Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Causes

The cause of Ulcerative Colitis is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease) seem to run in some families. Some researchers think that a virus or bacteria causes the immune system to over-react and damage the colon and rectum.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Family members with inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Nausea
  • Fever

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:
  • Blood tests
  • Stool examination
  • Barium enema X-ray ? injection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy ? a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
  • Colonoscopy ? a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
  • Biopsy ? removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing. This may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Avoiding Foods That Provoke Symptoms

These foods are different for each person. They may include:
  • Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)
  • Highly seasoned foods
  • High-fiber foods
Aminosalicylate Medications
  • Ulfasalazine
  • Mesalamine
  • Olsalazine
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
  • Prednisone
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Budesonide
Immune Modifier Medications
  • Zathioprine
  • 6-mercaptopurine
  • Cyclosporine
Surgery

Very severe colitis may not improve with medications. If so, you may be advised to have all or part of your colon removed. Surgery may also be recommended because ulcerative colitis increases your risk of colon cancer.

Over time, colitis that is not treated or does not respond to treatment can lead to:
  • Arthritis
  • Eye inflammation
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney stones
  • Skin rashes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Colon cancer

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing Ulcerative Colitis.