Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Complications and Treatments

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Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Complications and Treatments

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What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type chronic disease, occurring in the large intestine. In this disease, inflammation occurs in the lining of the large intestine, further leading to the development of open sores or ulcers. These ulcers produce mucous and pus.

Ulcerative colitis can create discomfort in the abdomen. The ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine (also known as colon) can cause repetitive emptying of colon. This disease can affect the digestive system and excretion process.

Ulcerative colitis is of five types- Ulcerative proctitis, Proctosigmoiditis, Left-sided Colitis, Pan Colitis and Acute-severe Ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative proctitis

In this, only the area near the rectum has inflammation.

Proctosigmoiditis

Rectum and lower end of colon gets inflamed.

Left-sided Colitis

In this, the inflammation spreads from the rectum towards the lower end of colon.

Pan Colitis

The entire colon gets affected, causing severe diarrhoea.

Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

In this, the whole colon gets affected, causing fever, severe diarrhoea and blood in stool.

How does ulcerative colitis occur?

There is no factual evidence for the cause of ulcerative colitis. However, genetic inheritance is suspected to be one of the reasons for the occurrence of this disease. It generally occurs as a result of abnormal activation in the immune system. This abnormal activation is triggered by the absence of a known invader, which results in formation of ulcers and chronic inflammation in the large intestine. The malfunctioning of the immune system can also be one of the reasons for ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is neither contagious nor infectious, as there has been no proved fact stating infection as one of the causes for this disease.

Who is prone to ulcerative colitis?

You could be at the risk of getting ulcerative colitis if;

What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis? How is Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed?

The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include:

Diagnosis

After suspecting ulcerative colitis, the doctor might conduct a series of tests, in order to confirm the disease. Blood tests are conducted to check for the signs of infection in the colon. The doctor might ask you to get a stool test done, to analyze the presence of bacteria, virus or parasites. Two types of endoscopic examinations, Sigmoidoscopy and Colonoscopy, are performed for complete examination of the colon. The doctor might suggest a barium enema X- Ray for the diagnosis of this disease.

What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis can lead to these complications:

What is the treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?

There is no specific medication to cure ulcerative colitis. Surgery is considered as one of the options, for the patients who experience severe inflammation. The patients suffering from this disease are given medicines to suppress the inflammation and relieve the pain. Diet plays a very important role in treating ulcerative colitis, as it is the only way to keep the functioning of large intestine balanced and systematic.

Would you like to consult a doctor for Ulcerative Colitis ?

Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
I am suffering ulcerative colitis since 9 years and it has caused me a lot like my both knee has injury ,cervical spondylitis and even my back pains a lot I don't know that my knee may be having cartilage tear is it possible to treat this diseases.
Dr. Shrikant Bajarang Sanmukh
Ayurveda, Mumbai
Yes it is treatable.
Dr. K.Divya Pai
Ayurveda, Bangalore
You are counting your diseases separately...but all are related to each other. We have very good treatment for ulcerative colitis...once you get relief for this your other problems also subsides because digestive system take care of all the organs n system of the body.
We have treated bedridden.. steroid induced colitis patients too.
So believe Ayurveda.
Dr. Krishna Bhat
Ayurveda, Bangalore
Definitely we have very good management for all your problems in Ayurveda. We need to get details of all your problems and investigation reports before starting medication so it is better to consult once and get best possible management with Ayurveda without any side effects.
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Did you know?

Relatives suffering from ulcerative colitis

Immediate relatives of the patients suffering from ulcerative colitis are more prone to develop this disease.

Genetic susceptibility to ulcerative colitis

Studies have shown genetic susceptibility to ulcerative colitis in some.

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Home Remedies

Healthy Diet

Following a balanced and healthy diet can be of great help in curing ulcerative colitis. The diet should include fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, beans, fish, eggs and nuts. Bland foods like hot cereals, boiled eggs, mashed potatoes and steamed or cooked vegetables can be consumed during flare days to lessen the discomfort. Patients should avoid food with high cholesterol saturated fats, dairy products, greasy foods, caffeine and raw vegetables and fruits in case of ulcerative colitis.

Herbs

Aloe Vera gel, butyrate, tormentile extract and wheatgrass juice are few of the herbs which can prove helpful in treating ulcerative colitis. Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric is also a good option for curing the disease.

Yoga and Exercise

Yoga and exercise are the best methods to keep ulcerative colitis at bay, as they help in the relaxation of the body. Meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can also be of great help.