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 overreact and damage the colon and rectum.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
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Blood tests
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Stool examination
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Barium enema X-ray–insertion of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
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Flexible sigmoidoscopy–a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
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Colonoscopy–a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
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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:
Aminosalicylate Medications
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Sulfasalazine
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Mesalamine
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Olsalazine
Anti-inflammatory Medications
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Prednisone
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Methylprednisolone
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Budesonide
Immune Modifier Medications
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Azathioprine
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6-mercaptopurine
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Cyclosporine
Biological Agents
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:
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Arthritis
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Eye inflammation
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Liver disease
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Kidney stones
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Skin rashes
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Osteoporosis
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Colon cancer
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing ulcerative colitis.
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Society
http://www.gastro.org
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
http://www.ccfa.org
References:
American Gastroenterological Society website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org.
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/.
Primary Care Medicine, 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.
Textbook of Gastroenterology, 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003.
