The
large intestine is composed of your colon and rectum area, and is
responsible for transporting waste, which needs to be expelled from
the body. In a disease known as ulcerative colitis, the lining of
the colon becomes inflamed which can lead to symptoms of pain and
bloody diarrhea. Most people with ulcerative colitis can control their
symptoms with medications, but in some surgery may be their only option.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Along with Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis represents a type of
disease known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It's commonly diagnosed
in ages 14 to 38 years old, where about one hundred cases are seen
in about 100,000 people. It's unknown what causes ulcerative colitis,
but some researchers suggest an infection may trigger the disease.
Ulcerative colitis also tends to run in families, with a 25 percent
chance of getting the disease if a family member also has it.
Because ulcerative colitis appears to be more prevalent in industrialized
countries, many doctors believe environment, especially the type of
diet, is an important cause of the disease. High fat and high sugar
diets have been associated (although not proven) with ulcerative colitis
in longitudinal studies.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis?
The time course of ulcerative colitis usually presents itself as occasional
flare-ups of symptoms, which can be quite severe, and remissions (symptom-free
periods). The symptoms also tend to vary during the seasons, with
worsening symptoms in the winter than the summer.
| The
most common symptoms include: |
- Rectal
pain
- Rectal
bleeding
-
Fever
-
Abdominal swelling
- Weight
loss
- Poor
appetite
Other
typical symptoms include pain while having a bowel movement
and constipation. Ulcerative colitis can also affect other parts
of the body outside the colon, such as arthritic symptoms, liver
disease, skin rashes, and eye problems.
|
What Are The Treatments
Of Ulcerative Colitis?
Medications can help calm flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. Corticosteroids,
aspirin-like medications, and immunosuppressive drugs are most often
used to reduce colon inflammation. Sufasalazine is an aspirin-like
medication that is commonly used for treatment of mild attacks and
helps maintain symptom-free periods. Prednisone is often used during
attacks, available either as an oral medication or a suppository.
Due to their powerful effects on the body, immunosuppresants such
as azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol) are only
used in severe attacks, or those in which a single medication can
no longer control symptoms. Antibiotics may be used if bacterial infections
accompany inflammatory bowel problems.
Surgery is the only curative option for ulcerative colitis, which
is needed in about 20 percent of patients. Indications for surgery
can include excessive bleeding, colon perforation, or to prevent colon
cancer, which has been associated with ulcerative colitis. In a procedure
known as a proctocolectomy, the diseased colon and rectum are removed,
and an ileostomy (opening in the lower abdomen where the small intestine
is attached) may be necessary to empty waste matter.
How Is Ulcerative Colitis
Diagnosed?
Doctors will take a comprehensive history and physical, and then conduct
laboratory and radiologic tests to determine if one has ulcerative
colitis. Stool samples are usually taken, with the definitive test
being a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, where there is direct visualization
of the colonic lining.
If diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, the most important aspect one
can do is to keep oneself healthy through diet and exercise. Researchers
suggest a diet plentiful in high proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables,
with proper vitamin supplementation, can help minimize attacks, and
allow ulcerative colitis patients to lead as normal life as possible.
For more information, please contact:
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc., 386 Park Avenue South.
17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-8804. (http://www.ccfa.org)
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