Ulcerative colitis is a long-term gastrointestinal disease that impacts the large intestine. People suffering from ulcerative colitis develop open sores, known as ulcers, inside the colon and rectum. This occurs due to aberrant inflammation.
What Happens in Ulcerative Colities?
Ulcerative colitis develops when the immune system reacts too strongly. As a result of the ulcerative colitis and pus that the large intestine ulcers produce, some people experience abdominal pain. Diarrhea is a common symptom for people with this illness.
The majority of patients are identified between the ages of fifteen and thirty; however, the illness can manifest at any age.
The history of a person’s family may also have an impact on their likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis. Having a close relative with Crohn’s disease increases your risk of having the disease by 1.6% to 30%.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can worsen over time after a slow onset. Still, it’s possible for symptoms to go away for a while when the condition enters remission. The quality of life for individuals with ulcerative colitis can be enhanced with the right treatment. If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, Dr. Avadh Patel, a gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad, may be able to help you manage your condition and improve your overall health.
What are the factors responsible for ulcerative colitis?
Heredity
There seems to be a hereditary component to ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown certain genetic changes that could contribute to ulcerative colitis.
A Hyperactive Immune System
In response to potentially dangerous pathogens, the immune system helps to keep the body safe. According to research, these intruders might potentially fool the immune system into attacking the large intestine lining, which would lead to ulcerative colitis.
Environmental Factors
Environmental variables may raise the risk of getting ulcerative colitis, according to most research. However, the risk is still considered low. In certain cases, ulcerative colitis can be brought on by eating a lot of fat. Some people may be sensitive to certain foods.
Certain Medications
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Celebrex are all examples of NSAIDS that may raise a person’s risk. The anti-acne medication can also carry a higher risk of ulcerative colitis. Another factor that may marginally raise the risk of ulcerative colitis is the use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives.
Stress
It does not seem that emotional stress can cause ulcerative colitis. However, it has been shown in certain trials to potentially cause ulcerative colitis flare-ups in individuals who have already had them.
Signs of Ulcerative Colitis
Depending on the individual, ulcerative colitis can cause severe or mild symptoms in as many as 50% of patients. However, serious symptoms can manifest in approximately 10% of patients.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include
- Prone to frequent and uncontrolled diarrhea
- Feces that are red in color
- Discomfort, pain, or cramping in the abdomen
- Blood, pus, or ulcerative colitis in feces for an extended period of time
- Feeling queasy
- Decreased hunger
- Feeling exhausted
- Fever
- Anemia caused by profuse bleeding in the intestines
- Dropping pounds
- Child development that is sluggish or delayed
- Rashes, discomfort in the joints, and irritation of the eyes are among the less prevalent symptoms.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Depending on the site of infection or the degree of inflammation, one of five distinct forms of ulcerative colitis can be distinguished. Different types of ulcerative colitis manifest with different symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
When it comes to ulcerative colitis, this is typically the mildest variant. Rectal bleeding may be the sole symptom and the area affected is localized to the rectum.
Proctosigmoiditis
It is also known as the sigmoid colon and affects the lower part of the colon in addition to the rectum. Discomfort, cramping, and blood in the stool are some of the symptoms.
Collitis of the Left Side
Constipation of this kind typically manifests as cramps felt on the left side of the abdomen, more specifically in the rectum and the left portion of the colon. Loss of weight and blood in the stool are indicators to look out for.
Infectious disease
When the entire colon is affected by pancolitis, it can cause a variety of symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, severe weight loss, soreness, lethargy, and cramps in the abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Although it is uncommon, this illness can impact the entire colon. Pain, fever, and blood in the stool are some of the symptoms.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed in four different ways. Treatment typically involves the use of medicines or surgical procedures.
Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis:
- Looking at the patient’s ancestry for any signs of Ulcerative Colitis
- During the physical examination, the doctor will look for signs of edema, listen for abdominal sounds, and feel for soreness or discomfort.
- Typical indicators of Ulcerative colitis include blood and stool tests that look for anemia and inflammation elsewhere in the body
- The use of an endoscope, a camera-equipped, long, flexible tube, to examine the colon
Ulcerative Colitis Medication
Ulcerative colitis is incurable. Medication for ulcerative colitis aims to alleviate symptoms as much as possible. Medications for ulcerative colitis may be necessary for the rest of a person’s life.
If you or someone you know has been suffering from ulcerative colitis, you may seek advice and treatment from Dr. Avadh Patel, one of the top surgical gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in Ahmedabad.