Ulcerative Colitis - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis DescriptionA severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation and subsequent ulceration of the large intestine (colon). Repeated attacks cause thickening and scarring of the colon to the point where it cannot adequately undertake its task of absorbing excess fluid from the faeces. Ulcerative Colitis CauseUnknown, but more common in whites than in blacks and orientals, and six times more common in Jews than other Caucasians. The overall incidence in developed countries is about one in every thousand people. Ulcerative Colitis SymptomOften quite mild at first, but subsequent attacks steadily worsen to cause bloody diarrhea with severe abdominal cramps and pain. Large amounts of mucus may be present in the diarrhea, and in severe cases the diarrhea may occur 20 times a day, consist entirely of blood and mucus, and be severe enough to cause the patient to collapse. Occasionally, periods of apparent constipation can occur between attacks of diarrhea. Further symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and overwhelming tiredness. InvestigationDiagnosis confirmed by a barium meal X-ray or colonoscopy (a tube is passed through the anus into the colon to allow it to be examined). Ulcerative Colitis TreatmentPasses through phases of active disease and remission, and treatment is aimed at treating the active disease when it occurs and preventing an attack from developing. Severe attacks require admission to hospital for drips into a vein, antibiotics, and steroids. Milder attacks may be treated by steroid tablets or suppositories (given through the anus). Prevention and the treatment of mild attacks require a specific diet that is high in protein but excludes dairy products, and the regular use of sulphasalazine, which reduces gut inflammation. Uncontrolled disease may require the surgical removal of the entire colon and an ileostomy (the small intestine is opened out onto the skin of the abdomen and wastes are collected in a bag). ComplicationsNumerous serious complications including abscesses around the anus, a rupture of the colon (urgent surgery may be necessary), colon cancer, massive overdilation of the large intestine (megacolon), or false connections (fistula) from the gut to the bladder or vagina caused by ulcers breaking through to these adjacent organs. Inflammation in the colon may be associated with inflammation in other parts of the body, including the skin, joints, eye, mouth and liver. Prognosis of Ulcerative ColitisNo permanent cure, but most cases can be adequately controlled by medication. Because of the long-term complications and related conditions in other organs, the average life expectancy of these patients is slightly less than normal. |
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