Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Complications and Treatments

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is Ulcerative Colitis?
• How does Ulcerative Colitis occur?
• Who is prone to Ulcerative Colitis?
• Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
• Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
• Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
• Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

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What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type chronic disease, occurring in the large intestine. In this disease, inflammation occurs in the lining of the large intestine, further leading to the development of open sores or ulcers. These ulcers produce mucous and pus.

Ulcerative colitis can create discomfort in the abdomen. The ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine (also known as colon) can cause repetitive emptying of colon. This disease can affect the digestive system and excretion process.

Ulcerative colitis is of five types- Ulcerative proctitis, Proctosigmoiditis, Left-sided Colitis, Pan Colitis and Acute-severe Ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative proctitis

In this, only the area near the rectum has inflammation.

Proctosigmoiditis

Rectum and lower end of colon gets inflamed.

Left-sided Colitis

In this, the inflammation spreads from the rectum towards the lower end of colon.

Pan Colitis

The entire colon gets affected, causing severe diarrhoea.

Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

In this, the whole colon gets affected, causing fever, severe diarrhoea and blood in stool.

How does ulcerative colitis occur?

There is no factual evidence for the cause of ulcerative colitis. However, genetic inheritance is suspected to be one of the reasons for the occurrence of this disease. It generally occurs as a result of abnormal activation in the immune system. This abnormal activation is triggered by the absence of a known invader, which results in formation of ulcers and chronic inflammation in the large intestine. The malfunctioning of the immune system can also be one of the reasons for ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is neither contagious nor infectious, as there has been no proved fact stating infection as one of the causes for this disease.

Who is prone to ulcerative colitis?

You could be at the risk of getting ulcerative colitis if;

• Your close relative has ulcerative colitis
• You are below 30 years of age
• You are white
• You have a weak immune system
• You get affected by the antigens in the environment
• Men and women have same chances of getting affected by this disease.

What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis? How is Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed?

The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhoea
• Pain in abdomen along with cramps
• Blood and pus in stool
• Frequent and loose bowel movements
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Not feeling hungry
• Anaemia
• Skin sores
• Unable to defecate despite the urgency

Diagnosis

After suspecting ulcerative colitis, the doctor might conduct a series of tests, in order to confirm the disease. Blood tests are conducted to check for the signs of infection in the colon. The doctor might ask you to get a stool test done, to analyze the presence of bacteria, virus or parasites. Two types of endoscopic examinations, Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy, are performed for complete examination of the colon. The doctor might suggest a barium enema X- Ray for the diagnosis of this disease.

What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis can lead to these complications:

• Hole in the colon
• Bone loss
• Rapid swelling of the colon
• Inflammation of skin, joints and eyes
• Chances of blood clots in the veins and arteries
• Risk of colon cancer.
• Blood transfusions

What is the treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?

There is no specific medication to cure ulcerative colitis. Surgery is considered as one of the options, for the patients who experience severe inflammation. The patients suffering from this disease are given medicines to suppress the inflammation and relieve the pain. Diet plays a very important role in treating ulcerative colitis, as it is the only way to keep the functioning of large intestine balanced and systematic.