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Article: Inflammatory bowel disease part I: ulcerative colitis--pathophysiology and conventional and alternative treatment options.
- Article from:
- Alternative Medicine Review
- Article date:
- August 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Thorne Research Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subcategory of inflammatory bowel disease, afflicts 1-2 million people in the United States, and many more worldwide. Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains undetermined, the condition appears to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While conventional treatments can be effective in maintaining remission and decreasing the length of active disease periods, the treatments are not without side effects, and a significant number of people suffering from UC fail to respond to even the strongest drugs. This article reviews potential unconventional treatments--transdermal nicotine, heparin, ...