Ulcerative colitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the rectum and large intestine. It is an inflammatory bowel disease that people experience due to inflammation in the colon. People with this condition face symptoms that flare up after remission.
Such a medical condition causes sores and inflammation in the digestive tract. It mainly affects the innermost lining of the large intestine. Many individuals experience symptoms that develop gradually over time, but sometimes, they develop suddenly.
Different types of ulcerative colitis:
The type of ulcerative colitis is classified based on where the problem is located. Symptoms of every ulcerative colitis type overlap. They are,
1. Ulcerative proctitis
Inflammation can be confined to the area where the anus is very close. Rectal bleeding is a significant sign of Ulcerative proctitis.
2. Proctosigmoiditis
In this type of ulcerative colitis, the inflammation expands from the sigmoid colon and rectum. It leads to symptoms like abdominal pain and cramps, bloody diarrhea, and inability to move.
3. Left-sided colitis
In life sided type of ulcerative colitis, the inflammation expands from the rectum via descending portions of the colon and sigmoid. Significant symptoms of Left-sided colitis are abdominal pain and cramps on the left side, diarrhea, and others.
4. Pancolitis
Pancolitis negatively influences the whole colon and causes severe bloody diarrhea. Its signs are fatigue, cramps, pain in the abdomen, and weight loss.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:
People must realize symptoms and how to deal with them. Symptoms may worsen over time. Initially, people notice mild symptoms like
- Diarrhea
- Urgent bowel movement
- Improved bowel movement
- Tenderness
- Mild abdominal cramping
- Pus, mucus, and blood in stool
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Weight loss and a lot more
Few individuals experience mild symptoms while flare up. Some others face nausea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Individuals with this problem create conditions and symptoms that influence body parts. Inflammation can increase in joints, eyes, bones, liver, and skin.
Other symptoms of ulceritive colitis include:
- Itchy and burning eyes
- Swelling and joint pain
- Rash
- Painful bumps
- Ulcer in skin
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis:
The main cause of this problem is unknown. People with ulcerative conditions have immune symptoms. Moreover, it is not clear whether immune issues cause such a condition. Certain foods and stress can develop symptoms. It may affect people of any group.
Usually, it occurs in the 15 to 30 and 50 to 70-year-old age groups. This medical condition occurs in the rectal area. It resides in the rectum and spreads to the large intestine. The condition never skips any regions and affects the whole large intestine.
The risk of a condition depends on several factors. Before the treatment, doctors pay attention to the patient’s genetics, age, gut microbiome, and race and ethnicity. Patients try to give proper details regarding these things.
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
When it comes to the diagnostic stage, healthcare experts carry out certain tests and ask patients about their family history of problems and symptoms. They handle the tests and procedures to rule out a condition.
1. Stool samples
Such a thing is vital to understand the signs of parasites, infection, and inflammation in poop.
2. Blood test
A blood test reveals the signs of anaemia, which means patients have bleeding in the rectum or colon. A blood test is useful for healthcare experts to realize that symptoms include infection.
3. Endoscopic test
The endoscope has a flexible and thin tube comprising a tiny camera. During diagnosis, healthcare providers can insert an endoscope through the rectum to view inside the colon. It is easy to get a tissue sample for the biopsy. Healthcare professionals commonly use the endoscopic test, such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
4. Imaging test
For effective treatment, gastroenterologist professionals need a complete picture of the rectum and colon. A special type of X-ray, like barium enema, shows inflammation in the colon. MRI and CT scans help doctors determine inflammation in the colon. They are helpful when patients have moderate and severe inflammation. X-rays are ideal for revealing complications such as perforation and megacolon.
Conclusion
In the medical environment, a different range of treatments can minimize symptoms and signs of ulcerative colitis. Before treating a condition, people must understand its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. Large bowel and rectum are at risk because of this problem. On the other hand, it may also lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain. Consult a professional gastroenterologist for proper guidance and treatment related to ulcerative colitis.