Mental Health And Ibd Go Hand
Studies have found that people who have IBD are more likely to develop anxiety and depression than people who dont have it.
Sometimes, people who are frequently in pain start tobecome predictive with the pain way before it ever happens, and theyll stopdoing things in anticipation of the pain, Dr. Lupe notes. Maybe theyll stopeating, or theyll stop going out, and their lives get narrower and narrower,which a lot of times can influence the development of anxiety or depression.
Sleep problems are also common in people who have IBD, especially during a flare, he adds.
Its important to be aware of these risks. If youve lostinterest in doing things you used to love, or are struggling with theday-to-day challenges of living with a chronic gut disorder, speak up and letyour doctor know whats going on. He or she is there to help.
A lot of gastroenterologists know psychologists that they canrefer patients to, Dr. Lupe says.
Further Possibilities For More Effective Research
All variables mentioned in the 20 publications plus regular physical activity and anthropomorphic measures should be considered. These variables are either of general clinical importance, well-known IBD risk factors, or recently identified relapse predictors , although not necessarily confounders.
To avoid dilution effects, IBD cohort samples should be divided into groups with the same diagnosis, or, depending on the sample size, restricted to one diagnosis . It is intriguing that none of the reviewed studies commented on indeterminate colitis, although this entity is diagnosed in 10% of IBD. CD must be divided into groups of inflammatory, stricturing, and fistulizing behavior because these types show different disease courses . Moreover, investigations on UC might profit from patient assignment into pANCA-positive and negative groups because stress appeared to particularly predict adverse outcome in the pANCA-negative UC patients . As recently shown, the categorization of patients by their autonomic stress response, as measured by opposite changes in heart rate variability during acute psychological stress and recovery, seems also a fruitful endeavor for future studies .
Fig. 2
What Is Colitis In Dogs
Colitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of a dogs colon, also known as the large intestine.
The colon is the last part of the gastrointestinal system, following the small intestine.
The colon also absorbs water, so when its inflamed and its cells arent functioning well, water isnt absorbed properly, and it is expelled as diarrhea.
Don’t Miss: Do Anxiety Meds Help With Stress
Chronic Stress Facilitated The Development Of Colitis
It is increasingly understood that chronic stress needs to be tightly controlled because, even though acute stress is beneficial, prolonged stress has deleterious effects. To assess the possibility that chronic stress can promote colitis, we used an established model of colitis induced by DSS. Before the administration of DSS, mice were subjected to a well-established chronic stress paradigm for 1 mo. After 1 mo of continuous stress, the weight of mice was significantly decreased compared with the normal group, and the immobility times in a tail suspension test and forced swim test were significantly increased, indicating depression-like behavior . In normal treated conditions, DSS induced colitis in mice, with shortened colon length, decreased body weight, and obvious gross bleeding . In stress-treated conditions, even though chronic stress had no appreciable influence itself, it dramatically enhanced the severity of DSS-induced colitis, with further shortened colon length, decreased body and colon weights, and more obvious gross bleeding. In DSS-treated groups, chronic stress also caused severe pathologic processes throughout the proximal and distal colon, with extensive epithelial damage and inflammatory infiltrates, as well as decreased numbers of Ki-67âpositive cells, compared with the nonstressed group . Collectively, these results reveal that chronic stress promotes the development of DSS-induced colitis.
Cell Isolation And Flow Cytometry
Isolation of colonic lamina propria cells was performed following a previously established method . In brief, luminal content, extraintestinal fat tissue, and blood vessels were removed, and colons were then cut into 0.5-cm pieces. Colon pieces were first incubated with HBSS containing 5% FBS, 2 mM EDTA, and 1 mM DTT to remove epithelial cells and mucus, and then digested in PBS solution containing 5% FBS, 1 mg/mL collagenase VIII , and 0.1 mg/mL DNase I . Digested cell suspension was then washed with PBS solution and filtered with a 45-μm cell strainer. Antibodies used for colonic lamina propria staining included CD45 , CD19 , CD11b , Ly6G , CD4 , CD8 , F4/80 , CX3CR1 , and Ly6C . MLN homogenate and spleen homogenate after lysis of red blood cells were also washed with PBS solution and filtered through a 45-μm cell strainer to obtain cell suspension. Antibodies used for spleen and MLN staining included CD45 , CD19 , CD4 , CD8 , CD11b , Ly6G , and CD49 . Cells were analyzed with MACSQuant Analyzer 10 . Flow cytometry analysis was done with FlowJo software.
Also Check: How To Reduce Work Related Stress
Ways To Lessen Stress
You canât get rid of stress entirely. But you can learn to manage it. And studies show you can boost your quality of life when you take care of your mental health.
Ask your doctor for extra help if youâre not sure where to start. They can set you up with a counselor or health psychologist who works with people who have IBD.
They might suggest:
Which Type Of Doctor Treats Colitis
- Gastroenterologists are the medical specialists that treat diseases of the gastrointestinal organs such as colitis.
- In some cases colitis may be managed by primary care specialists or internal medicine specialists.
