Ulcerative Colitis

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis. Inflammation of the colon and rectum occurs in ulcerative colitis, a chronic illness. The rectum is the end of the bowel where waste is kept, and the colon is the large intestine (bowel). The lining of the colon may develop tiny ulcers that bleed and create pus.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

A chronic illness known as ulcerative colitis is brought on by inflammation in the colon. The majority of UC patients have remissions without symptoms in between episodes of symptom flare-ups. Weight loss, cramping in the abdomen, bloody stools, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms. Medication and surgery are two forms of treatment.

Types

UC is categorized by medical professionals according to the location of colon inflammation. Your rectum, which is near your anus (butthole), is typically where the inflammation begins. Your colon may become completely or partially inflamed. Types consist of:
Ulcerative proctitis: Your rectum becomes inflamed.
Your rectum and sigmoid colon—the lower, S-shaped portion of your colon—are both impacted by inflammation.
When you have left-sided colitis, your colon’s left side becomes inflamed.
Pancolitis: Your entire colon becomes inflamed.
Your symptoms will determine whether your UC is mild, moderate, or severe. Fulminant ulcerative colitis, the most severe kind, is uncommon. It may result in potentially fatal side effects that call for immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis frequently worsen with time. You may initially see symptoms of moderate UC, such as: Diarrhea (which may or may not be bloody).
increased frequency of bowel movements or diarrheal episodes (four or fewer per day).
sudden need to poop or have an urgent bowel movement.
Tenesmus is the feeling that you need to urinate but can’t.
mild soreness or cramping in the abdomen.
Later on, you can also experience diarrheal episodes (four or more per day) or frequent bowel movements, which are signs of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Your stool may contain pus, mucous, or blood.

Causes

Although the cause of ulcerative colitis is complicated and involves many risk factors, most researchers agree that it is related to an overactive immune response. Your immune system’s function is to protect your body from harmful substances and germs, but occasionally it attacks your body inadvertently, causing tissue damage and inflammation.

Treatment

In patients with ulcerative colitis, the most common procedure is a proctocolectomy and ileal pouch. Your anus is left intact during this treatment, but your colon and rectum are removed. After that, the surgeon creates an ileal pouch, which is a piece of tiny intestine that joins your anus. This portion of your small intestine functions as a new rectum after it has healed, enabling you to poop normally.
Proctocolectomy and ileostomy: Your medical team may suggest a permanent ileostomy (without an ileal pouch) if an ileal pouch is not an option. Your colon, rectum, and anus are removed by your surgeon. They create a hole in your abdomen that connects to an external pouch (ileal stoma) that holds waste. You will frequently empty the bag.

Summary

If you have ulcerative colitis, you must collaborate closely with your medical team. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, take your medications exactly as directed. Ignoring your medication might cause flare-ups and make managing your disease more difficult.