Ulcerative Colitis

Colitis

Colitis (also known as Ulcerative Colitis) is an acute or chronic inflammation within the colon (large intestine) lining. It is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers in the lining of the large intestine which in turn causes the colon to empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. It commonly begins in adolescence, occurring less frequently in later age. But it also runs in families, so watch out for genetics.

Colitis is a disease that is still stumping the very best doctors all over the world. Before analyzing your bad dietary and eating habits or disturbed digestive tract, certain considerations need to be kept in mind. If you experience occasional bouts of diarrhea or abdominal pain, cramping, bloating or swelling, it is time to consult a doctor.

It is a disease with causes unknown. But it is believed that people living with the disease develop abnormal activation of the immune system in the intestines. However, it is still unclear whether ulcerative colitis causes problems of the immune system or vice-versa.

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are much similar to various other intestinal diseases. In such cases, a physical exam and a medical history are the foremost steps. Further, a blood sample, a stool sample, colonoscopy or even an x-ray is used to detect the disease and its complications.

In order to lead a normal and active life, surgery is the only available cure since the entire affected portion of the colon is removed from the body. But it is also possible to live with or control the disease with medications in case of mild or moderate symptoms.

It is a chronic disease, which means it has a tendency to occur again and again over time. So it is suggested that the patients suffering from colitis avoid products causing flare-ups since these tend to worsen existing symptoms and cause undesirable side effects.

Over the past few years, certain myths have developed among the common man, which are completely baseless. The risk of colon cancer increases after consistent eight to ten years of severe ulcerative colitis. However, 90% of the patients never develop colon cancer. Fertility rates, chances of miscarriage and abnormality in colitis-affected women are the same as in case of women who are in good health. Also, current smokers are at the least risk of developing ulcerative colitis than former smokers. Thus, nicotine is likely to prevent the development of this disease.

Ulcerative colitis is not a fatal illness but it may be a lifelong disease. Maintenance medication has helped in reducing the flare-ups to a great extent. Above all, with all of the treatment for colitis accessible today, most people with mild to moderate symptoms can lead normal, useful and productive lives everyday.