Unraveling Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and the production of sores known as ulcers near the colon’s innermost lining.
Firstly, Abdominal pain is known to occur because of pus and mucous created by the formed ulcers. This illness affects all stages of life but is most associated with those between the ages of 15 and 30. UC and Crohn’s disease are the two most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). When discussing UC, location matters, as depending on where it manifests, the type of colitis differs. We have proctitis, left-sided colitis, and extensive colitis. In comparison, all share the same start point, located in the rectum extending into the colon. How far into the colon the disease stops sets the three apart.
What You See Versus UC – Symptoms to Note
The first step toward treating UC is recognizing its symptoms. Half of those dealing with UC have mild symptoms, the most typical being pain near the abdomen and experiencing blood in fecal matter. Some other notable symptoms one may experience are as follows:
- Diarrhea
- Inability to defecate
- Excess sleepiness
- Rectal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Sores on the skin
- Joint pain
- Fever
- In children, failure to grow
How Do I Know if I Have UC?
If you are experiencing sudden changes in bowel habits and diarrhea unresponsive to over-the-counter medication, it may be time to consult your healthcare provider. To receive an accurate diagnosis, a medical professional must review your symptoms, learn your medical history, and conduct various medical tests. Examples of this may include blood work, stool exams, and a colonoscopy. Note, that while UC is a severe disease, it’s not usually fatal. Step one to avoiding unnecessary complications is learning to notice what your body is trying to communicate. The more you know, the better you can help translate your body’s feelings and needs.
When managing any chronic condition, few things are as integral in advancing care options as clinical trials. Upcoming UC studies may be an option for you or someone you care about. You can reach us at (941) 896-4948 or visit our website for health updates and more information.
Resources:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/features/IBD-more-chronic-diseases.html
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/symptoms
