system, you increase your risk of developing an infection or even cancer.

Consultation

• Talk to your gastroenterologist about what kind of treatment is right for you. Taking any kind of medication can lead to nausea as a side effect simply because a foreign substance is entering your digestive tract; take anti-nausea medications with caution and care.