Ulcerative colitis
is a chronic condition that affects the intestines. It can be mild and cause no real problems or it can be severe and require surgery. There may be periods of remission and flare-ups. It is important to recognize and treat the symptoms, as this condition can increase your risk for colon cancer.
Identification
In the case of ulcerative colitis the large intestine becomes inflamed and develops sores. This inflammation in the wall of the intestine affects your bowel movements. There is no exact known cause of the disease and there is no cure.
Benign Forms
In many cases ulcerative colitis is confined to just the rectum and considered benign. Your stools can be normal, hard or dry. However, many patients have a mucus discharge that contains red and white blood cells in between bowel movements.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include fatigue, abdominal cramping or pain, a strong urge to move the bowels and diarrhea. There may be blood or mucus in the stools as well.
Other Symptoms
During a more serious flare-up you may experience bloody diarrhea, fever and have inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Some patients become very ill, lose weight and have stools that are almost completely made up of pus and blood during a flare-up.
Complications
Losing too much blood can cause anemia. In toxic colitis the muscles of the intestinal wall can become paralyzed. Inflammation in the joints, such as arthritis, can occur as a secondary condition. In addition there can be inflammation in the whites of the eyes, sores on the skin and blood clots can develop.
Treatment
Your treatment plan depends on the severity of your symptoms. Mild cases can be managed through dietary changes. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used when needed. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected area.
Prevention/Solution
Your best defense is to have a regular colonoscopy and talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your digestive health.
Tags: ulcerative colitis, bowel movements