Ulcerative Colitis Diet, Symptom, Treatment, Surgery, Medication, Picture, Cause and cure

Ulcerative Colitis Information

Ulcerative Colitis in an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to ulceration of the lining of the intestine, the part of the alimentary (food) canal that extends from the stomach to the anus. This condition, though not very common, affecting about 6 people out of 10,000, can cause a lifetime of distress.

Causes of ulcerative colitis

Up to 10 per cent of people affected will have a family history of the condition. We are still unsure what causes the disease but milk allergy, autoimmune disease (where the body attacks itself) and unusual bowel bacteria may all playa part. It is one of the very few diseases where smoking may possibly do something to prevent the disease rather than cause it.

Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis

Often the diagnosis is made from the history of passage of lots of blood and mucus. Sigmoidoscopy, where a tube is passed into the lower bowel, usually confirms the condition as the bowel is seen to be red and bleeding and sometimes ulcers are visible. Tiny pieces of tissue (biopsies) are taken at the time of sigmoidoscopy for examination under the microscope. Colonoscopy will confirm the diagnosis and can be used for check-ups when required.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment and Cure

• This condition can frequently be managed by medicines such as steroids. Sometimes, if the condition cannot be managed by medicines, surgery is required to remove the affected part of the bowel. Occasionally a stoma, where the bowel is brought out through the skin and drains into a bag, is necessary.
• Ulcerative colitis, particularly if it is extensive, has a tendency to become cancerous. Forthis reason, once it has been diagnosed, repeated colonoscopy will be necessary. Occasionally, if the condition has been troublesome for many years and the doctor feels the risk of cancer is high, the person will, be offered surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel to prevent cancer developing.

Ulcerative colitis symptom