What are the sign and symptoms of ulcerative colitis? (1)
Inflammation starts from the rectum and circulates up to the colon is known as ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of this condition include irregular bowel movements, cramps in the abdomen, loss of weight, anemia, and pus or blood in the stool.
Signs and symptoms of this condition can get worsen with time. In the beginning, the following signs can be found:
- Urgent bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Loss in weight
- Cramps in belly
- Anemia (the number of blood cells is reduced)
- Fatigue and then tiredness
In the worst condition of ulcerative colitis following symptoms can be seen:
- Pus or blood found in bowel movements
- A severe type of cramps
- Fever
- Rashes on skin
- Sores are developed in the mouth
- Pain in joints
- Red and painful eyes
- Liver diseases
- Loss of essential fluids and nutrients
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar in Pediatrics and it delayed their growth. Symptoms showed in children might be confused with other conditions so, you must discuss all the symptoms with your pediatrician.
What are the causes of ulcerative colitis?
The exact and defined cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown to researchers. It is said that ulcerative colitis is caused when your healthy immune system attacks the healthy cells mistakenly. Our immune systems help the body that fights against foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria. When it attacks the healthy tissues it can cause ulcerative colitis. It can also happen when the immune system fails to stop its action. Environmental and genetic factors can also play their role in developing this condition. Diet is not involved in the development of ulcerative colitis but diet and stress can elevate the condition. According to one study, the rate of ulcerative colitis is high if you are taking highly processed food.
Types of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis has been classified based on its location and different types of this condition are:
- Ulcerative proctitis:
In this type of ulcerative colitis inflammation usually occurs near the anus. One common system of this type is bleeding in the rectum.
- Proctosigmoiditis:
In this type, inflammation is found in the RECTUM and SIGMOID COLON. The sigmoid colon is the terminal of the colon. Diarrhea, pain, and pain in the abdomen is the most common sign and symptoms of this type. You also face an inability to move the bowel.
- Left-sided colon:
In this category, inflammation expands from the rectum to the sigmoid and then to the lower of the colon. Signs and symptoms associated with this type are:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Cramps in abdomen
- Pain in the left side
- You feel an urgency to defecate
- Pancolitis:
The entire colon is affected by the inflammation of this type. Following symptoms are linked with pancolitis:
- Severe bloody diarrhea
- Cramps in abdomen
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Abrupt weight loss
Risk factors associated with ulcerative colitis:
Both men and women can get affected with ulcerative colitis. Risk factors are:
Age: This condition usually occurs in the twenties or before 30. It is not defined as it can happen at any age but some people with strong immune systems may not develop even after the age of sixty.
Race or ethnicity: white people are at high risk for developing ulcerative colitis but it can happen to any people of any race or ethnicity. The risk of developing ulcerative colitis is greater in Ashkenazi Jewish.
Family history: if you living with a family member such as parents, siblings, or close relative suffering from ulcerative colitis, then you are at great risk of developing ulcerative colitis
Diagnosis
Ulcerative colitis can be only detected with the help of endoscopic methods. Other tests are performed as well so similar conditions can be ruled out such as IBD and Crohn’s disease.
Lab tests:
Lab tests include two tests that are:
- Blood test
- Stool test
Blood test: it is performed to diagnose anemia or to check for other associated infections
Stool test: ulcerative colitis can be detected if protein and white blood cells are found in the stool. It is also used to rule out other conditions such as infection from bacteria, viruses, or some parasites.
Endoscopic procedures:
Endoscopic procedures include two major procedures that are:
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy: In this procedure, your doctor will use a thin flexible tube with a camera attached to the end to view the entire colon. Meanwhile, your doctor may take samples from the colon known as biopsy to perform laboratory tests.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: slender and flexible tube with lightening is used to examine the RECTUM and SIGMOID COLON. If your colon is damaged hardly your doctor will perform sigmoidoscopy instead of colonoscopy.
Imaging procedures:
Imaging procedures are performed to rule out other conditions or infections. Tests include:
- X-Ray
- CT-scan
- Computerized tomography enterography
- Magnetic Resonance enterography.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis (2)
Treatment for ulcerative colitis can be done either with drug therapy or surgery. In some cases, drug therapy might work but for some surgery is necessary. Your doctor will suggest you according to risk to benefit ratio. Medications include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
It is the first-line choice in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This treatment usually works for many people with ulcerative colitis. Drugs are
- 5-aminosalicylates: this class includes the drugs:
- Sulfasalazine
- Mesalamine
- Balsalazide
- Olsalazine
- Corticosteroids: drugs include:
- Prednisone
- Budesonide
They are usually recommended in mild to moderate types of ulcerative colitis and also when other medications won’t work. They have side effects when used for a longer period so not recommended to people with liver or kidney infections.
Immune system suppressors
Immunosuppressants include:
- Azathioprine and mercaptopurine
- Cyclosporine
- Tofacitinib
Biologics:
Proteins are targeted by this class that is made by the immune system. Drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis are:
- Infliximab
- Adalimumab
- Golimumab
- Vedolizumab
- Ustekinumab
Other medications used:
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Pain relievers
- Antispasmodics
- Iron supplements
Surgery:
Surgery is recommended in severe ulcerative colitis in which the entire infected colon is removed. The procedure used in the process is known as ileoanal anastomosis surgery (J-pouch).
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