Information About Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of the large intestine characterized by inflammation of the lining of the intestinal tract and rectal bleeding. It falls into the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that comes in waves or "flare-ups." The most common symptoms of a flare-up are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Excessive blood loss can lead to fatigue as a result of anemia.

Ulcerative colitis is not irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cramping, gas, bloating and changes in bowel regularity are common with irritable bowel syndrome.

Though ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, the most common groups affected are 15-to-30 and 50-to-70 year olds. Reasons for this are not known, and the etiology, or origin of the disease, is unclear. An estimated one million Americans suffer from IBD, split about equally between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Suspected causes for this inflammatory bowel disease are:

Some people spontaneously stop having flare-ups. About one third of affected individuals require surgical treatment, which often results in a full cure. Most cases of ulcerative colitis can be controlled through dietary measures, such as limiting fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal of dietary treatment is to reduce irritation to the large intestine. Medications, such as anti-diarrheal preparations and steroids, are also effective at controlling symptoms.

The answer is, "Yes, it can become quite serious." Ulcerative colitis can cause complications, such as internal hemorrhaging and perforations of the large intestine, thus posing a risk for blood loss and infection. The risk of colon cancer is increased significantly in those with UC. In addition, a person with ulcerative colitis is also at risk for other health conditions not associated with the colon, such as skin rashes and liver disease.

Ulcerative proctitis, an inflammation limited to the rectal mucosa (lining), carries a significantly lower risk of hemorrhage, perforation, colon cancer or any of the other complications of UC. Proctitis can be treated effectively with medication. Approximately thirty percent of individuals with ulcerative colitis first have ulcerative proctitis.

A condition commonly confused with UC is Crohn's disease. Fistulas, or tubular pockets in the anal area, are characteristic of Crohn's, while UC does not manifest in this way. People with Crohn's disease typically have more sores around the anus than those with UC.

 

 

Follow the links to learn more about ulcerative colitis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Resources

Baughman, D.C. & Hackley, J.C. Handbook for Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. Lippincott, PA, 1996. 601-603.

Beers, M.H. & Berkow, R. (ed). Irritable bowel syndrome . The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th Edition . Merck Research Laboratories, NJ, 1999.

Beers, M.H. & Berkow, R. (ed). Inflammatory bowel diseases. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th Edition. Merck Research Laboratories, NJ, 1999.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (updated 2004). Colorectal cancer.