What
is a Ulcerative Colitis? Ulcerative
Colitis is a long-term condition characterized by inflammation, tiny ulcers and
abscesses in the top layer of the large intestine. The inflammations usually involve
the rectum and may extend into the large intestine.
If
the inflammation is limited to the rectum, the condition is called ulcerative
proctitis. The amount of the rectum or large intestine affected varies from person
to person.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
The
most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:
- bloody
diarrhea
- pus
in stool
- abdominal
pain
- green stool
- painful
bowel movements
- skin
lesions or ulcers
- fever
- weight
loss
- joint
pain
- eye
inflammation
Cause of Ulcerative Colitis?
The
exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown.
How
is Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed?
Ulcerative
colitis is diagnosed through a procedure called colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is a
procedure where a thin, flexible tube with an attached camera is inserted into
the colon. The camera will help the doctor examine the colon.
Treatment
Options for Ulcerative Colitis?
Treatments
for ulcerative colitis will be focused on decreasing inflammation, relieving symptoms and preventing
complications. The most common treatments are medication and surgery.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis?
People
who have had Ulcerative Colitis for 8 years or more
are at risk for developing colon cancer. People whom more than half of their colon
is affected are also at risk for developing colon cancer. Unfortunately, cancercan develop even if symptoms are minimal.
Topics
to discuss with your doctor When
you visit your doctor, discussing the following topics will provide information
that will help your doctor give you the best treatment possible. - frequency
of bowel movement
- blood
or mucus in stool
- level
of abdominal pain
- effectiveness
of medication
- appetite
level
- weight
changes
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