Ulcerative colitis is a type of Inflammatory bowel disease, which also includes Crohn’s disease. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause comparable symptoms but does not include inflammation, is distinct from inflammatory bowel disease. If the inflammation (swelling) of the large intestine becomes severe enough, ulcers (open, painful sores) may occur in the lining of the large intestine.
Epidemiology
About 2% of the population in the United Kingdom has ulcerative colitis. It can manifest at any age, but typically manifests between the ages of 10 and 40. About 1 in 7 adults over the age of 60 are diagnosed for the first time. Nonsmokers are more prone to acquire ulcerative colitis than smokers. However, the health risks associated with smoking considerably outweigh this gain.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms
The most frequent symptoms of ulcerative colitis are stomach pain and bloody or pus-filled diarrhea.
Disease symptoms often develop gradually and fluctuate.
Remissions, or periods without active disease, can last months or even years.
Ulcerative colitis can spread throughout the colon over time. Typically, this results in a more severe condition and more severe symptoms.
Untreated UC can result in a variety of problems, including:
- Malnutrition
- Colon perforation
- Osteoporosis
- Hepatic disease
- Colorectal cancer
- Toxic megacolon
Ulcerative colitis diagnosis
Your doctor will thoroughly examine your medical history. Blood tests are helpful for determining the level of inflammation, if blood loss has resulted in anemia, and your overall health and nutritional status. Occasionally, stool sample analysis can be beneficial.
It takes time to acquire a diagnosis, so keeping a notebook or diary about your symptoms, when they emerge, and how you feel is advisable. As you and your doctor discuss these symptoms, he or she will be better able to formulate a diagnosis.
Your doctor will select which of a number of procedures is most appropriate to evaluate your digestive problems. Although X-rays are rarely utilized today, they allow the physician to observe the bowel’s features. The process needs you to undergo a barium enema. This offers contrast that aids in X-ray visibility of the gut. Scopes are increasingly utilized to evaluate the nature and extent of disease. In these procedures, the physician inserts an instrument (sigmoidoscope or colonoscope) via the anus in order to visualize the colon. The scopes consist of a hollow, flexible tube containing a miniature video camera and light. An advantage of these methods over barium X-rays or virtual colonoscopies (CT scans) is that suspicious-looking tissue can be biopsied at any point during the examination for further laboratory investigation.
After completing all of these tests and ruling out other possible illnesses, your doctor may diagnose you with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis treatment
Whether you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease affects the type of treatment you receive for IBD. Possible treatments include:
- Medication to decrease the likelihood of flare-ups
- Steroid (cortisone) medication
- Medications that suppress immune system activity
- Surgery to correct problems.
Herbal treatments
The following natural therapies may help relieve UC symptoms:
- Boswellia – This herb can be discovered in the resin beneath the bark of Boswellia serrata trees. According to research, it inhibits several of the chemical interactions that can produce inflammation in the body.
- Bromelain – This enzyme mixture is naturally present in pineapples and is also available as a dietary supplement. It may help alleviate UC symptoms and minimize flare-ups.
- Probiotics – Your digestive tract and stomach contain billions of bacteria. When bacteria are in good health, the body is better able to combat inflammation and UC symptoms. Eating probiotic-containing foods or taking probiotic supplements can improve the health of your gut flora.
- Psyllium – This fiber supplement can assist maintain regular bowel motions. This may reduce symptoms, prevent constipation, and facilitate waste elimination. However, fiber consumption during an IBD flare-up might increase stomach cramping, gas, and bloating for many patients.
- Turmeric – This golden yellow spice is loaded with the antioxidant curcumin, which has been found to alleviate inflammation.
Surgery
If the UC is severe and treatment is ineffective, your doctor may propose colon removal surgery. Using the end of the small intestine, a ‘pouch’ is then constructed inside the body and attached directly to the anus.
Alternately, a temporary or permanent stoma can be created. This is an artificial stomach hole that directs stool into a bag. Since the surgery relieves the symptoms of UC, drugs are frequently no longer necessary.
It’s normal to feel apprehensive about the prospect of living with a stoma, but it can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life.
Complications
Colon cancer risk is increased by ulcerative colitis, particularly when symptoms are severe or extensive.
The NIDDK reports that the risk of colon cancer is greatest when ulcerative colitis affects the entire colon for more than eight years.
Toxic megacolon
This consequence occurs in a small number of patients with severe ulcerative colitis.
With toxic megacolon, trapped gas causes the colon to expand. There is a risk of colon rupture, septicemia, and shock when this occurs.
Other possible ulcerative colitis consequences include:
- Inflammation of the eyes, skin, and joints
- Hepatic disease
- Osteoporosis
- Colon perforation
- Severe bleeding
- Severe dehydration
A doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements, calcium, or other drugs to prevent bone density loss.
These risks can be avoided by attending frequent medical appointments, strictly following a doctor’s instructions, and being aware of symptoms.
When should I contact my physician regarding my ulcerative colitis?
Immediately contact your healthcare provider if you have:
- • Severe and persistent diarrhea
- • Blood pouring from the anus and blood clots in the feces.
- • Constant discomfort and a high fever.
How frequently do I require a colonoscopy?
Especially when you have symptoms or are just starting or changing medications, your doctor may want to examine the rectum and colon occasionally to ensure that the therapies are effective and the lining is mending. Individuals have varying frequency requirements.
Additionally, ulcerative colitis raises the risk of acquiring colon cancer. Your healthcare physician may recommend a colonoscopy (a procedure that evaluates the health of the colon) every one to three years in order to look for early cancer indications.
For more info visit: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
