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In this section, you or a loved one can find out more about medical treatments, research studies and practical information about ulcerative colitis (UC). Read on to find answers to some of your questions as well as links to other information. Being informed is an important first step towards becoming an active decision-maker in your care plan.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of your colon and rectum. Many people find UC debilitating and it can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. It is one of the two most common conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disease, the other being Crohn's disease (CD).
These two conditions should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; also called "spastic colon" or "nervous colitis"), which is a disorder that affects the muscle contractions of the colon. Irritable bowel syndrome does not involve intestinal inflammation and is a much less serious disease than CD or UC. But the symptoms are very similar, which often leads to misdiagnosis.
There are four main types of UC:
Scientists do not yet know what causes ulcerative colitis (UC). They suspect that UC inflammation may be caused by a combination of an overactive immune system, environmental factors, the microbiome (bacteria in the colon) and a person's own genetics. It is not clear what the direct cause of the inflammation is or what causes some people's immune systems to "go into overdrive" trying to protect the body. One way the immune system tries to protect the body is through inflammation, and the immune systems of people with UC seem to produce over-reactive, poorly controlled inflammation in the GI tract. Scientists believe that once the UC patient's immune system is "turned on", it does not know how to properly "turn off". As a result, inflammation damages the bowel and causes UC symptoms. This failure of the immune system to "turn off" is why the main goal of medical therapy for UC is to help patients regulate their immune system.
Risk factors are personal characteristics that are known to be associated with a greater likelihood of having a disease or condition. But these risk factors, such as age or where you live, do not necessarily cause UC. Also, absence of a risk factor may not mean protection from UC.
Risk factors may include:
People with ulcerative colitis (UC) suffer a wide range of symptoms, most of them mild to moderate, depending on which part of the colon is affected. The disease is usually relapsing and remitting, which means that there can be periods of disease flare-up (active disease) and remission (temporary end to the medical signs and symptoms).
Common symptoms include:
The severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms can differ widely from person to person and depends on many factors, including how much of the colon is affected. The digestive system is the part of the body that is affected most directly, but complications can potentially affect other parts of the body as well.
Ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease, which means that it can affect the entire body. The complications that occur outside of the GI tract are called extra-intestinal manifestations. Although more common in Crohn's disease, patients with UC an also have these complications.
Some of the common complications are:
For most people, regardless of having ulcerative colitis (UC) or not, exercise, healthy eating and good sleep habits are recommended. A healthy lifestyle can lead to an enhanced quality of life for most people. Talk to your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.
While diet is not thought to cause UC, people experiencing symptoms of the disease often find some foods aggravating. It may be helpful to keep (and regularly review) a food diary to better understand how your body is reacting to various foods. Many people find soft, bland foods make them feel better than spicy ones. Several small meals may work better then two or three large ones. If you are lactose intolerant, you may want to avoid dairy products.
In addition, chronic diseases like UC tend to increase the body's energy needs. Since UC can cause a loss of appetite, staying nourished make take extra effort. In general, it is best to maintain a high-quality, well-balanced diet with ample fluids. Working with a registered dietitian may be beneficial.
Vitamins and probiotics: As long as their own doctors agree, people with ulcerative colitis (UC) may benefit from vitamin supplements as well as the introduction of "good" bacteria into the intestine.
Mind-body medicine: People with UC may want to manage stress by using methods that focus on the connection between emotions, the body and individual health. Examples include tai chi, biofeedback, hypnosis, yoga and meditation.
The goals of medical treatment for UC are :
The goal of treating UC is to decrease or stop the inflammation. The type of medication that is prescribed depends on the severity of the disease. Common medications that can decrease inflammation are corticosteroids, immunomodulators (e.g. azathioprine, methotrexate, 6- mercaptopurine) and drugs known as biologics, which target specific pathways believed to be involved in the disease.
Other medications may include:
Please note that the information on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a medical condition or health problem. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health, medical condition, symptoms or treatment options.
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/
UK charity for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/definition/con-20043763
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