Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, or had it for years, it’s important to understand what Ulcerative Colitis is and what it means for you.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It happens when parts or all the lining of these areas becomes inflamed. This is usually a response to something foreign (such as an infection). However, in UC, the body recognizes the bowel as foreign, and the inflammation continues, which can lead to ongoing damage to the colon.
Doctors still aren’t sure exactly what causes UC, but genetics, other immune disorders and environmental factors may all increase the risk.
UC can occur at any age but is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15-30, with a second peak at the ages of 50-60.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The most common symptom of UC is diarrhoea (with or without blood and/or mucus)
Other common symptoms of UC include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Bloody stools
- Constipation
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Rectal pain
- Malnutrition
UC may cause other issues such as:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Skin problems
- Mouth sores
- Eye problems
The severity of symptoms will vary over time, and in each person. It doesn’t get worse over time, but a person can experience flare ups and periods of remission.
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
There are several tests that can be used in the diagnosis of UC. A combination of the following may be used:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests (including faecal calprotectin which can be used to measure inflammation)
- Colonoscopy with biopsies
- Ultrasound
Your doctor will use the results of these tests to determine whether you have Ulcerative Colitis or not.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
The treatment given will depend on the severity of the disease in each person. A combination of the following treatments may be used:
- Aminosalicylates
- Corticosteriods
- Immunosuppressants
- Antibiotics
- Biologics and small molecules
- Surgery (this is last line treatment reserved for severe or refractory cases)
If you have concerns about suffering from Ulcerative Colitis or questions about your diagnosis, please feel free to contact the friendly team at IBD SA.