by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
En Espaol (Spanish Version)More InDepth Information on This Condition Ulcerative colitis is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease . It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the lining of the colon and rectum.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ) seem to run in some families. Some researchers think that a virus or bacteria causes the immune system to overreact and damage the colon and rectum.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Family members with inflammatory bowel disease are the only risk factor for ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness
- Nausea
- Fever
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Stool examination
- Barium enema x-ray insertion of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
- Colonoscopy a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
- Biopsy removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing (may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)
Treatment may include:
Avoiding Foods That Provoke Symptoms These foods are different for each person. They may include: Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)Highly seasoned foodsHigh-fiber foods Aminosalicylate MedicationsSulfasalazineMesalamineOlsalazineBalsalazide disodium Steroid Anti-Inflammatory MedicationsPrednisoneMethylprednisoloneBudesonide (in enema form) Immune Modifier MedicationsAzathioprine6-mercaptopurineCyclosporine Biological AgentsInfliximab Surgery Very severe colitis may not improve with medication. If so, you may be advised to have all or part of your colon removed. Surgery may also be recommended because ulcerative colitis increases your risk of colon cancer . Over time, colitis that is not treated or does not respond to treatment can lead to: ArthritisEye inflammationLiver diseaseKidney stonesSkin rashesOsteoporosisColon cancer PreventionThere are no guidelines for preventing ulcerative colitis. RESOURCES: American Gastroenterological Societyhttp://www.gastro.org Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Americahttp://www.ccfa.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC)http://www.ccfc.ca/English/index.html The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)
http://www.cag-acg.org/default.aspx References: American Gastroenterological Society website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org . Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org . National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/ . Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000. Textbook of Gastroenterology . 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003. Last reviewed February 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
