Diseases and Procedures

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is one type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). No one knows what causes IBD, but the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be treated and people with it can lead full, active lives.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Most symptoms of ulcerative colitis are related to bowel movements. Symptoms include:

• Frequent, loose bowel movements
• Blood and pus in stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
• Urgency (sudden feeling that you need to have a bowel movement right away)
• Severe straining with bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Rectal pain that comes and goes

DIAGNOSISM

To diagnose colitis, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and health history. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has had IBD, because it may run in families. You may also have a physical exam and tests.

Test You May Have
Test include:

• Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) to look directly into your rectum and colon. A thin, flexible tube is used to take video pictures or tour digestive tract.
• Biopsy to take a sample of tissue from your colon. This can be done during endoscopy.
• Blood or stool tests to help rule out other problems such as infection.
• X-rays or your colon, if needed.

TREATMENT

Ulcerative colitis can be treated. Help manage your symptoms by following your doctorâs instructions and watching what you eat.

Medication
Your doctor will try to find the medications that work best for you. These may include:

• A type of anti-inflammatory medication (called 5-ASA compounds) to help reduce swelling and discomfort
• Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation
• Medications to control your bodyâs immune system (the system that fights infection and causes inflammation)
• Antibiotics to fight bacteria that may lead to infection

Watch Your Diet
Avoid any foods that make your symptoms worse. These foods vary from person to person, but high-fiber foods (such as fresh vegetables) and high-fat foods (such as dairy products and red meat) cause symptoms in many people. Keep track or foods that cause you problems.

IF SURGERY IS NEEDED

Surgery can cure colitis, but it involves removing the colon. If this is an option for you, your doctor can give you more information.

Your Colon
Food is broken down and digested as it passes through your digestive tract. The lower part of the digestive tract includes the colon (large intestine) and rectum. The colon removes water and salt from waste. Waste then passes from the colon through the rectum to leave the body.

With Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is inflammation (irritation and swelling) that occurs in the rectum. It can also affect the colon as well. If affects only the inside layers of tissue lining the rectum and colon.

Get Support
Work closely with your doctor and think about joining a support group where you can talk with others who are dealing with IBD. Contact the Crohnâs and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) at 1-800-932-2423 for more information and resources.