Ulcerative colitis Health Article

Definition

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

See also: Crohn's disease

Alternative Names

Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; IBD - ulcerative colitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.

The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated swelling (inflammation) leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis (severe infection) may occur with severe disease.

The symptoms vary in severity and may start slowly or suddenly. Many factors can lead to attacks, including respiratory infections or physical stress.

Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping that usually disappears after a bowel movement
• Abdominal sounds (a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine)
• Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very often throughout the day (blood and mucus may be present)
• Fever
• Tenesmus (rectal pain)
• Weight loss

Other symptoms that may occur with ulcerative colitis include the following:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Signs and tests

Colonoscopy with biopsy is generally used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.

Colonoscopy is also used to screen people with ulcerative colitis for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer. If you have this condition, you should be screened with colonoscopy about 8-12 years after being diagnosed. You should have a follow-up colonoscopy every 1-2 years.

Othe tests that may be done to help diagnose this condition include:

• Barium enema
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Sedimentation rate (ESR)