Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Ulcerative colitis disease is a long-term condition that affects the digestive system, primarily the large intestine and rectum. It causes swelling and irritation in the inner lining of the bowel, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

This disease can significantly impact a person’s life. So, a basic understanding of the colitis disease is crucial for seeking timely medical care. This article gives an overview of ulcerative colitis symptoms, their causes, and treatment options available.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that causes long-term irritation and swelling in the digestive tract, which leads to inflammation (swelling and redness) in the colon or rectum. In this autoimmune condition, the body’s immune system attacks its healthy gut tissue, resulting in digestive issues, ulcers and overall discomfort.

Ulcerative colitis is different from Crohn’s disease, another type of inflammatory bowel disease. Colitis disease affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Whereas, Crohn’s can impact any part of the digestive tract.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

• Immune System Malfunction: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the colon, which causes inflammation and ulcers (sores).
• Genetic Factors: A person with family history of colitis disease or other autoimmune diseases is at an increased risk of developing this colitis disease.
• Environmental Triggers: Factors like pollution, diet, stress, and infections usually don’t increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis but contribute to its symptom flare-up.
• Gut Bacteria Imbalance: An imbalance of natural bacteria in the gut can also trigger inflammation.
• Age: Age is not a direct cause of ulcerative colitis, but is a factor in its onset. This medical condition is most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged between 15 and 30, whereas older adults experience different progression of colitis symptoms.

What are Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?

• Diarrhoea with blood or mucus.
• Abdominal pain and cramping, usually felt in the lower abdomen.
• Fatigue due to chronic inflammation, which causes blood loss and dehydration.
• Unexplained weight loss caused by loss of appetite and poor nutrient absorption.
• A constant need to use the toilet, sometimes with a feeling of incomplete relief.
• Fever and anaemia.

These ulcerative colitis symptoms usually occur in episodes, known as flare-ups. These are followed by periods of remission where symptoms subside. Colitis symptoms can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Early recognition of ulcerative colitis symptoms helps in preventing serious health complications, thereby improving the quality of life.

How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?

Timely diagnosis and a personalised colitis treatment plan reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent flare-ups.

Any of the following ulcerative colitis test can be recommended by the doctor for someone experiencing ulcerative colitis symptoms for an accurate diagnosis:

• Complete Blood Count: This test checks for anaemia caused due to iron deficiency (low red blood cell levels), which is common in ulcerative colitis due to chronic inflammation and blood loss. It helps detect signs of infection or overall inflammation in the body.
• Stool Test: A stool (poop) sample is examined for blood or other markers of digestive tract irritation. It helps doctors differentiate between ulcerative colitis and other digestive issues.
• C-reactive Protein (CRP) Test: This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a substance made by the liver in response to any inflammation in the body. C-reactive protein level increases when there is inflammation in the body. Hence, a high CRP level indicates ulcerative colitis.

These ulcerative colitis test options are important in early diagnosis of the colitis disease. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a medical professional can guide about the colitis treatment options.

Timely detection of colitis disease is crucial, so that relevant ulcerative colitis treatment options can be discussed. Individuals upon noticing symptoms of ulcerative colitis must consult a doctor without delay and book a Complete Blood Count (CBC) at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. What is colitis, and how is it treated?

Ulcerative colitis refers to the inflammation of the colon, which can be caused by genetic, autoimmune, or other factors. Colitis treatment includes medications to reduce inflammation, dietary changes, and surgery in severe cases.

2. What foods should be avoided if diagnosed with ulcerative colitis?

A person showing ulcerative colitis symptoms should avoid dairy, processed foods, caffeine, and high-fibre foods. A dietitian can help create a personalised ulcerative colitis diet plan.

3. Can I live a normal life with ulcerative colitis disease?

Yes. Most people with ulcerative colitis disease lead normal lives by managing symptoms and consulting with their doctor for an effective treatment plan.

4. What is colitis and how is it treated?

Ulcerative colitis disease is a long-term condition that affects the digestive system, primarily the large intestine and rectum. Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves medications and an ulcerative colitis diet among others.