Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease and can be a long-term serious health condition. It is a disease of the large intestine or colon by the forming of ulcers on the wall lining of the colon or rectum. Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to correctly diagnose due to the similarity of symptoms to other disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.
The Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
There is currently no known cause of ulcerative colitis and the onset of the disease can occur at any time, but the most common age range of diagnosis is between the ages of 15 to 30 and it affects both sexes equally. However, there is growing speculation that ulcerative colitis and other similar conditions are genetic and that it runs in families.
Ulcerative colitis is not viewed as being caused by a poor diet but certain foods can enhance the symptoms in some sufferers. This means the need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet for ulcerative colitis sufferers is very important. Additionally, there is no link to stress as being a factor in the onset of the condition however many sufferers state stress does exacerbate symptoms.
The Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
There are many symptoms of ulcerative colitis, but the two main symptoms are diarrhea and abdominal pain. The diarrhea is often bloody and contains mucus. The diarrhea in ulcerative colitis sufferers is often very watery but the blood is thick, albeit not bright red. The diarrhea can suddenly develop, meaning the need to visit the toilet can be immediate making it a constant cause for concern in sufferers.
The abdominal pains felt are usually a precursor to the need to visit the bathroom. These can be sharp intense pains that leave a sufferer doubled over in agony, but which usually pass once the bowel has opened. This pain is usually felt on the left side of the body as this is where the colon connects to the rectum.
Other symptoms include fever, weight loss (normally due to reduced eating habits), mouth ulcers, joint pains, and fatigue. Fatigue is probably the most cause for concern as this is due to the loss of vital nutrients with the body not absorbing enough vitamins and minerals. Despite all these symptoms many sufferers only develop a mild illness and are able to carry on their daily lives with minimal disruption.
The Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
The correct diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is vitally important due to the fact that the symptoms are very similar to that of Crohn’s disease. This is because the treatment offered can differ depending on the condition and an incorrect diagnosis may prolong symptoms. Crohn’s disease differs from ulcerative colitis in that the inflammation is deeper within the body and can be found in the small intestine.
A blood test is normally the first step in diagnosing ulcerative colitis as anemia may point to bleeding in the colon. A stool sample may shed further light on the cause of the problem. However, the most commonly used procedure in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is a colonoscopy. A long, flexible tube is inserted into the anus that is connected up to a monitor that enables the doctor to view the colon and rectum.
For further help and information please see the following:
The Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis and the Importance of Diet
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
The National Association for Colitis & Crohn’s Disease
Sources:
Cartwright Peter: Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis, Shelton Press 2004
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact Book, John Wiley & Sons 1983
Andrew Bunting - Andy is a fully qualified Financial Adviser in the UK and also has extensive knowledge on the world of Sport.
