GASTROENTEROLOGY ENDOSCOPY CENTER
CONDITIONS
CONDITIONS
Overview
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has injured the cells that usually line the colon, which then may bleed and create pus. This inflammation also causes the colon to empty frequently, producing diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.
Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea are often seen in other intestinal disorders. About half the people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Others may suffer frequent fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea and severe abdominal cramps. It may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease and osteoporosis. It is not known why these problems occur outside the colon, but scientists think it may be the result of inflammation triggered by the immune system. Some of these problems go away when the ulcerative colitis is treated.
Symptoms of UC can also vary depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Doctors classify ulcerative colitis according to its location.
Classifications of Ulcerative Colitis and Their Symptoms
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Researchers believed that stress was a possible cause, but they no longer believe that this is a viable explanantion. However, stress can aggravate symptoms. There are now two possibilities for the cause of ulcerative colitis.
Risk Factors of Ulcerative Colitis
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Tests to Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis
Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
There is no known cure for UC, but therapies are available that may dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of UC and even bring about a long-term remission. This is either achieved through medications or surgery.
Medications
Surgery
If diet and lifestyle changes, medications or other treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can often eliminate ulcerative colitis, but that usually means removing your entire colon and rectum.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Ulcerative Colitis
You can make dietary and lifestyle changes to help alleviate symptoms and lengthen time between flare-ups.
While there is no evidence that says certain foods cause ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that can aggravate your symptoms. Limiting dairy products and avoiding problem foods may help improve your symptoms. Problems foods can vary for each person, but you should also avoid “gassy” foods such as beans, cabbage and broccoli, raw fruits and fruits, popcorn, caffeine and carbonated beverages. Experiment with fiber. For some, adding more high-fiber foods can help with bowel issues; however, if you have an inflammatory bowel disease fiber may worsen your symptoms. Try eating five or six meals instead of two or three large ones and drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
Avoiding stress is also a good way to alleviate your symptoms. Stress can aggravate your symptoms, so learning to better manage stress can help. Exercise, biofeedback, regular relaxation and breathing exercises are all ways you can manage stress.
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