Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis or UC is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine, otherwise known as the colon. The colon is where waste and water is stored and is attached to the rectum at the end of the colon near the anus. Those who have ulcerative colitis develop ulcers and inflammation in the lining of the colon that lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Ulcerative Colitis is related to Crohn's disease and they are both often in the same category as inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's are both chronic conditions that affect up anywhere from 500,000 to 2 million people in the U.S. a year and can last for years or even decades. Men and women are both affected equally and it usually begins during adolescence and early adulthood and can last into older age.

The disease, primarily Ulcerative Colitis can be found worldwide, but is most common in the U.S., England, and Northern Europe, particularly with those of Jewish descent and Caucasian. It is rare to find it in Eastern Europe, Asia, South America, and also with African Americans.

There is no known cause for the disease to occur. It is believed that it may be caused by abnormal activity of the immune system, which causes it to attack itself against what it perceives as invaders. However, it can also be inherited.

The most common symptoms include rectal bleeding and diarrhea. However, depending on how severe the inflammation is, they are sometimes more varied. There are also different types of Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Proctitis is the inflammation in the rectum. This includes the feeling of having to go to the bathroom frequently.

Proctosigmoiditis is inflammation of the rectum and the sigmoid colon, which is a small part of the colon next to the rectum. It includes rectal bleeding, feeling of needing to go urgently, and cramps.
Left-side colitis is inflammation that begins at the rectum and goes into the left part of the colon. It includes bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and pain in the left side of the abdomen.

Pancolits is inflammation that involves the entire colon and involves weight loss, fever, night sweats, diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping.

A rare, but very severe form of pan colitis is Fulminant colitis. Those with this version become dehydrated, have severe abdominal pain, worsening diarrhea, bleeding, and even shock. Often, surgery may be recommended for this type to prevent colon rupture.

The disease is diagnosed by collecting stool specimens to analyze for signs of the disease and also by blood tests that show an elevated white blood cell count and anemia. In addition, a physical examination and medical history may be taken as well. A colonoscope or a tube placed into the rectum will look at the colon to show if the disease is present. Often, a tissue sample may be needed to examine the severity of it.

Colon cancer can be a complication of Ulcerative Colitis. It's risk begins after 8 to 10 years of colitis. Therefore, having colonoscopies for those who suffer extensively for years with UC is recommended.

Another complication is inflammation of the joints or arthritis. Some can develop low back pain because of sacroiliac joints.

Such medications that can be used for UC are Topical 5-ASA compounds like Sulfasalazine, Olsalazine, and Mesalamine, otherwise known under Pentasa, Asacol, Rowasa enemas.