- Depending on the type of colitis, other specialists may be involved in the treatment, including
- infectious disease specialists or surgeons.
- Pediatricians or pediatric gastroenterologists are involved in the care of infants, children, and teens with colitis.
You May Like: How Do I Handle Stress
What Blood Tests And/or Stool Samples Diagnose Colitis
- Acomplete blood count measures hemoglobin and hematocrit, looking for anemia. If the red blood cell count is elevated, it may be due to dehydration, where total body water is decreased and the blood becomes concentrated.
- The CBC also measures the white blood cell count, which may be elevated as the body responds to infection. However, an elevated white blood cell count does not necessarily equal infection, since elevation may be due to the body’s reaction to any stress or inflammation.
- Electrolytes may be measured looking for changes in the sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels in the blood that help determine the severity of dehydration and loss of fluid.
- Kidney function may be checked by measuring the BUN and creatinine levels this may be an important clue as well to the severity of dehydration.
- Urinalysis may reveal dehydration if the specific gravity is elevated or if there are ketones present.
- Blood tests for markers of inflammation may also be measured, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein . These are nonspecific tests that may help guide decision-making.
- Stool samples may be collected for culture, searching for bacterial and parasitic infections as the cause of colitis. The stool may also be tested for blood.
The Influence Of Functional Gi Disorders
IBD is an organic bowel disease, which means that it has specific, measurable physiological effects on the body. Other disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome , are functional conditions, where symptoms occur but there is no obvious physical reason. Typically, psychological symptoms are more common in those with functional GI disorders, so it is common for physicians to screen for anxiety in these patients. However, since IBD is an organic disease, physicians dont often consider that these individuals experience anxiety, leaving some patients undiagnosed.
Interestingly, physicians frequently use a diagnosis of an organic GI disease to rule out a functional disorder. However, it is possible to have both, and it appears to occur quite frequently. One Australian study found that 66% of IBD patients also met criteria for at least one functional GI disorder, which was especially common in those who had both IBD and anxiety. It is important that physicians recognize the difference between normal IBD symptoms, and those that could be from irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia.
Recommended Reading: Can Stress Make You Vomit
Stress Colitis In Dogs
Life stage:
- Stress colitis in dogs is brought on by physical or mental stress and anxiety.
- Symptoms include diarrhea, straining to defecate, blood or mucous in the stool, and increased need to defecate.
- Treatment may include a bland diet, fluids, probiotics, or medications.
- Managing anxiety, offering probiotics and calming supplements, and working with a behaviorist can help prevent this condition.
We have all felt the negative impacts of stress on our own bodies, ranging from head colds to headaches and weight gain. Stress can also have harmful effects for our dogs.
Stress can weaken dogs immune systems, cause inflammation throughout their bodies, and can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria in their intestines, causing diarrhea or stress colitis. Continue reading to learn about stress colitis in dogs, its cause, symptoms, and treatment options.
Consider Therapy To Help Manage Stress And Pain
Working with a therapist on certain mind-body techniques can help you control ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and a technique called biofeedback may be useful, as these processes teach skills to cope with stress and pain. In CBT, you learn to recognize and change behaviors and emotions that affect you physically. According to an article in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, CBT can ease abdominal pain for some people. Biofeedback will teach you how to identify and control some bodily processes, such as heart rate or tension in your muscles, and it can be effective in helping manage chronic pain.
Recommended Reading: What Does Stress Do To The Human Body
Dogs Predisposed To Colitis Due To Stress
Many events can act as triggers and lead to stress-induced colitis. The most common triggers are upheavals at home, moving, travelling, spending time at boarding facilities, being separated from household members, severe weather and lifestyle changes.
Anything that causes an abrupt change in a dog’s everyday routine can be considered a trigger. Adding a new member to the household, either a human baby or a pet baby, is a common stress trigger. As intriguing as it sounds, dogs have been known to grieve the departure of family members. Therefore, the death of a family member can induce a bout of stress colitis in dogs.
In a nutshell, dogs are more sensitive than we think. Sometimes, something as simple as re-arranging furniture in the living room can cause stress and trigger the condition.
It should be accented that even positive events can lead to stress-induced colitis. Namely, when a dog is overly excited, its body releases two hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are also released when the body responds to stress. Therefore, any event that triggers the release of the stress hormones can eventually lead to stress-induced colitis.
Types Of Ulcerative Colitis
The type of ulcerative colitis you have depends on where it is in your body:
- Ulcerative proctitis is usually the mildest form. Itâs only in the rectum, the part of your colon closest to your anus. Rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease.
- Proctosigmoiditis happens in your rectum and the lower end of your colon . Youâll have bloody diarrhea, belly cramps, and pain. Youâll have the urge to poop, but you wonât be able to.
- Left-sided colitis causes cramps on that side of your belly. Youâll also have bloody diarrhea, and you might lose weight without trying. Youâll have inflammation from your rectum up through the left side of your colon.
- Pancolitis often affects your entire colon. It can cause severe bouts of bloody diarrhea, belly cramps, pain, fatigue, and major weight loss.
- Acute severe ulcerative colitis is rare. It affects your entire colon and causes severe pain, heavy diarrhea, bleeding, and fever.
Also Check: What To Say To Someone Who Is Stressed
What Happens When Youre Stressed
When you are stressed, your body kicks in to prepare and protect you from threats or danger. This automatic response is known as the stress response or fight-or-flight reaction. It is designed to kick your body into high gear so you can either face the threat head on or flee from it. Your strength and stamina increase, your focus is enhanced, and your reaction time speeds up.
When the stress response kicks in, your brain floods your body with hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger your body to get ready for action. They get your heart beating faster and send a rush of blood to areas of your body needed most in an emergency such as your muscles and other organs.
In addition, these hormones affect your respiratory system. When the stress response is triggered, you begin to breathe faster. This gets more oxygen into your bloodstream and quickly out to your body. Your blood vessels constrict, your blood pressure rises, and more oxygen-rich blood is diverted to your muscles. This gives you an extra boost of strength to take action.
Other organs also kick into overdrive. Your liver also goes into action producing more blood sugar, which gives you a surge of energy. Your stomach produces more acid. Your muscles tense. Your brain shifts blood flow and activity to survival areas of the brain like the amygdala. Stress also revs up your immune system. This helps your body avoid infections and helps wounds heal faster if your injured.
Home Remedies For Stress Colitis
The good thing about colon inflammation is that, in most cases, it naturally goes away. This means that medication may be optional, and other alternatives may be done to treat this condition. Here are some tips that you can follow to treat your dogs stress colitis at home:
Introduce Fasting
Fasting helps the digestive system take a break. It can minimize inflammation and help your dog digest its food better. Your vet may recommend putting your dog on a fast for up to 48 hours. Keep them from eating anything within this timeframe to maximize its effect. You can then slowly reintroduce other types of food in their diet so as to not shock their stomach.
Increase Their Fiber Intake
Dogs with colitis have difficulty absorbing water in their digestive tract. This leads to dehydration, rapid weight loss, and diarrhea for your pet. Increasing the fiber content in their diet can help keep them hydrated and prevent the manifestations of colitis. You can also opt to give your dogs fiber supplements to go along with their fiber-rich diet.
Give Them a Low-Residue Diet
Another healthy alternative that you can do to manage canine colitis is giving your dog a low-residue diet. Food that is low in residue refers to those that can be easily digested so they can be absorbed into the body better.
- Chicken
Also Check: How To Not Stress About Money
Stress And Ulcerative Colitis
Experts havenât found an exact link. But they have some theories about the connection between the two.
Inflammation. Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode when stressed. That triggers the release of lots of chemicals, including cytokines. Those are molecules that turn on your immune system and lead to inflammation. People with UC might be more sensitive to this process.
Brain-gut axis. Stress changes the signals that travel between your brain and gut. This can cause all kinds of digestion problems, even in people who donât have UC. These changes are also linked to irritable bowel syndrome , food allergies, and heartburn.
Other reasons. Research shows stress might:
- Damage the lining of your gut
- Disturb gut bacteria
- Change how fast or slow your digestive muscles work
- Make your gut more sensitive to pain
Chronic Stress Promotes Colitis By Disturbing The Gut Microbiota And Triggering Immune System Response
See allHide authors and affiliations
Recommended Reading: What Helps With Stress Acne
Get Regular Exercise To Reduce Uc Inflammation
Snider says exercise is useful in managing many of the complications associated with ulcerative colitis, including decreased bone density, a weakened immune system, emotional health problems, stress, and weight gain.
“Try to engage in a moderate-intensity exercise like swimming or biking, three or four days per week,” he says. A review published in August 2016 in Pharmacological Reports noted that moderate exercise releases protective myokines such as irisin from working skeletal muscles, which promotes healing and helps with inflammatory bowel disease inflammation.
Snider also strongly recommends yoga as a natural treatment for ulcerative colitis, as it promotes relaxation and targets the digestive system, flooding the area with oxygen and nutrition for healing. Find what type and frequency of exercise works for you and take it slow: Too much exercise can cause mild systemic inflammation.
Research indicates that stress plays a role in inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Researchers analyzed data on 2,007 adults in a Swiss IBD study and found a relationship between depression and anxiety and disease symptoms. The results were published in June 2016 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Counteract stress with relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation to help your body relax.
Try Cbt To Cope With Lifes Stresses
Axelrad suggests trying cognitive behavioral therapy , which can help alleviate some of the negative thoughts and feelings you may have about your disease. Doing so can help ease IBD-related stress and improve your quality of life. In its 2019 guidelines, published in the journal Gut, the British Society of Gastroenterology recommended CBT be offered to people with IBD to help them cope with feelings such as anxiety and improve their symptoms.
It is important that meet with a psychologist at least once to address stress and psychological impact of the disease, says Dr. Perera. We strongly recommend integrated care, including CBT, to address psychological needs in IBD.
Don’t Miss: How To Manage Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
