Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract, causing diarrhea and abdominal pain. The disease affects the colon mucosa, the innermost lining of the colon.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598 While Chron’s disease can affect the entire digestive tract, Ulcerative Colitis is restricted to the colon and the rectum. http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/ucp
The exact causes of Ulcerative Colitis are unknown, although studies have suggested that some attributing factors can include genetics, the immune system, and environmental factors. http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/ucp
If a patient is suspected to be suffering from Ulcerative Colitis, a doctor will survey their medical history, perform a physical examination, and a series of tests in order to accurately diagnose the illness.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
While ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, there are symptoms that characterize specific classifications of the disease.
Fulminant Colitis: This form of UC is rare, and is characterized by severe abdominal pain, violent diarrhea, and can be accompanied by dehydration and shock. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms
Left-Sided Colitis: With left-sided colitis, the inflammation occurs on the left side through the sigmoid and descending colon. Symptoms include pain and cramping on the left side, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms
Pancolitis: Inflammation extends throughout the entire colon, causing bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss, and fatigue. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms
Proctosigmoiditis: Proctosigmoiditis affects the sigmoid colon, or the lower end of the colon. Symptoms incluse bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, and tenesmus, or significant straining to pass little to no stool. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptomshttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003131.htm
Ulcerative proctitis: This is generally the mildest form of UC, and is confined to the rectum. Symptoms may include pain in the rectum and tenesmus. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment for the disease will be assessed on an individual basis, taking into consideration the severity of the illness and the symptoms that need to be treated. Medications including antidiarrheals, corticosteroids, and aminosalicylates may be prescribed in order to treat symptoms and keep the illness in remission.http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-treatment-overview
Ulcerative Colitis Presentation
This video features an in-depth presentation of the anatomy and functions of the colon and the affects ulcerative colitis has on its functioning. While there are no known causes for UC, there are theories that suggest that UC may be caused by a response by the immune system, triggered by an illness.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
General symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include abdominal pain and cramping, and diarrhea.
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Fact:
Different classifications of UC produce varying symptoms, like bloody diarrhea and tenesmus.
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Fact:
There is no known cause for Ulcerative Colitis.
