This inflammatory, often chronic disease affects the
mucosa and submucosa of the colon. It usually begins in the rectum
and sigmoid colon and often extends upward into the entire colon (colon:
which is the name for the longer part of the large intestine, extends up
from the cecum along the right side and then bends to extend across the
abdomen to the left side). It rarely affects the small intestine,
except for the terminal ileum (ileum join the large intestine through another
muscular valve called the ileocecal sphincter).
Severity ranges from a mild, localized disorder to a fulminate
disease that may cause a perforated colon, progressing to potentially fatal
peritonitis and toxemia. This disorder occurs primarily in young
adults, especially women. It’s also more prevalent among Jews and
in higher socioeconomic groups.
Risk factors include a family history, bacterial infection, allergic
reaction to food, milk, or other substances that release inflammatory histamine
in the bowel, over production of enzymes that break down the mucous membranes,
and emotional stress. Auto immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis,
hemolytic anemia, may heighten the risk.
Symptoms:
Recurrent bloody diarrhea and asymptomatic (showing or
causing no symptoms) remissions are characteristics of ulcerative colitis.
May contain pus and mucus in the stools.
Spastic rectum and anus
Abdominal pain
Irritability
Weight loss
Anorexia
Weakness
Nausea and Vomiting
Your doctor may order:
A barium enema
Biopsy
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Stool specimen may be cultured and analyzed
Lab works
Treatments:
Goal; to control inflammation, replace nutritional losses and
blood volume, and prevent complications.
Drug therapy to control inflammation
Supportive treatment: bed rest, IV fluid replacement and
clear liquid diet.
Surgery is the treatment of last resort if the patient has toxicmegacolon,
fails to respond to drugs and supportive measures, or finds symptoms unbearable.
* Call your doctor if you are experiencing the above symptoms
promptly.