Information on Ulcerative Colitis

• Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. This eMedTV page provides an overview of this inflammatory bowel disease, noting in particular its symptoms and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

• Ulcerative Colitis and the Digestive System

As this eMedTV page explains, in a person with ulcerative colitis, the digestive system still works in the way that it normally would. This page describes how ulcerative colitis can cause diarrhea, ulcers, and other symptoms in the digestive system.

• Cause of Ulcerative Colitis

This eMedTV article explains that although researchers don't know the cause of ulcerative colitis, they have several theories about what might cause the disease. Among these possible ulcerative colitis causes are genetics and the environment.

• Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

This eMedTV Web page lists a number of possible symptoms of ulcerative colitis (such as bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping), as well as some of the complications that can result from ulcerative colitis (including osteoporosis and kidney stones).

• Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis

This eMedTV page lists some of the tests that may be involved in diagnosing ulcerative colitis (such as x-rays and blood tests). This article also lists other conditions that can share similar symptoms with ulcerative colitis (such as appendicitis).

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Ulcerative Colitis

As this eMedTV page explains, diagnosing ulcerative colitis may involve a "flexible sigmoidoscopy." Ulcerative colitis diagnosis using a sigmoidoscopy can only be done, however, when the rectum and lower colon have been emptied of stool beforehand.

• Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Medication and lifestyle changes are the two most common forms of ulcerative colitis treatment. This eMedTV article discusses these treatments in more detail, and also lists some of the surgeries that may be used to treat ulcerative colitis.

• Living With Ulcerative Colitis

As this eMedTV page explains, some people living with ulcerative colitis find that making lifestyle changes helps reduce their symptoms. This page lists some specific lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms (such as eliminating stress).

• Ulcerative Colitis Medication

This eMedTV page lists some of the types of drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis (like corticosteroids). This page also explains that, before taking any ulcerative colitis medication, you should talk to your doctor about its possible side effects.

• Ulcerative Colitis Diet

There is no specific ulcerative colitis diet. But as this eMedTV Web page explains, some people find that avoiding certain foods helps reduce symptoms. Spicy foods are among these foods that some people may find to worsen their symptoms.

• Ulcerative Colitis Surgery

As this eMedTV page explains, ulcerative colitis surgery can usually cure the disease. Surgeries for ulcerative colitis can include an ileoanal anastomosis, a proctocolectomy with continent ileostomy, and a proctocolectomy with standard ileostomy.

• Natural Cures for Ulcerative Colitis

As this eMedTV page explains, some people with ulcerative colitis may choose to treat the disease with natural cures. Ulcerative colitis natural cures (like licorice extract) may help some people cope with the stress of living with a chronic illness.

• Ulcerative Colitis Cure

The only ulcerative colitis cure is surgery. This page on the eMedTV Web site explains that although surgery usually does cure ulcerative colitis, it is often recommended only for people who have severe forms of the disease.

• Ulcerative Colitis Complications

Ulcerative colitis complications can include osteoporosis, liver disease, and arthritis. However, as this eMedTV article explains, most people with well-controlled ulcerative colitis don't develop complications.

• Ulcerative Colitis and Pregnancy

For most women with ulcerative colitis, pregnancy and delivery are not affected by the disease. But as this eMedTV page explains, there appears to be a higher chance of pre-term birth or early delivery in women with ulcerative colitis and other IBDs.

• Ulcerative Colitis Research

Ulcerative colitis research is focused on finding useful treatments for the disease. As this eMedTV page explains, ulcerative colitis research scientists are experimenting with heparin and omega-3 fatty acids, among other possible treatment options.

• Ulcerative Colitis and Colon Cancer

As this eMedTV page explains, other health problems can be caused by ulcerative colitis -- and colon cancer is one of them. One of the factors that can raise a person's risk of colon cancer is the length of time he or she has had ulcerative colitis.

• Osteoporosis and Ulcerative Colitis

This eMedTV page explains why people with ulcerative colitis may be at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Ulcerative colitis patients, as this page explains, are sometimes prescribed drugs that can cause bone loss, increasing the chances of osteoporosis.

• Ulcerative Colitis Versus Crohn's Disease

Many people wonder what the symptoms are of ulcerative colitis versus Crohn's disease. As this eMedTV Web page explains, one symptom shared by both is diarrhea. This page provides a table comparing these two types of inflammatory bowel disease.