It is a chronic condition in which inflammation occurs in the inner lining of the intestine due to an abnormal attack of the immune system. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs between the ages of fifteen to thirty.

Frequency of ulcerative colitis: (1)

This condition is very common among the people of NORTH AMERICA and the WESTERN EUROPE. Prevalence for ulcerative colitis is increasing in other regions as well. Forty people out of 100,000 people get affected with ulcerative colitis in NORTH AMERICA. According to the report, approximately 750,000 people in NORTH AMERICA are suffering from ulcerative colitis. It is more common in white people as compared to dark people. People with a Jewish background develop ulcerative colitis more than people with racial backgrounds.

What are the Causes of developing ulcerative colitis?

Various genetic or environmental factors seem to be involved in developing ulcerative colitis. Dozens of genes have been identified that are linked with ulcerative colitis. The process of development is still unknown. Scientists are trying to search what exactly happens with the genes to cause ulcerative colitis. Some researchers suggest that it is the changes that take place in the inner lining of the intestine that causes ulcerative colitis or it may be a foreign substance such as bacteria that causes this condition.

Bacteria in the gut and changes in the intestinal lining are influenced by GENETIC VARIATION. Genes that are involved in causing this condition are also linked with the function of the protective lining. The inner area of the lining helps in protecting the intestine from bacteria and other harmful toxins that cross the digestive tract. Researchers assume that when the barrier is broken that separates the tissues from harmful bacteria and toxins results in causing ulcerative colitis. This process can trigger the immune system that can lead to inflammation and problems of digestive tract involving ulcerative colitis.

Other possible though is related to genes linked with immune system. It includes the FUNCTION and MATURATION of T-cells. T cells are used to identify any foreign body and fight with it. When genetic variations occurs it make patients extra prone to the active immune system that is due to bacteria or microbes present in the large intestine. This condition develops inflammation that result in ulcerative colitis.

One more possible assumption is malfunctioning of the immune system in which the immune system attacks the healthy cells accidentally and causes inflammation that ultimately develops into ulcerative colitis.

Inheritance of ulcerative colitis:

Mostly genes and environmental factors are involved in developing ulcerative colitis. Inheritance involvement in developing asthma is unclear. But you are at high risk of developing ulcerative colitis if you are living with a family member who is suffering from ulcerative colitis.

What are the other names used for ulcerative colitis?

The following names are used for ulcerative colitis in different regions.

  • Colitis gravis
  • Idiopathic proctocolitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ulcerative colitis type
  • Ulcerative colitis or UC.

What are the sign and symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary from person to person but more common signs and symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in diarrhoea
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of essential fluids
  • Loss of nutrients
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Loss of blood due to severe anaemia

In severe cases symptoms are:

  • Sores on the skin
  • Pain in joints
  • Liver diseases or disorders
  • Rashes on the body
  • Redness or swelling around the eye
  • Weak bone or osteoporosis
  • Stone in the kidneys.

Symptoms of this condition are very similar to other health conditions. Sometimes your practitioner may confuse it with other conditions. It is very important to discuss all the symptoms and rule out other conditions. It is possible with a detailed diagnosis and multiple assessments. You can ask your prescriber whether he is sure about the treatment he prescribed.

How is ulcerative colitis treated? (2)

Following factors are considered by your health care provider:

  • What is your age, past, and overall health
  • The seriousness of your case
  • How well you can take medicine, therapy, and the whole treatment
  • Expectation if your condition gets worst
  • If you are having family plans such as you wish to become pregnant.
  • What you prefer more

No special diet is suggested by the physicians for the patients with ulcerative colitis but food that is more likely to upset your stomach should be avoided.

Treatment with medicine includes:

Drug treatment is aimed to reduce inflammation and drugs prescribed for this purpose are:

Aminosalicylates  (5-ASAs)

It helps to reduce the inflammation of the intestinal lining. Examples of this type are:

  • Mesalazine
  • Olsalazine
  • Sulphasalazine
  • Balsalazide

Corticosteroids (steroids)

These drugs show mechanisms by blocking the matter that is involved in triggering the allergic reaction or inflammation in the body. Examples of this class include:

  • Prednisolone
  • Prednisone
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Budesonide
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Beclomethasone propionate

Immunosuppressants:

These drugs work by suppressing the immune system that will reduce inflammation in response. These medications are recommended when patients develop resistance against steroids. Examples are:

  • Azathioprine
  • Mercaptopurine
  • Methotrexate
  • Tacrolimus
  • Cyclosporin

Biological drugs:

These are the modern drugs that are used to treat ulcerative colitis. These drugs show the mechanism is activated by stopping the red blood cells to enter the gut and causes inflammation. Examples of biological drugs include:

  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Golimumab
  • Vedolizumab

Other medications:

Additional drugs are needed to lower the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Before taking OTC drugs always consult your doctor. Following over the counter drugs are recommended by the doctors:

Antidiarrheal medications:

These medications are prescribed in case of severe diarrhoea. Antidiarrheals should be only taken after the recommendation of a doctor because excessive use can increase the risk of toxic megacolon. Loperamide is usually effective from the list.

Pain relievers:

For mild to moderate pain, relievers are recommended that includes:

  • Acteaetaminophen
  • Naproxen sodium
  • Diclofenac sodium

Diclofenac sodium is associated with increasing the risk of other diseases.

Antispasmodic:

These are recommended to relieve the body from cramps.

Iron supplements:

Iron supplements are recommended if you suffer from severe anaemia due to intestinal bleeding.

References:

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/ulcerative-colitis/
  2. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/u/ulcerative-Theshtml