Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. It causes inflammation, ulceration and bleeding, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common symptoms include diarrhea with blood or pus, abdominal pain and cramping, and weight loss. The disease can vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe, and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.
Ulcerative Colitis Q&A
Ulcerative colitis is an incurable disorder affecting your digestive system, most often the rectum and colon. It’s one of several conditions collectively called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other primary form of IBD is Crohn’s disease, a similar disease affecting any part of the digestive system.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder that develops when something goes wrong with your immune system. In people with autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks cells in various parts of the body as though they were harmful bacteria or viruses. With Ulcerative Colitis, the immune system damages the tissues lining the gut wall.
What symptoms does Ulcerative Colitis cause?
How is Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed?
Medical history and symptoms: Doctors assess symptoms and family history.
Colonoscopy: These tests allow doctors to view the inside of the colon and take tissue samples.
Blood and stool tests: These can detect inflammation, infection, or anemia.
How is Ulcerative Colitis treated?
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and achieve remission. Options include:
- Medications:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): To reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: For short-term flare control.
- Immunosuppressants: To regulate the immune response.
- Biologic therapies: Target specific inflammatory pathways.
- Diet and lifestyle changes:
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods during flares).
- Stress management.
- Surgery:
- In severe cases, removal of the colon (colectomy) may be necessary, often resulting in the creation of an ileostomy or a J-pouch.