Ulcerative Colitis

Overview:

Ulcerative colitis, along with Crohn's Disease, is another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Colitis is swelling in the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect patches of the colon and run deep into the affected intestinal tissue, ulcerative colitis generally occurs in one continuous stretch, and only affects the innermost tissue of the colon and rectum. It appears to affect men and women equally, and can strike any age from young adulthood on. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, weight loss, and fever. As with many other gastrointestinal conditions and diseases, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Left untreated, complications can arise from ulcerative colitis, thus any of these symptoms warrant a visit to your gastroenterologist.

Causes:

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but like Crohn's Disease, it appears that the causes may be very similar. Although it was once thought that stress might be a main trigger, this is no longer believed to be the case. While stress may aggravate symptoms, researchers believe that causes may be due to the immune system's attempt to fight off a virus or bacterium. Genetic predisposition is also thought to play a role.

Diagnosis:

Also like Crohn's diagnosis for ulcerative colitis can involve various blood tests, a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, or various X-rays. Certain diagnosis can only be made after ruling out other similar gastrointestinal disorders. Upon diagnosis, your gastroenterologist may classify the ulcerative colitis based on its location within the bowel.

Treatment:

Another of the similarities between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's is seen in treatment methods. Medical treatment through anti-inflammatory medications (sometimes coupled with antibiotics) is the first step in order to reduce the inflammation which triggers symptoms, with long term remission being the ultimate goal. Lifestyle and diet changes can also play a significant role in successful treatment. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the bowel.

How Associates in Gastroenterology can help:

As with other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, when ulcerative colitis is left untreated it can increase a patient's predisposition to colon cancer. At Associates in Gastroenterology and Associated Endoscopy, we not only have the most updated technology at our disposal, but we have an expert staff who cares about your health and wellbeing. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions.