Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffSince the cause of ischemic colitis isn't always clear, there's no certain way to prevent the disorder. Most people who have ischemic colitis recover quickly and may never have another episode.
But if you're at risk of ischemic colitis, your doctor may recommend:
- Avoiding certain medications that can diminish blood flow
- Ongoing treatment for underlying conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
- Cholesterol-lowering medication
- Regular exercise
- Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&about=true&uniqId=229935664-2192. Accessed July 19, 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. What diagnostic studies should be performed in patients with ischemic colitis? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- Feuerstadt P, et al. Colon ischemia: Recent insights and advances. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2010;12:383.
- Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-1604-7..C2009-0-42832-0--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-1604-7&uniqId=327451096-2. Accessed June 19, 2012.
- Theodoropoulou A, et al. Ischemic colitis: Clinical practice in diagnosis and treatment. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;14:7302.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 28, 2012.
- Paterno F, et al. Ischemic colitis: Risk factors for eventual surgery. American Journal of Surgery. 2010;200:646.


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