Sometimes serious concerns can arise from small changes you notice in your health. This is often the case for people who suffer from ulcerative colitis, or UC. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects the stability and function of the digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease, more than 900,000 people in the United States alone have ulcerative colitis, making it a common digestive disorder. [1]
While UC may not be rare, there is still a lot of progress to be made in treating the disease. Recognizing the symptoms and getting an early diagnosis can help patients alleviate their symptoms. Learn more about ulcerative colitis in the comprehensive guide below.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition that causes ulcers and inflammation throughout the digestive tract. While symptoms can manifest in numerous areas of the body, it mostly affects the large intestine and rectum.
This can result in everything from abdominal cramping to rectal bleeding. It is the most common type of irritable bowel disorder, with an incidence of about 20 cases per 100,000 people in the United States. [2]
While the disease typically begins with mild symptoms, it can progress significantly if left untreated. Patients who do not receive effective, ongoing treatment for their ulcerative colitis can develop more serious health issues, including anemia and colorectal cancer.
In fact, studies have shown that the risk of developing colon cancer increases by about 8% in UC patients who have struggled with the disease for 20 years. This makes early detection and treatment essential for managing symptoms and preventing further illness. [3]
Potential Causes
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It is regarded as an autoimmune disease since it typically stems from an overactive immune response. The disease can develop gradually over several years or occur suddenly, with symptoms appearing seemingly overnight.
The following factors are thought to increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis:
- Inappropriate immune response
- Family history of irritable bowel disease
- Toxic environmental factors
Speaking with your physician about lifestyle factors, genetics, and your medical history may uncover what led to the development of your UC. Determining the underlying cause of your ulcerative colitis can help dictate which treatment methods will be most effective for your particular case. [4]
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary from patient to patient. They largely depend on where the inflammation is occurring within the digestive tract and how severe it is. The following are some of the most common symptoms that people with ulcerative colitis can experience:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Urgent trips to the bathroom
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Fever
In its earliest stages, ulcerative colitis may present with very mild symptoms. Things like occasional diarrhea or cramping don’t often lead patients to seek any kind of diagnosis or treatment.
This is why it’s important to be aware of your regular digestive habits and how your body normally behaves. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, seek treatment sooner rather than later. Left untreated, ulcerative colitis can lead to serious complications and significantly impact your quality of life.
Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis
For many people, an ulcerative colitis diagnosis can take several years. This is because the symptoms are common in a wide range of other conditions. Without proper diagnostic tools, physicians may initially diagnose UC as a gastrointestinal infection, Crohn’s disease, or other disorders that affect the digestive tract.
Proper diagnosis of ulcerative colitis will typically involve a thorough physical examination, blood panels, stool tests, and an endoscopy. These tests can both confirm a case of ulcerative colitis and narrow down exactly what type of UC you are struggling with.
The following are the various types of ulcerative colitis, as determined by their location in the digestive tract and the symptoms they produce:
Ulcerative Proctitis
Ulcerative proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectum. Its most notable symptom is rectal pain and bleeding.
Proctosigmoiditis
This type of ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the colon and rectum. Proctosigmoiditis can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Left-Sided Colitis
Left-sided colitis is characterized by inflammation that affects the entirety of the colon and rectum. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, cramping, and bloody stool.
Pancolitis
Pancolitis refers to inflammation that is isolated to the colon. Its most common symptom is severe bloody diarrhea.
Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Acute severe UC is an inflammation of the entire colon that occurs suddenly with significant symptoms. This includes pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and loss of appetite.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatments
Treating ulcerative colitis can include a combination of things, depending on the cause, location, and severity of your condition. The most common treatments for ulcerative colitis include the following:
Medication
Anti-inflammatories are often prescribed to reduce inflammation throughout the digestive tract and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Dietary Changes
For some patients, UC symptoms are exacerbated by certain foods and drinks. Your physician can work with you to design a dietary plan that avoids potential triggers and provides nutrients that can ease your symptoms.
Surgery
In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the colon and rectum. A stoma or ileostomy is then created to enable full digestive function without the symptoms of UC.
Final Thoughts
For many patients, the combination therapy of medication and dietary changes can alleviate some of the more mild symptoms of ulcerative colitis. These are typically patients who have short-lived and infrequent flare-ups.
Patients with more severe and chronic symptoms usually benefit from surgery to remove the parts of their digestive tract that have been affected.
If you are exhibiting signs or symptoms of ulcerative colitis, please seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Early detection of UC is vital for managing its progression and preventing further complications like anemia and colorectal cancer.
To begin the diagnostic process, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today.
References:
[1] Definition & Facts of Ulcerative Colitis | NIDDK (nih.gov)
[2] Ulcerative Colitis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
[3] Ulcerative Colitis and Colon Cancer: Risk, Screening, Prevention (verywellhealth.com)
[4] What Causes Ulcerative Colitis? | Understanding UC (crohnsandcolitis.com)