Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes chronic inflammation of the cells that line the rectum and colon (large intestine). This inflammation can lead to sores called ulcers, which may bleed and interfere with digestion. There are medications to calm the inflammation, as well as strategies to lessen the effect ulcerative colitis has on daily life.
Abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea are the most common warning signs of ulcerative colitis. These symptoms range from infrequent and mild to persistent and severe. Seen here is a section of the large intestine with changes typical of ulcerative colitis.
Chronic inflammation in the colon can cause digestive problems that may result in Weight loss, Poor appetite, Nausea, Poor growth in children.
Some people with UC have symptoms outside the digestive system. These may include Joint pain, Skin sores, Fatigue, Anemia, Frequent fevers.
The symptoms of UC are similar to another form of inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's. The difference is that UC occurs only in the large intestine, while Crohn's can occur in various places throughout the digestive tract, so symptoms may occur anywhere from the small intestine to the mouth. Irritable bowel syndrome is another disorder known for chronic belly pain and diarrhea, but it does not cause inflammation or sores in the intestines.
The exact cause of this is unclear, but researchers suspect the immune system is involved. In people with UC, immune cells may react abnormally to bacteria in the digestive tract. It is not known whether this triggers the condition or is a result of it. Doctors are confident that the disease is not caused by stress or diet, although these factors can make the symptoms worse.
The most accurate way to test for this is by colonoscopy. In this procedure, a tiny camera is inserted into the rectum to provide an up-close look at the inside of the colon. This will reveal any inflammation or ulcers in the area. A colonoscopy can also help your doctor rule out Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and cancer.
Ulcerative colitis sometimes causes complications that require hospitalization. These may include an ulcer that is bleeding profusely or severe diarrhea that causes dehydration. In these cases, your medical team will work to stop the loss of blood and fluids. If there is a tear in the colon, it may need to be surgically repaired.
About 5% of people with ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer. The cancer risk increases the longer you have the disease and the more damaged the colon becomes. If you have had UC for at least eight years, your doctor may recommend an annual colonoscopy to look for precancerous cells. These screenings won't prevent cancer, but they greatly improve the odds of detecting it early when it is most treatable.
Some people with UC develop serious problems outside the colon. These may include osteoporosis, arthritis, kidney stones, and, in rare cases, liver disease. Researchers believe the complications result from widespread inflammation triggered by the immune system. These problems may improve when it is treated with anti-inflammatory medications.
Author Resource:
Vasanthi is an eminent article writer for Doctor Support web portal. You can find more of her health articles at http://drsupport.in/blog/
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