Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Its Impact on Life Insurance
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It is a lifelong condition that can start at any age, but often begins in young adulthood. Ulcerative colitis affects approximately 907,000 Americans, either intermittently or continuously throughout their lives.
Ulcerative colitis causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and other disruptive symptoms. During flares, a person may need to use the bathroom frequently, up to 20 times a day. This can greatly disrupt daily activities and quality of life.
While ulcerative colitis is not fatal, it does increase the risks of other health complications. Those with ulcerative colitis have higher chances of developing colon cancer, liver disease, blood clots, osteoporosis, and malnutrition. The exact causes of ulcerative colitis remain unknown, though genes, environment, immune system dysfunction, and microbiome disruption may play a role.
How Ulcerative Colitis Affects Life Insurance
Ulcerative colitis poses some challenges when applying for life insurance coverage. Here's what you need to know:
- Higher premiums - Insurers may charge higher premiums for those with ulcerative colitis due to the increased health risks.
- Requirement for more medical information - You may need to provide additional details about your condition, treatment history, and recent colonoscopy results.
- Delay in approval - Applications may take longer to process as insurers review your medical records.
- Possible rejection - In severe cases, you may be declined for individually purchased life insurance and need an alternative like guaranteed issue insurance.
Tips for Getting Life Insurance With Ulcerative Colitis
Don't let ulcerative colitis stop you from getting life insurance. With preparation and patience, coverage is attainable. Here are some tips:
- Shop when disease is well-controlled - Apply during remission instead of during a flare up.
- Ask your doctor for a letter - A letter attesting to your stability can help assuage insurers.
- Work with an independent broker - They can shop multiple insurers to find you the best rate.
- Consider group or guaranteed issue life insurance - If denied elsewhere, these are backup options.
- Buy earlier in life - Rates are lower when you're younger and healthier.
- Opt for a longer waiting period - A 2-year waiting period before payout benefits starts may reduce premiums.
- Maintain good health habits - Insurers look for proper diet, exercise, no smoking, and medical compliance.
Coping With Ulcerative Colitis Flare Ups
Even with proper management, most people with ulcerative colitis will experience periodic flare ups where symptoms get worse. Flares can be physically and emotionally draining. Here are some tips to get you through:
Adjust Your Diet
Dietary modifications may help reduce symptoms during flares:
- Follow a low fiber or low residue diet to ease digestion.
- Limit dairy, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and gas-producing foods like beans and broccoli.
- Stay hydrated by sipping water, herbal tea, broth, and electrolyte drinks.
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones.
- Try liquid meal replacements if you have appetite loss or nausea.
Use Medications Judiciously
Work closely with your doctor to adjust medications during flares. Options may include:
- Increasing oral aminosalicylates like mesalamine
- Short-term corticosteroids like prednisone to rapidly reduce inflammation
- Biologics like infliximab or adalimumab if flares remain frequent or severe
- Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth complications
- Iron supplements for anemia
- Antidiarrheals, pain relievers, probiotics, or antispasmodics for symptom relief
Try Stress and Anxiety Reducers
Mental health concerns are common with ulcerative colitis. During flares:
- Use relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Engage in hobbies or activities you enjoy.
- Talk to a mental health professional.
- Join a support group to connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Avoid triggers that worsen stress and anxiety.
Get Plenty of Rest
Fatigue often comes with increased disease activity. Be sure to:
- Sleep at least 8 hours per night.
- Take short rest periods and naps during the day.
- Reduce non-essential tasks until your energy returns.
- Ask for help from loved ones with daily responsibilities.
With the right modifications, care, and support, you can overcome episodic flare ups and restore your quality of life.
Preventing Ulcerative Colitis Complications
While unpleasant, the hallmark digestive symptoms of ulcerative colitis are usually not life-threatening on their own. However, ulcerative colitis does elevate the risk of several complications that can have serious consequences if left unchecked. Being proactive helps minimize the chances of these issues arising.
Colon Cancer Screening
Individuals with extensive, long-standing ulcerative colitis have a significantly higher colon cancer risk. Precautionary measures include:
- Undergoing colonoscopy screening every 1-3 years beginning 8-10 years after ulcerative colitis diagnosis.
- Having polyps or abnormal tissue removed during colonoscopy.
- Discussing surgical options like proctocolectomy if precancerous changes are present.
Bone Health Monitoring
The inflammation and malabsorption of ulcerative colitis, plus corticosteroid treatment, can deplete bone mineral density and lead to osteoporosis and fractures. Steps to safeguard bone health include:
- Getting regular bone density scans.
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Participating in weight-bearing exercise.
- Undergoing treatment for low bone density if present.
Preventing Blood Clots
Hospitalized ulcerative colitis patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or blood clots. Preventive tactics include:
- Using compression stockings or pneumatic compression devices.
- Taking blood thinners if immobile or post-surgery.
- Staying hydrated and mobile once discharged.
Avoiding Liver Issues
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive liver disease, develops in up to 5% of those with ulcerative colitis. To safeguard liver health:
- Have routine liver function blood work.
- Undergo imaging tests if liver enzymes are abnormal.
- See a hepatologist and discuss ursodeoxycholic acid if diagnosed with PSC.
Managing Mental Health
Ulcerative colitis often coincides with issues like anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Mental health recommendations include:
- Speaking openly with your doctor if emotional struggles arise.
- Considering therapy, support groups, or antidepressants if clinically depressed.
- Making lifestyle adjustments to improve stress management and well-being.
FAQs
Does ulcerative colitis affect life insurance eligibility?
Yes, ulcerative colitis can make it more difficult and expensive to qualify for individual life insurance coverage. Insurers may charge higher premiums, require more medical records, or delay policy approval due to the health risks associated with UC. Severe cases may result in declined applications.
What medications help manage ulcerative colitis flares?
Medications that may help control flares include increasing aminosalicylates like mesalamine, short-term corticosteroids like prednisone, biologics such as infliximab or adalimumab, antibiotics for complications, iron for anemia, and other drugs for symptom relief.
How can you lower stress during ulcerative colitis flares?
Tips for reducing stress and anxiety during UC flares include relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, engaging in enjoyable hobbies, talking to a therapist, joining a support group, avoiding triggers, and getting plenty of rest.
What are some ulcerative colitis complications to watch for?
Potential complications of ulcerative colitis include increased colon cancer risk, osteoporosis/fractures, blood clots, liver diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis, and mental health issues like depression and reduced quality of life.
How can you boost bone health with ulcerative colitis?
Steps to improve bone health include getting regular bone density scans, taking calcium and vitamin D, participating in weight-bearing exercise, and undergoing treatment if osteoporosis develops.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment