Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation if the digestive system which usually affects the colon and rectum. It is an autoimmune condition. Most people develop ulcerative colitis between ages of 15 and 30 years or between 50 and 70 years of age. Diet, stress may aggravate the condition

Symptoms

• It includes prolonged diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• There may be blood and pus in the bowel movements. There can also be tiredness, fever, and weight loss.

Diagnosis

• The diagnostic test is colonoscopy to look at the bowel and to take a sample tissue (biopsy)..

Treatment

• Taking anti-inflammatory medications to suppress the inflammatory reaction in the bowel is the most common treatment.
• Surgical procedures can be carried out to remove the entire colon and rectum (Proctocolectomy).
• There is an increased risk of developing colon cancer and hence requires surveillance