Ulcerative Colitis
Adriana Hj, Keegan Ehler
what it is?
Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in part of your digestive tract. It can be debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. This disease is very similar to Crohn’s disease. There is no known cure for Ulcerative Colitis
Where Does it Occur?
It usually occurs in the inner lining of the large intestine(colon), and the rectum. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, UC only affects the specific parts listed above.
Symptoms:
Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly. Many classifications are involved
- Ulcerative proctitis- inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and for some people, rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease.
- Proctosigmoiditis-It involves the sigmoid colon. Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus) are common problems associated with this form of .
- Left-sided colitis- inflammation extends from the rectum up through the colon. Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss are involved.
- Pancolitis- Effects most of the left colon and usually all of it. IT can cause severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and extreme weight loss.
- Fulminant colitis- This is a life-threatening type of Colitis, which affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea, and at times dehydration and shock
This courses of ulcerative colitis varies, with periods of acute illness which usually alternate with periods of remission, but unfortunately the severity of this disease stays the same
When should you visit a Doctor?
you should visit a doctor if you start experiencing symptoms such as
Abdominal pain
Blood in your stool
Ongoing bouts of diarrhea that don't respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications
An unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two