Pouchitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
Pouchitis is inflammation in your ileal pouch. You may only have symptoms 1 time, or symptoms may come back again after treatment. Acute pouchitis lasts under 4 weeks. Pouchitis is chronic if it lasts 4 weeks or longer.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You have severe diarrhea.
- You are not able to have a bowel movement.
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- You have severe abdominal pain, a fever, and your abdomen is larger than usual.
- You have new or increased blood in your bowel movements.
Call your doctor or ileal specialist if:
- Your symptoms get worse or do not go away with medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Probiotics help restore the balance between certain types of bacteria in your intestines. Probiotics may help prevent pouchitis from coming back.
- Steroids help decrease inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants help slow your immune system.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage or prevent pouchitis:
- Do not take NSAID medicines, including aspirin and ibuprofen. NSAIDs can cause flare-ups.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you create a meal plan that is right for you.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. For most people, water, juice, and milk are good choices. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can make your symptoms worse.
- Be physically active, as directed. Physical activity helps prevent constipation and keep your colon healthy. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
Follow up with your doctor or ileal specialist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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