Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel illness that can result in severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. It can be controlled by consuming or avoiding particular foods that assist in minimising flare-ups and inflammation.

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with ulcerative colitis, but identifying and avoiding the items that cause symptoms can help alleviate pain.

Doctors aren't sure what causes this sickness, but they believe it has something to do with the environment, westernized foods and lifestyles, and heredity.

A healthy diet can aid in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Because of the inflammation, your bowel moves its contents quickly and empties frequently.

Ulcers arise when cells on the surface of your gut lining die. Ulcers can result in bleeding, mucous, and pus discharge.

While people of all ages are affected by this condition, the majority of patients are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. After the age of 50, there is a minor increase in the number of people diagnosed with this ailment, according to us.

Ulcerative Colitis Causes

• UC is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system. However, it is unclear why certain immune systems attack the large intestine while others do not.
• When your immune system makes a mistake, it causes ulcerative colitis. It normally tackles invading organisms in your body, such as the common cold.
• When you have UC, on the other hand, your immune system mistakenly believes that food, good gut flora, and the cells that line your colon are intruders.
• Instead of protecting you, white blood cells damage the lining of your colon. Inflammation and ulcers are caused by them.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgency to defecate
• Inability to defecate despite urgency
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever

Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

UC can be diagnosed using a variety of assays. Other bowel disorders, such as Crohn's disease, are similar to this illness. To rule out other conditions, your doctor will conduct a series of tests. Tests to diagnose UC include:

• Stool Test:A doctor looks for inflammatory signs, blood, germs, and parasites in your faeces.
• Endoscopy: A flexible tube is used by your doctor to inspect your stomach, esophagus, and small intestine.
• Colonoscopy: A long, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum to check the inside of your colon during this diagnostic examination.

Blood tests are frequently used to diagnose UC. Anaemia is detected by a full blood count (low blood count). Other tests, such as a high C-reactive protein level and a high sedimentation rate, indicate inflammation. Antibody testing may also be ordered by your doctor.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatments

The therapy of UC has two basic objectives. The first is to make you feel better while also allowing your colon to heal. The second goal is to avoid further flare-ups. To achieve your goals, you may require a mix of diet changes, medication, or surgery.

Diet

• Some meals can aggravate your symptoms. Soft, bland food may not bother you as much as spicy or high-fiber foods.
• If you can't digest the sugar lactose in milk (which means you're lactose intolerant), your doctor may advise you to avoid dairy products.
• A well-balanced diet is rich in fibre, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables should be sufficient in vitamins and nutrients.

Medication

• The medication you take will be determined by you and the severity of your symptoms.
• Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory or anti-swelling medicine if your symptoms are modest.
• Many symptoms will be relieved as a result of this. Corticosteroids may be required in some cases to help reduce inflammation, but they might have side effects, so doctors aim to keep their usage to a minimum.
• Antibiotics may be required if an infection is present. An immunomodulator may also be prescribed by a doctor.

Ulcerative Colitis Complications

• Severe bleeding
• Perforated colon
• Severe dehydration
• Bone loss
• Inflammation of the skin and eyes
• Increased risk of colon cancer
• Toxic megacolon
• Increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries

When to see a Doctor

If you have a chronic change in your bowel movements, or if you have signs and symptoms like these, see your doctor.

• Pain in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhoea that persists despite the use of over-the-counter drugs
• A fever that lasts more than a day or two

Frequently Asked Questions