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Ulcerative Colitis: What You Need to Know About This Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published: Apr 02, 2024
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. It can cause recurring episodes of inflammation and symptoms that significantly impact quality of life.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, often with blood, and abdominal pain. Patients may also experience urgency to have a bowel movement, tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete evacuation), and incontinence. In more severe cases, fever, fatigue, and weight loss can occur. The severity can range from mild with just a few loose stools per day to severe with over 10 bloody stools daily and debilitating pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms lasting over 4 weeks, along with evidence of inflammation seen during a colonoscopy and on biopsy samples. Blood tests may show anemia and elevated inflammatory markers. Stool tests are done to rule out infections. Imaging like CT or MRI scans may be used to assess the extent of inflammation.
What causes it?
The exact cause is unknown, but ulcerative colitis is thought to result from an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. Environmental factors like diet, stress, and gut bacteria likely play a role. Unlike some other inflammatory conditions, smoking actually seems to be protective against ulcerative colitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but symptoms can often be managed with medication.
Yes, long-standing ulcerative colitis increases colorectal cancer risk.
It affects about 1 in 200 people in Western countries.
Key Takeaways
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management, but with proper treatment, many patients achieve long periods of remission and good quality of life.
References
- Silverberg MS, et al. Toward an integrated clinical, molecular and serological classification of inflammatory bowel disease: report of a Working Party of the 2005 Montreal World Congress of Gastroenterology. Can J Gastroenterol 2005; 19 Suppl A:5A.
- Rubin DT, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2019; 114:384.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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