The link between ulcerative colitis and smoking habits

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Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
The researchers suggest that smoking's positive effect on ulcerative colitis may be related to nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. Nicotine sometimes calms the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
So far, the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis is not really clear. However, scientists believe that the disease can be caused by a combination of factors such as: genetics, environment, intestinal microbiota ...

1. The relationship between ulcerative colitis and smoking habits

In the 2017 European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) consensus, it was agreed to define ulcerative colitis as a chronic inflammatory disease that causes ongoing inflammation.
Cigarette smoking though is a habit that has a negative impact on one's overall health. However, for people with ulcerative colitis, smoking can have a positive effect. The researchers suggest that smoking's positive effect on ulcerative colitis may be related to nicotine, a highly addictive chemical. Nicotine sometimes calms the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
A recent analysis looked at existing studies and found that smokers were less likely to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis than those who had never smoked. Heavier smokers are also less likely to develop ulcerative colitis than lighter smokers. This may be due to nicotine's ability to block the release of inflammatory cells in the digestive tract. This anti-inflammatory action of nicotine can prevent the body's immune system from mistakenly attacking the good cells in the gut.
Despite this, studies on the effects of nicotine on ulcerative colitis are inconclusive. Therefore, this habit should still be abandoned because most of it causes side effects for users.

2. Are e-cigarettes and other forms good for people with ulcerative colitis?

Any product that provides nicotine can have a positive effect on ulcerative colitis. Currently, nicotine can be found in many products, including:
Electronic cigarettes ; Chewing tobacco; Infused tobacco; Cigarette; Spit tobacco; Nicotine replacement therapy products, such as nicotine gum and patches.

3. Should smokers be treated for ulcerative colitis?

The habit of smoking is not recommended as a treatment for ulcerative colitis. Tar (not nicotine) is the chemical in cigarettes most linked to cancer. Therefore, any product that is highly addictive has a negative impact on your health.
According to research, there are about 600 ingredients besides tar and nicotine in 1 cigarette. When combined, these ingredients create more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are potentially carcinogenic. Smokers with ulcerative colitis remained hospitalized and overall health outcomes were rated as less positive than non-smokers.

4. Natural Remedies Can Help Treat Ulcerative Colitis

People with ulcerative colitis can refer to a number of natural products that help to treat the disease such as:
Boswellia: Commonly found in the resin underneath the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree. Research shows it can block certain chemical reactions that can cause inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis. Bromelain: These enzymes are found in pineapples. These days, they are also sold as supplements. Bromelain can ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis and reduce flare-ups. Probiotics: Everyone's gut and stomach are home to billions of bacteria. When the bacteria are healthy, the body is better able to fight the inflammation and symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Eating probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements will help promote the health of the gut microbiome. Psyllium: A psyllium fiber supplement may help with regular bowel movements. This can relieve symptoms, prevent constipation, and make it easier to get rid of waste in people with ulcerative colitis. Turmeric: This golden spice is high in curcumin, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is a prestigious address trusted by many patients in performing diagnostic techniques for digestive diseases, diseases that cause chronic diarrhea or ulcerative colitis... In particular, the screening techniques for colon cancer and colon polyps at Vinmec were performed using the Olympus CV 190 endoscope, the NBI function (Narrow Banding Imaging - endoscope with narrow light frequency band) for imaging results. The image of mucosal pathology is clearer... Thanks to that, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and give a timely treatment plan. Not only has a modern equipment system, Vinmec is also a place to gather a team of experienced doctors and doctors, along with a space designed according to hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring to patients. comfort, friendliness, peace of mind.

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References
Health risks of smokeless tobacco (2015, November 13) cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/tobacco-and-cancer/smokeless-tobacco.html Lashner, B. A., Hanauer, S. B., Silverstein, M. D. ( 1990, July). Testing nicotine gum for ulcerative colitis patients. Experience with single-patient trials ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194767 Lunney, P. C., & Leong, R. W. L. (2014, October 16). Review article: Ulcerative colitis, smoking and nicotine therapy. (2012, October 16) onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111 /apt.12086/full Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, August 14). Crohn's disease mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/basics/definition/con-20032061 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, September 9). Ulcerative colitis mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/definition/con-20043763