A radical approach to the regulation of Ulcerative Colitis symptoms is the use of nicotine. A study presented in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that the addition of nicotine to conventional therapy of Ulcerative Colitis improves symptoms.1 It is hypothesized that nicotine beneficially affects the mucosal lining of the colon thereby improving gut motility. However, just as differences in diets were mentioned for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, studies for Crohn’s Disease show that nicotine actually exacerbates the condition.1 This is one more important reason to monitor the disease to ensure proper diagnosis and use effective treatments.
An episode of the hit medical TV series “House” showcased Dr. House prescribing for his patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease “one (cigarette) twice a day, no more, no less. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is one of the most effective ways to control inflammatory bowel.” The patient questions this by asking “Isn't it addictive and dangerous?” to which the Doctor replies, “Pretty much all the drugs I prescribe are addictive and dangerous. The difference with this one is that it's completely legal.” Witty writing aside, this treatment may be effective at calming the symptoms of some people's ulcerative colitis.
