Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Causes, Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. Ulcerative colitis causes are somewhat mysterious, but the effects are certainly well known by anyone who has the disease.  

As the name "ulcerative" implies, ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. These ulcers bleed and produce pus.

Someone with ulcerative colitis often finds that they have to move their bowels frequently. Diarrhea usually accompanies this condition.

There are several variations of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative proctitis This is an inflammation of the rectum and lower part of the colon

Pancolitis This occurs when the entire colon is inflamed - right colon, left colon, transverse colon and the rectum.

Limited or distal colitis This is a condition in which only the left side of the colon is affected.

Ulcerative colitis can occur any age, but it often begins between the ages of 15 and 30. It tends to happen less frequently between 50 and 70. Men and women are affected equally and research indicates there may be a genetic link, since about 20 percent of people who have it also have a family member or relative with the same problem. For unknown reasons, people of Jewish ancestry are more likely to get it than other groups.

Approximately 1 patient in 20 will develop colon cancer. The risk of cancer increases depending on the the duration of the disease and the amount of damage that has been done to the colon.

There are a lot of theories about the causes of ulcerative colitis, but not much hard evidence. Like Crohn's disease, it seems that a malfunction of the immune system may be involved, in which the body's protective systems attack food and helpful digestive bacteria as if they're potentially harmful invaders.

Ulcerative colitis causes do not include sensitivity to certain foods or food products, nor by emotional distress. However, the stress of coping with the disease may also help worsen the symptoms.

Symptoms are similar to those of other intestinal or bowel disorders, especially Crohn’s disease, so diagnosis can be difficult. The doctor will usually do a physical exam and take a medical history. Blood tests and stool samples are helpful in narrowing the range of possibilities.

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are the most accurate diagnostic tools, along with a biopsy. X rays or CT scans can also be helpful.

Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis Typically, these include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, along with

• anemia
• fatigue
• growth failure (specifically in children)
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• loss of body fluids and nutrients
• rectal bleeding
• skin disorders
• weight loss

About 50 percent of patients have mild symptoms, but others experience frequent fevers, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps.

Ulcerative colitis may also cause other health problems. Arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis are typical.

Treating ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis treatment generally depends on the severity of the disease. Treatment is adjusted for each individual since patients tend to experience ulcerative colitis in varying degrees.

Ulcerative colitis medications sometime induce and maintain remission, and to improve the overall quality of the patient's life. Medications may help relieve pain, diarrhea, or infection.

Some patients enjoy remissions where symptoms go away for months or even years. Unfortunately, in many cases, symptoms eventually return.

Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases because of bleeding or diarrhea that causes dehydration.

About 25 to 40 percent of ulcerative colitis patients must eventually have surgery due to the risk of massive bleeding, severe illness, rupture of the colon, or risk of cancer. Surgery usually involves the removal of the colon.  

Sponsored Advertising

The Crohn's And Ulcerative Colitis Breakthrough

Click on The Crohn's And Ulcerative Colitis Breakthroughto learn more.