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. Acetaminophen may help with pain relief, but it's important to talk to a medical professional because not all over-the-counter medications should be used; he or she may be able to prescribe other pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications that may help. Additionally, you may find that taking steps to prevent episodes of colitis also helps to reduce pain.
Although acetaminophen may help relieve your pain, it doesn't always work for everyone. It also may not be effective for severe pain. Other common over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen, should not be taken to relieve colitis pain. These medictions and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to make symptoms worse and, in some cases, may even lead to the development of colitis in people who are predisposed to the condition. Talk to a healtchare professional about how it might affect your condition before taking any over-the-counter medication.
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 positive 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.