Ulcerative colitis

What is this Condition?

Colitis is an inflammatory, often chronic disease that affects the lining of the lower intestine. It starts in the lowest section and often extends upward into the colon, producing swelling and open sores. The small intestine is rarely involved. Most cases are mild and localized; however, prompt medical attention is necessary because the disorder can progress rapidly and may cause a perforated colon and potentially fatal infection of the abdominal lining.

People with colitis run a higher than average risk of developing colon cancer, especially if the disease begins before age 15 or persists for longer than 10 years.

What Causes it?

The exact cause of colitis is not known. One theory links it to abnormal immune response in the stomach and intestine, possibly associated with food or bacteria. Stress, once suspected of causing colitis. has been shown merely to worsen it. It is most common in young adults, especially women, and symptoms seems to peak between ages 15 and 20, with another peak between ages 55 and 60.

What are its Symptoms?

The primary symptoms of colitis are repeated attacks of pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea, often containing pus. The intensity of the attacks varies with the extent of inflammation. Other symptoms include spastic rectum and anus, abdominal pain, weakness, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.

How is it Diagnosed?

The doctor can use a scope to see changes in the mucous lining of the lower intestine and detect thick pus. He or she may also obtain a specimen for study to confirm the condition and use a deeper scope to check how far the disease extends and what harm it’s done. A barium enema X-ray can show the extent of the disease and detect complications, such as narrowed passages and cancer. Lab tests and blood tests reveal the severity of the attack.

How is it Treated?

Severe colitis requires hospitalization. Drugs are used to treat inflammation, nutrition is monitored, and dehydration due to excessive diarrhea is corrected. Intravenous feeding helps the intestinal tract to rest, decreases stool volume, and restores positive nitrogen balance. Blood transfusions or iron supplements may be needed to correct anemia.

Surgery a last resort and is performed only if other measures fail or the symptoms become unbearable. The most common surgical procedure simply removes the diseased section of intestine. Another type of surgery creates a reservoir, known as a Kock pouch, from a loop of small intestine that empties through a tube opening just above the pubic hairline.