Ulcerative Colitis
What is Ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory intestinal condition (IBD). The IBD consists of a group of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Ulcerative colitis occurs when the lining of the large intestine (also called the colon), the rectum, or both becomes inflamed.
This inflammation causes tiny sores, called ulcers, on the lining of your colon. Usually it starts in the rectum and extends upwards. It could include the whole colon.
The inflammation allows your intestine to transfer its contents quickly and empty regularly. The ulcers form as the cells on the surface of the lining of your bowel die. The ulcers may cause bleeding and mucus and pus discharge.
Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can also lead to life-threatening complications. Although it does not have a proven cure, medication can substantially reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and even contribute to long-term remission.
Types of Ulcerative colitis
The type of ulcerative colitis you have depends on where it’s located in your body:
Ulcerative proctitis is the mildest type. It's just in the rectum, the nearest section of your colon to your anus. The sole symptom of the illness may be rectal bleeding.
Proctosigmoiditis your rectum and the lower end of your colon. You're going to have bloody diarrhea, cramps in your abdomen, and pain. You'll get an urge to poop, but it won't be possible for you.
Left-sided colitis causes cramps on the side of your abdomen. You're going to have bloody diarrhea, too, and you could lose weight without trying. You're going to get inflammation from your rectum to the left side of your colon.
Pancolitis often affects the entire colon. Severe bouts of bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, discomfort, tiredness, and significant weight loss can be caused.
Acute, severe ulcerative colitis is rare. It affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, severe diarrhea, fever and bleeding.
Symptoms of Ulcerative colitis
Depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs, symptoms of ulcerative colitis can differ. Symptoms and signs can include:
Abdominal pain and cramping
anemia
Canker sores
Dehydration
Eye inflammation
Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain or swelling
Not being able to hold your stool in
Not feeling hungry
Pain or bleeding with bowel movements
Skin problems
Sudden urges to poop
Weight loss
Causes of Ulcerative colitis
It is still unclear the precise cause of ulcerative colitis. Previously, there was concern of diet and stress, but now doctors know that these factors may exacerbate but do not cause ulcerative colitis.
A malfunction of the immune system is one potential cause. An irregular immune response triggers the immune system to target the cells in the digestive tract, too, as the immune system attempts to fight an invading virus or bacterium.
Heredity also tends to play a part in the fact that ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in individuals with the condition who have family members. Most persons with ulcerative colitis do not have this family history, however.
Ulcerative colitis Prevention
There is no strong evidence that suggests that UC is influenced by what you consume. When you have a flare-up, you can find that some foods aggravate your symptoms.
Ask your doctor if there is a multivitamin you can take.
Avoiding fatty foods
Drinking small quantities of water all day long
Having smaller meals all day long,
Practices that may help include:
Reducing your milk consumption if you are intolerant to lactose
Restricting the consumption of high-fiber foods