Is a type of inflammatory bowel diseasealong with Crohn’s Disease
This condition is found in the large intestines and is typified with ulcers
Is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome which is a less serious condition
UC has times of extreme symptoms and other times of almost none at all.
Remission occurs with time and treatment
Reoccurance is also rather unavoidable
The specific cause is unknown but some genetic risk may be present.
Diet is not seen as a risk factor but for some who have ulcerative colitis a modified diet has been somewhat beneficial.
Much of the treatment of this disease points to an autoimmune disease however, no specific link has been made.
Often diagnosed between ages of 10 and 25
Possible or argued causes
1.) Diet
2.) Genetic
3.) Autoimmune
4.) Other environment
5.) Bacterial or infectious
Symptoms
GI symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Diarrhea with mucous
- Diarrhea with blood
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal pressure
- Cramps
- Bloating
Other additional symptoms
- Aphthous ulcers in mouth
- Joint pain in back, hands, feet, others
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Classifications
- Proctitis - Inolvment of rectum only
- Proctosigmoiditis - Involvement of just above the rectum
- Left-Sided colitis - Involvement of descending colon
- Pancolitis - Involvement of entire colon to the small intestine
According to Severity
Mild disease
- Fewer bowel movements
- With or without blood
- Normal blood work
- Abdominal pain or cramping
Moderate disease
- 4+ stools a day
- Possible anemia
- Moderate abdominal pain
- Fever
Severe disease
- 6+ stools a day
- Blood in stools
- Fever
- Elevated heartbeat
- Abnormal labs
- Probable anemia
Fulminant disease
- 10+ stools a day
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal tenderness
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal distention
- Very sick
- Blood transfusion may be needed
- May be very serious
- Treatment is necessary or death can occur
Complications
1.) Increased risk of colorectal cancer
2.) Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis – increased risk
Diagnosis
1.) Blood work
2.) X-ray
3.) Urinalysis
4.) Stool culture
5.) Colonoscopy
6.) Biospsies
Treatment
Aminosalicylates
. Mesalazine [Asacol, Pentasa]
. Acute Pancreatitis [Sulfasalazine]
. Balsalazide [Colazal]
. Olsalazine [Dipentum]
Corticosteroids
. Prednisone
. Budesonide [Entocort]
. Hydrocortisone
. Cortisone
. Methylprednisolone
Immunosuppressive Drugs
. Azathioprine
. Mercaptopurine
. Methotrexate
TNF Inhibitors
. Infiximab
Enema treatment
- Mesalazine enema [Rowasa]
- Mesalazine suppoitories and foam
- Hydrocortisone enema
Folic supplementation due to decreased amount due to medication action
Surgery
- Surgery of large intestines often can cure ulcerative colitis
- Is often seen with worse symptoms
Diet
- Modifications may be beneficial
- Possible lactose intolerance
- Carbohydrate diet
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Fish oils