Other Therapy

• Diet: Diet is the mainstay therapy for most causes of colitis. A clear fluid diet allows the colon to rest, since the fluid is absorbed in the stomach and none is passed into the colon to be processed as stool.
  
  
• Hydration: Adequate hydration is important because an individual can lose a significant amount of fluid with each diarrheal bowel movement. Aside from the daily fluid requirements, this excess loss needs to be replaced, otherwise dehydration will occur and potentially worsen the symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping.
  
  
• IV fluids: Intravenous (IV) fluid may be required, especially if the patient cannot drink enough fluids by mouth. For some illnesses like ischemic colitis, in which blood flow to the bowel is already compromised, adequate hydration is a key element in treatment.

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