How to Treat Children With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the intestines. This condition can affect children, and sufferers tend to deal with persistent diarrhea and occasional abdominal pain. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis. However, there are different ways to treat the condition and lessen symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Administer an anti-inflammatory medication. Give your child an over-the-counter or a prescription anti-inflammatory medication, which decreases intestinal inflammation and eases symptoms.

• 2

  Identify trigger foods. Certain foods can trigger symptoms. These include high-fiber fruits and vegetables, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, citrus foods and chocolate. Eliminate problem foods from your child's diet.

• 3

  Limit their dairy intake. Milk, cheese and other dairy products can aggravate ulcerative colitis and worsen diarrhea. Limit or eliminate diary from your child's diet, or give them a lactose enzyme supplement before serving diary. These supplements break down lactose in foods, and it becomes easier to digest.

• 4

  Give your child water. Caffeinated and carbonated drinks can worsen diarrhea and cause flatulence. Water promotes digestive health, and it replaces the fluids lost through diarrhea.