Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Have you ever felt something abnormal in your bowel movement? It is because of Ulcerative Colitis. It is a condition in which the ulcer causes in the digestive tract and swelling in the colon. Due to this, it affects the lining of the large intestine. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which causes deadly pain in the abdomen. 

Furthermore, it does not develop symptoms suddenly but takes time. Also, it is a lifelong disease that may be caused on and off. You can feel mild to severe symptoms. However there is no age limit for this disease, but it can mostly affect people between the ages of 15 and 30. The inflammation of the colon affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Many diseases cause UC and spread all over the colon and rectum. Let’s check out the different types of UC:

1. Ulcerative proctitis

In this type of UC, the inflammation occurs in the area of the rectum, which is closest to the anus. The ulcer appears in the rectum and later causes bleeding. It is important to note that this UC only affects the rectum and no other part of the digestive tract. 

2. Proctosigmoiditis

Proctosigmoiditis is when inflammation occurs on the rectum and sigmoid colon, which is the lower end of the colon. The symptoms appear, such as bloody diarrhoea and extreme cramps in the abdomen. It makes a person urge to poop all the time and becomes uncontrollable. 

3. Left-sided colitis

Left-sided colitis occurs when inflammation affects the left side of your colon following the rectum and sigmoid colon. It mainly occurs between the splenic flexure and the colon’s last section. However, it is also known as the distal colon. 

4. Pancolitis

Pancolitis is a condition in which inflammation affects the entire colon and causes unbearable pain, bloody diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. 

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Many symptoms of UC which is important to notice as it helps in the diagnosis of the disease. Let’s check it out: 

• Diarrhoea (blood or pus)
• Increased bowel movements (Diarrhoea for more than four times)
• Urgent bowel movements (urge to poop)
• Tenesmus (urge to poop but can not do)
• Mild abdominal cramping or pain

You can also have symptoms of extreme UC, including

• Frequent bowel movements (Diarrhoea for more than four times)
• Blood, mucus or pus in your stool
• Severe abdomen cramping
• Fatigue 
• Rapid weight loss 
• Nausea
• Fever

Furthermore, other than the digestive tract, the symptom appears in other parts of the body, such as:

• Joint pain
• Swelling in joints
• Eye burning and itchiness
• Rashes and ulcers on the skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Ulcerative Colitis diagnoses include blood tests, stool samples, Flexible sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, and X-rays. Blood tests show anaemia and inflammation. Stool samples show if there is an infection or parasite in the stool and also show the blood if it is present. 

Furthermore, Flexible sigmoidoscopy is done in the lower part of the colon. Doctors also do biopsies for testing. In a colonoscopy, doctors check on the white colon. X-rays are rarely used and are mainly used in special cases. 

Treatment includes surgery and depends on many factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and more. Diet is important, as you should avoid spicy or high-fibre dishes. Also, it makes you lactose intolerant, so avoid eating dairy products as they are indigestible by the stomach. 

Take Antibiotics to fight infections. Next are aminosalicylates, which help control UC symptoms and reduce inflammation. They come in the form of pills and enemas. Doctors give corticosteroids when aminosalicylates do not work. Other medicines include Immunomodulators, Biologics, Janus kinase inhibitors, and more. 

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Some of the complications occur if you have this disease. Let’s check them out:

• If you have serious colon bleeding, it is called anaemia. It can occur, and it reduces the number of red blood cells. 
• Due to bleeding and inflamed colon, it can cause colon cancer. It depends on the duration, such as how long you have the disease. 
• It can also affect the joints and bones of the body, causing Osteoporosis, which causes bones to start losing strength. 
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis occurs when the infection passes to the liver. In this condition, liver scarring can occur. 
• Other complications that occur are dehydration, perforation, severe bleeding, toxic megacolon and more. 

Bottom Line

Ulcerative Colitis is a condition in which your colon gets inflamed and causes bleeding in stool. However, a diagnosis can be made for this condition, and with treatment, it can get better. It is important to monitor the symptoms as they do not occur initially. Furthermore, the complications can be life-threatening as there are higher chances of colon cancer.

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