INFORMATION ON ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is a neurological disease which causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. The colon is the part of the digestive system where all waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Ulcerative colitis is chronic conditions that can last years to decades. They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people In the United States. Men and women are affected equally. They most commonly begin during adolescence and early adulthood, but they also can begin during childhood and later in life.

SYNONYMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Ulcerative colitis.
2. Fulminant colitis.
3. Ulcerative proctitis.
4. Ulcerative proctocolitis.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease.
6. Crohn's disease.

CAUSES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

The cause of ulcerative colitis is not identified right now. But it is well known that body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestinal wall. Inflammatory bowel disease tends to run in families and 10 to 20% of people with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease are likely to have at least one other person in their family affected. Researchers are also looking at the links between environmental factors such as nutrition and exposure to various infections.

SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are:

1. Fatigue.
2. Weight loss.
3. Loss of appetite.
4. Rectal bleeding.
5. Kidney stones.
6. Skin lesions.
7. Joint pain.
8. Growth failure.
9. Abdominal pain.
10. Bloody diarrhea.
11. Loss of body fluids and nutrients.
12. Anemia caused by severe bleeding.

DIAGNOSIS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis can be suspected from the symptoms. Certain blood and stool tests are performed to rule out an infection that can mimic the disorder. A visual examination of the lining of the rectum and lower colon or the entire colon is always required. This exam typically reveals a characteristic pattern. Small, painless biopsies are taken which show certain features of ulcerative colitis. A barium enema x-ray of the colon may be needed at some point during the course of the disease.

TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Treatment can be done by control the acute attacks, prevent recurrent attacks, and promote healing of the colon. Hospitalization is often required for severe attacks. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Medications may be taken to decrease the frequency of attacks include 5-aminosalicylates named mesalamine and immunomodulators. We can also go for a surgery to remove the colon will cure ulcerative colitis and removes the threat of colon cancer. Patients may need an ostomy or an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, a procedure that connects the small intestine to the anus to help the patient gain more normal bowel function.