Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a disease in which there is chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. The inflammation can cause the lining tissue to break down, forming ulcerations that can bleed. Inflammation can involve the entire colon or only parts of it. Almost always, ulcerative colitis requires treatment.

Warning Signs are:

Abdominal Pain: The main symptoms caused by ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and diarrhea, usually bloody. Symptoms vary in severity from mild to severe. The photograph shows the typical pattern of ulcerative colitis with ulcerations covered by white pus.

Weight Loss: The chronic inflammation and symptoms of ulcerative colitis, if not controlled, have general effects on nutrition; poor appetite, loss of weight, and poor growth in children are common.

Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease?

Ulcerative colitis is considered to be related to Crohn's disease, another chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines (both are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease); however, Crohn's disease, unlike ulcerative colitis, is not limited to the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a disease that occurs in developed nations, and is more common in cities than in the countryside. Approximately 700,000 people in the U.S. suffer from ulcerative colitis. Individuals with ulcerative colitis usually develop the disease between ages 15 and 25 although the disease may begin at any age.

The Course of Ulcerative Colitis

The course of ulcerative colitis is variable. Untreated, it usually fluctuates in severity from mild to severe in the same individual, most often over years. Occasionally, the disease "burns out," becoming inactive although residual scarring usually is visible with colonoscopy.

Urgent Care for Ulcerative Colitis

During a flare of ulcerative colitis, treatment is important to avoid complications. The most common complication is bleeding that can lead to anemia. With a severe flare, the colon may stop working and dilate (enlarge). If not successfully treated, the colon may rupture and become a medical emergency. If treatment is not successful, surgery may be necessary.

Medications for Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment of ulcerative colitis aims to reduce the inflammation in the colon. The inflammation-reducing drugs with the most extensive experience are the aminosalicylates, drugs that are related to aspirin. If aminosalicylates are ineffective, corticosteroids (for example, prednisone) are used. A third type of drug that is used is immunomodulators, drugs that reduce the immune response and thereby the inflammation. It may take several weeks to months for the drugs to become maximally effective.

Biological, Whipworm Therapy

Ulcerative Colitis in Children

Children with ulcerative colitis that is not controlled often grow more slowly than normal, and may end up shorter than they would have. This occurs because when there is active inflammation, appetite is reduced and an insufficient amount of food is eaten. It may be necessary to recommend high calorie diets or even augment the diet with supplements. Children with psycho-social problems because of their disease may need a therapist to help them develop strategies to cope with the disease.

Are you living with Ulcerative Colitis: Diet Changes, supplements, staying hydrated.

Although it has not been found that diet has an effect on ulcerative colitis, it generally is recommended that patients eliminate any foods that they find are making their symptoms worse. For example, milk in people with Ulcerative Colitis who are intolerant to the sugar in milk, lactose, may be causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal bloating, flatulence, and diarrhoea, symptoms that may overlap with those of ulcerative colitis. Despite not being the cause of the ulcerative colitis, eliminating milk may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in these people. It is important to be sure that the diet is nutritionally adequate, and this may require the assistance of a dietician.