Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, particularly affecting the colon and rectum. While there is no cure, effective treatment can alleviate symptoms and induce long-term remission.
Symptoms
Symptoms of UC develop gradually and may include:
- Diarrhea with blood or pus
- Abdominal and rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgency to defecate
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
Types
UC is classified based on its location, including:
Ulcerative Proctitis: Limited to the rectum, with rectal bleeding as a common sign.
Proctosigmoiditis: Involving the rectum and sigmoid colon, causing bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Left-sided Colitis: Extending from the rectum to the descending colon, presenting with symptoms on the left side of the abdomen.
Pancolitis: Affecting the entire colon, leading to severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Seeking Medical Attention
Consult a doctor if you experience persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, blood in stool, or unexplained fever. Although not usually fatal, UC can lead to serious complications.
Causes
The exact cause of UC remains unknown, but it is associated with an immune system malfunction. Abnormal immune responses lead to the attack on digestive tract cells. Heredity also plays a role, with a higher risk for those with a family history.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for UC include age (usually begins before 30), race or ethnicity (higher risk for whites, particularly Ashkenazi Jews), and family history.
Complications
Complications of UC can be severe and include:
- Severe bleeding
- Perforated colon
- Dehydration
- Osteoporosis
- Inflammation of skin, joints, and eyes
- Increased risk of colon cancer
- Toxic megacolon
- Increased risk of blood clots
In summary, understanding the symptoms, types, causes, risk factors, and complications of UC is crucial for timely medical intervention and effective management of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Regular medical monitoring is essential for those living with UC to ensure appropriate care and minimize complications.