Early Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 1.5 million Americans have ulcerative colitis. The condition is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes pain, cramping, and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
While not deadly, ulcerative colitis often has a profound, detrimental impact on quality of life. When managed well through diet, lifestyle and medical treatment, ulcerative colitis symptoms can vanish for prolonged spells throughout a patient’s life though unfortunately, the condition is not curable.
Search online and read on to learn more about this disease and speak to your doctor if you have concerns afterwards.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition which affects the lining of the intestine. Sufferers experience uncomfortable inflammation, sores and ulcers in the colon. The disease can be triggered by certain lifestyle factors, which are discussed below. Identifying and cutting out triggers can reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and improve quality of life.
Doctors categorize ulcerative colitis based on how much of the colon is affected. The three types of ulcerative colitis are listed below.
- Extensive colitis: Patient experiences inflammation throughout the entire colon
- Left-sided colitis: Inflammation is contained between the rectum and the initial bend in the colon
- Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation affects only the first six inches of rectum
Causes and Risk Factors
It is not known what causes ulcerative colitis, though race, age and genetic predisposition all play a part. It is worth bearing in mind that people with a predisposition to develop ulcerative colitis may never do so if they avoid diet and lifestyle triggers.
The following are risk factors linked to ulcerative colitis:
- Race: Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at a higher risk
- Genetics: A family history of the disease
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals and bacterium
- Diet and lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and poor diet
Signs and Symptoms
The severity of ulcerative colitis symptoms varies from patient to patient. Most people who suffer with the disease experience the following symptoms at one time or another:
- Diarrhea or extremely urgent bowel movements
- Stomach cramps
- Blood in the stool
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bloating and stomach pain
Treatment Options
If your doctor believes you have ulcerative colitis, they will recommend treatment based on your overall health, lifestyle and the severity of your symptoms. The most commonly prescribed ulcerative colitis treatments are:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. corticosteroids)
- Drugs to calm overactive immunity
- Painkillers
- Antispasmodics
In older patients with very severe ulcerative colitis, partial or complete removal of the colon may be the most appropriate treatment.
Have a conversation with your doctor if you are worried about any of the issues discussed in this article. They will be able to test for ulcerative colitis and recommend treatment, as needed.