What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disease that results in the development of inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Unlike other forms of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine. Affecting the lining of the large intestine, symptoms of this condition often develop over time. This condition can worsen if not treated, as well as lead to life-threatening complications. Ulcerative colitis affects an estimated one to two million people in the United States alone and many more worldwide. Most patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis will have developed the condition before the age of thirty. Patients may also have a family history of ulcerative colitis.

What are the causes and symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, although it was previously linked to diet and stress. Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to attack the body. Heredity may play a role in developing ulcerative colitis, though most patients will not have a family history. Risk factors for developing the condition include age, race or ethnicity, and family history.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include fever, weight loss, fatigue, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, rectal pain, diarrhea that can include blood and mucus, and the inability or urgency to defecate. If the patient is a child, they may experience impairment of growth. Most patients with ulcerative colitis will experience mild or moderate symptoms, and the condition can have extended periods of remission. Ulcerative colitis is classified due to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, left-sided colitis, and pancolitis.

What is the diagnosis and treatment like for ulcerative colitis?

Patients should see a doctor if they notice blood in their stool or experience abdominal pain, diarrhea that affects sleep, or a fever lasting more than a day. Most patients should expect their doctor to find a treatment that will control their symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Complications of ulcerative colitis can include an increased risk of blood clots, toxic megacolon, severe bleeding, the development of a hole in the colon, an increased risk of colon cancer, inflammation of the eyes, joints, or skin, osteoporosis, and severe dehydration.

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, a doctor will need to take a tissue biopsy. Several other tests can be used to determine if the patient is experiencing complications due to the condition. These tests can include blood tests and stool studies. Additional tests and procedures can include a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, x-rays, CT scans, or a computed tomography (CT) enterography and a magnetic resonance (MR) enterography. Treatment for ulcerative colitis can involve medication or surgery. Depending on the complications, symptoms, the severity of the condition, and the patient, several categories of medications can help effectively treat the condition. Medication can include autoinflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, biologics, anti-diarrhea drugs, pain relievers, and antispasmodics. The patient may also need to take iron supplements. Surgery for ulcerative colitis can be required in certain cases. These procedures can include a proctocolectomy, or ileoanal anastomosis surgery, and the placement of an opening in the abdomen (ileal stoma) for stool to pass through for collection in a bag. Patients with ulcerative colitis may also need frequent screenings for colon cancer or more frequent surveillance colonoscopies.

Patients should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Contact Granite State Gastroenterology to make an appointment with a specialist today.