Colitis is a chronic condition in which a person’s large intestine becomes inflamed. This condition is often marked by abdominal pain as well as a range of unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in stools, fever, and chills. If you are struggling with the pain of colitis, you may find that there are several ways to deal with it. For starters, you may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain relief or ask your doctor for prescription medication if OTC drugs fail to work; anti-inflammatory medications may work as well. Additionally, you may find that taking steps to prevent episodes of colitis also helps to reduce pain.

One of the ways you may deal with colitis pain involves the use of OTC pain relievers. For example, some people are able to enjoy a reasonable amount of pain relief when they take such medications as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. As an added benefit, some OTC pain relievers also have anti-inflammatory properties that may prove helpful when you are seeking pain relief. It’s important to ask your doctor, however, before you take any OTC medications for colitis pain relief. Depending on the type of colitis you have, there are some that may make your symptoms even worse.

Anti-inflammatory medications may also prove helpful when you’re looking for effective ways of dealing with colitis pain. While these drugs are not pain relievers, they can be used to reduce or relieve symptoms of colitis. Pain relief may come as a pleasant side effect of treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. Typically, anti-inflammatory medications are available by prescription and may include corticosteroids, which are steroid hormones, and such medications as mesalamine and sulfasalazine. Unfortunately, some of these medications are known for a range of side effects, so you may have to weigh the potential benefits versus the risks before beginning such treatment.

You may find that taking steps to avoid episodes of colitis is also helpful for dealing with colitis pain. Limiting the number of dairy products you consume each day may provide some symptom reduction. You may also experience some relief by consuming several small meals a day, instead of eating three large meals, and avoiding gassy foods. Drinking plenty of fluids, yet avoiding those that contain alcohol or caffeine, may help as well. Additionally, finding ways to reduce stress or developing new strategies for coping with it may also help to reduce the symptoms that contribute to colitis pain.