Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the lining of the colon, leading to a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Key Features of Ulcerative Colitis
- Location: UC only affects the colon and rectum, unlike Crohn's disease (another form of IBD), which can affect any part of the digestive tract.
- Continuous Inflammation: The inflammation in UC is continuous and starts from the rectum, extending upwards in the colon.
- Autoimmune Component: It is believed to involve an abnormal immune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the colon.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Chronic diarrhea, often with blood, mucus, or pus
- Urgency to defecate
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Rectal pain or bleeding
- Fever (in severe cases)
- Inflammation in other areas, such as the eyes, joints, or skin
Causes
The exact cause of UC is not fully understood, but it may involve:
- Genetic predisposition
- Immune system dysfunction
- Environmental factors, such as diet, stress, or infections
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
- Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation limited to the rectum.
- Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid colon.
- Left-sided Colitis: Inflammation from the rectum up through the left side of the colon.
- Pancolitis: Inflammation throughout the entire colon.
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy with biopsy (to view and sample the colon lining)
- Blood tests (to check for anemia or inflammation markers)
- Stool tests (to rule out infections)
- Imaging tests like CT or MRI for complications
Treatment
UC treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining remission:
- Medications:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASA): Reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: For short-term control of flares.
- Immunosuppressants: To modulate the immune response.
- Biologics: Target specific pathways of inflammation (e.g., TNF inhibitors).
- Dietary changes:
- Avoiding trigger foods like high-fiber or fatty foods during flares.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
- Surgery:
- If medications fail, surgical removal of the colon (proctocolectomy) may be necessary, often leading to the creation of an ileostomy or a J-pouch.
Complications
- Severe bleeding
- Perforation of the colon
- Increased risk of colon cancer
- Toxic megacolon (severe dilation of the colon)
- Systemic inflammation affecting other organs
If you or someone you know has symptoms of UC, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
