Often causing diarrhea and other problems, ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. This eMedTV selection offers an in-depth look at ulcerative colitis, including its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.
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.
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 causes are genetics and the environment.
This eMedTV page lists possible signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some of the complications that can result from ulcerative colitis symptoms are also described, such as osteoporosis and kidney stones.
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).
This eMedTV article provides an overview of one of the tests a doctor may use to diagnose ulcerative colitis -- a colonoscopy. Ulcerative colitis diagnosis using a colonoscopy allows the doctor to see whether the lining of the colon is irritated.
Medication and lifestyle changes are the two most common forms of treatment for ulcerative colitis. This eMedTV article discusses these treatments in more detail, and also lists some of the surgeries that may be used to treat this illness.
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).
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.
There is no specific ulcerative colitis diet. But as this eMedTV Web page explains, some people find that avoiding certain foods helps reduce symptoms. For example, spicy foods or dairy products may make symptoms worse in certain people.
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.
As this eMedTV page explains, some people with ulcerative colitis may choose to treat the disease with natural cures. Alternative remedies for ulcerative colitis may help some people cope with the stress of living with a chronic illness.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the only cure for ulcerative colitis is surgery. This article explains that although surgery usually does cure the disease, it is often recommended only for people who have a severe form of ulcerative colitis.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
