What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. It commonly causes abdominal pain (or stomach pain),
diarrhea, and other symptoms like
rectal bleeding or extreme urgency to have a bowel movement.
Although it can affect people of all ages, most people with the disease are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 -- or, less frequently, between the ages of 50 and 70. Males and females are at equal risk of developing ulcerative colitis. The disease also appears to run in some families. Caucasians are more often affected than African Americans and Asians. Ulcerative colitis is more common in people of Jewish descent.
When ulcerative colitis affects just the rectum, it is called ulcerative proctitis. Frequently, however, other parts of the large intestine are inflamed as well. Healthcare providers may use the terms "limited" or "distal" colitis if the left side of the
colon is involved, or "pancolitis" if the entire colon is affected.
At this point, doctors are not sure of the cause or causes of ulcerative colitis. They do, however, have several theories about what may cause the disease. Some of these possible causes include:
- Genetic factors
- An overactive immune system
- Some type of infection
- Environmental factors.
While research scientists do not yet know exactly what causes it, the disease isn't thought to be caused by stress,
anxiety, or the foods you eat.
Ulcerative colitis is an illness that brings periods of remission and relapse, during which symptoms get better and then return again. There are several factors that seem to influence the symptoms a person will develop. Some of these factors include:
- How much of the digestive tract is affected
- The severity of the condition
- A person's age
- Whether or not complications occur (see Ulcerative Colitis Complications).
The most common symptoms are
diarrhea (which is often bloody), cramping, and abdominal pain (or stomach pain).
The course of the disease is quite variable. The majority of people will suffer a relapse within one year of diagnosis. There may, however, be prolonged periods of remission with minimal symptoms.
The disease can be hard to diagnose because it can share a lot of signs and symptoms with other digestive conditions, such as
Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, in order to make a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, the doctor will ask a number of questions, perform a physical exam, and recommend additional tests. One or more of the following tests may be recommended:
(Click Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis to learn more about these specific tests, as well as a number of other conditions that can share similar symptoms with ulcerative colitis.)
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
Depending on how serious your condition is, your doctor may recommend a combination of different treatment options.
The goals of ulcerative colitis treatment are to control inflammation; relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain (or stomach pain),
diarrhea, and
rectal bleeding; reduce flare-ups; and delay the need for surgery.
Treatment options may include:
Researchers continue to look for treatments that may someday cure this disease.
Colon Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis
About 5 percent of people with ulcerative colitis go on to develop
colon cancer. The risk of cancer increases with the length of time a person has had ulcerative colitis and how much of the
colon is affected by the disease. For example, if only the lower colon and rectum are involved, the risk of cancer is no higher than normal. However, if the entire colon is involved, the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal rate.
Progression of the Disease
The only cure for ulcerative colitis, natural or otherwise
(see Natural Cures for Ulcerative Colitis), is surgery to remove the colon and rectum. But by seeing your healthcare professional for regular exams and treatment, and taking an active role in relieving your symptoms, you may be able to keep ulcerative colitis from interfering with your daily life.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The term "inflammatory bowel disease" refers to diseases that cause inflammation in the small intestine and colon. Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other intestinal disorders, as well as to the symptoms of another type of IBD called
Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease differs from ulcerative colitis in several ways. For example,
Crohn's disease causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall, which can lead to certain types of complications. These complications can include a bowel obstruction or fistula (an abnormal tunnel). Also, Crohn's disease usually occurs in the small intestine -- though it can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. In comparison, ulcerative colitis usually occurs in the large intestine and rectum.
