ABOUT THE DISEASE

It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing long lasting swelling and inflammation of the colon (large intestine). There are tiny ulcers and small abscesses in the colon and rectum that flare up periodically producing symptoms, with periods of remission in between. It is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn`s disease. But unlike Crohn`s disease, it does not affect the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. It is a disease that can last years to decades. Men and women are affected equally. It most commonly begins during adolescence and early adulthood.

SYMPTOMS

• • Rectal bleeding
• • Abdominal pain or cramping
• • Diarrhea
• • Fever
• • Tiredness
• • Weight loss
• • Night sweats
• • Rectal pain
• • Feeling the immediate need to have a bowel movement -Rectal urgency
• • Joint pain or swelling

CAUSES

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is likely caused by an abnormal response of the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract to something in the gut -- food or bacteria in the intestines, or even the lining of the bowel -- that causes uncontrolled inflammation. Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis.

DIAGNOSIS

- Endoscopy, such as colonoscopy or proctosigmoidoscopy
- Blood tests
- Stool samples
- Barium X-ray
- Other X-ray procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT scan).

Colonoscopy needs to be repeated after every 1-2 years just to rule out colon cancer as the chances for the same increase in patients suffering from IBD.

TREATMENT METHODS

There is no cure for this disease, medicines / immunomodulators / corticosteroids are used to control the immune system and reduce the inflammation. Hospitalisation might be required after every serious attack.

Dietary restrictions - small helpings, proper water intake (spread throughout the day) and stress management go a long way in containing the disease.

Surgery to remove the entire large intestine (colectomy), or both the colon and rectum (proctocolectomy) removes the threat of colon cancer. Surgery is usually recommended if you have:

• - Colitis that does not respond to complete medical therapy
• - Changes in the lining of the colon that are thought to be precancerous
• - Serious complications such as rupture (perforation) of the colon, severe bleeding (hemorrhage)

If the entire colon is removed, the operation may create an opening, or stoma, in the abdominal wall, to which a bag is attached (permanent ileostomy). The tip of the lower small intestine is brought through the stoma. Stools pass through this opening and collect in an external pouch, which is attached to the stoma and must be worn at all times.

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