Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Abdominal pain and cramping

Diarrhea often with blood and pus

Rectal pain

Passage of a small amount of blood with stool called Rectal bleeding.

The urgency to have a bowel movement.

Inefficiency to defecate despite an urgent need.

Weight loss.

Fatigue.

Fever.

Anemia .

Nausea or loss of appetite .

Failure of growth in case of children.

Improper Functioning of the Immune System : The function of the immune system is to protect the body from infections by identifying as well as destroying bacteria, viruses and other harmful foreign substances. According to researchers, bacteria or viruses can mistakenly trigger the immune system to attack the inner lining of the large intestine. The immune system in return causes inflammation and therefore, leading to ulcerative colitis.

Genetic Factors : This inflammatory bowel disease can sometimes arise genetically. The results of the researchers suspect the presence of some abnormal genes in people suffering from ulcerative colitis. Though, the results are not completely reliable.

Environmental Factors : Certain studies suggest that some environmental elements increase the rate of occurrence of ulcerative colitis in human beings. Consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, oral contraceptives might lead to the disease. Other factors responsible for colitis may be a high-fat diet. Emotional distress might not be the direct cause but can flare up and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Medications : The experts at Samadhaan clinic deeply analyze the disease and prescribe the medications that best suit a patient’s symptoms:

1. Aminosalicylates
2. Corticosteroids
3. Immunomodulators
4. Biologics or anti-TNF therapies
5. Other medications

Enema : In this, the liquid is flushed into the rectum. It directly treats inflammation of colitis.

Rectal foam : In this, a foamy substance is put in the rectum for treating inflammation in the large intestine.

Suppository : A dissolvable solid medication is inserted in the rectum. The intestinal lining absorbs the medicine.

Surgery : In some cases, doctors opt for surgery. Following are the list of such cases:

1. Colon cancer
2. Dysplasia or precancerous cells in the colon
3. No improvement after medication
4. Continued steroid dependency