Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the lining of the rectum and the colon. The colon becomes inflamed, causing frequent diarrhea. The inflammation kills cells lining the colon, making the colon bleed. It is considered to be an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other IBD conditions. According to the National Institute of Health, people most likely to get this disease are between the ages of 15 and 30, Caucasian or Jewish, and those with a family history. Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured, but there are treatment options available.
Mild Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis has two symptoms common for most people diagnosed with the disorder: bloody diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately half of those suffering from colitis have only mild symptoms. Besides abdominal pain and diarrhea, other common symptoms are fatigue, loss of appetite, joint pain, lesions on the skin and anemia.
Severe Symptoms
Since only about half of the people with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms, many are unfortunate enough to have intense signs of the disease. Along with other symptoms, children may experience a failure to grow. Adults will likely develop the mild symptoms but also frequent fevers and nausea. Some people experience abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea that are more critical than mild pain.
Outside of Colon
For reasons unknown by doctors, some people will have severe symptoms occurring outside the colon. Some conditions that may arise because of the ulcerative colitis are arthritis, eye inflammations, liver disease and osteoporosis. Many researchers believe that because ulcerative colitis occurs alongside immune system disorders, these conditions are triggered and the body cannot protect itself properly. Some of these symptoms may even increase due to the stress of managing and living with the disorder.
Drug Therapy
Drugs to reduce inflammation are used regularly for patients with mild colitis or for those who are relapsing. Steroids are used, although they are not recommended for long-term use because of the side effects. Immunomodulators reduce inflammation and assist the immune system. These are given to people who were unaffected by the previously mentioned drugs only, because the side effects may be quite severe.
Surgery
According to the National Institute of Health, between 25 and 40 percent of people diagnosed with colitis eventually have surgery to remove their colons. This may be because of a ruptured colon, excessive bleeding or other severe illness. After removing the colon and rectum, a surgeon will often follow up with one of two other surgeries. An ileostomy creates an opening in the abdomen, attached to the small intestine. Waste travels through the opening into a pouch worn by the individual, who disposes of the waste. An ileoanal anastomosis preserves part of the anus so the patient can have a normal bowel movement. The surgeon removes the colon and rectum but leaves the outer muscles of the rectum for this purpose.
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