Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition affecting the rectum and colon (large intestine). It is the primary cause of inflammation and ulcers in the bowel lining, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain in the stomach and blood in the stool.
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is interconnection with the immune system and other environmental factors. Gaining a clear understanding of ulcerative colitis symptoms and causes lets doctors diagnose ulcerative colitis and lead a better quality of life.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease that causes ulcers and inflammation inside your colon (large intestine). It is one of the most common kinds of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside Crohn's disease. UC often leads to bloody diarrhoea, cramps in the abdomen, and urgent bowel movements.
The majority of people with UC experience symptoms, followed by no symptoms for a prolonged period. It develops when there is inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. This causes ulcers on the lining of the colon, beginning in the rectum and gradually spreading upward. It also results in frequent bowel movements with discharge of pus and mucus.
The ulcerative colitis symptoms vary from one individual to another with symptoms. The symptoms of this disease change over time. Individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms or no symptoms. However, symptoms can come back and become more severe.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
Some of the additional symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:
According to researchers, the primary cause of ulcerative colitis might be an overactive immune system. The function of the immune system is to safeguard your body from germs and other substances. However, at times, your immune system dysfunctions and causes damage to tissues and inflammation.
Research reveals that people with ulcerative colitis usually do not have any family history. However, approximately 8-14% of individuals with ulcerative colitis have a family member with inflammatory bowel disease.
UC can take place among people from any race, but it is more prevalent among white people. In addition, the factors that play an important role towards developing UC include immune disorders and other environmental factors such as viruses, bacteria or antigens that might trigger your immune system.
Doctors prescribe tests to confirm if you have UC and not any other gut disease. The tests include:
If you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis symptoms, see a doctor. The symptoms can be mild or severe. The symptoms include:
All these symptoms are associated with complications of UC. If you are not diagnosed with UC but have mild symptoms, make sure to consult a doctor. Doctors can determine whether you are experiencing UC or other bowel diseases.
Living with ulcerative colitis might be challenging, but with medical care, it is possible to manage symptoms well. Proper diagnosis at an early stage and treatment are key to preventing complications.
Being aware of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of the disease, individuals can take care of their health beforehand and consult healthcare professionals for an effective treatment plan. Though there is remission achievable with tailored therapies, the majority of people with ulcerative colitis find relief with changes in lifestyle, medication, and support.
Related Health Info Articles
Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds
/health-info/fennel-seeds-benefits-and-side-effects/
7 Types of Milk
/health-info/types-of-milk/
Signs and Symptoms of Pleural Effusion
/health-info/pleural-effusion-causes/
10 Health Benefits of Butter
/health-info/health-benefits-of-butter/
10 Health Benefits of Cardamom
/health-info/health-benefits-of-cardamom/
10 Health Benefits of Onions
/health-info/health-benefits-of-onions/
Preparation for Delivery
/health-info/preparation-for-delivery/
Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis
/health-info/home-remedies-for-plantar-fasciitis/
Benefits of Barley Grass
/health-info/barley-grass-benefits/
Diet for Raw Foods
/health-info/raw-food-diet/
Magnesium Rich Foods
/health-info/magnesium-rich-foods/
Aliv Seeds for Better Health
/health-info/aliv-seeds-for-better-health/
Home Remedies for Skin Tightening
/health-info/home-remedies-for-skin-tightening/
Symptoms of Blood Blisters
/health-info/blood-blisters-symptoms/
Bone Marrow Transplant
/health-info/bone-marrow-transplant/
Cardiac Muscle Structure
/health-info/cardiac-muscle-function-structure/
Relieve Uncontrollable Itchy Skin
/health-info/relieve-uncontrollably-itchy-skin/
Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee
/health-info/cold-brew-coffee-benefits/
Benefits of Collard Greens
/health-info/collard-greens-benefits/
Health Benefits of Cumin
/health-info/health-benefits-of-cumin/
Eye Health
/health-info/eye-health/
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
/health-info/neurocutaneous-syndromes/
Saturated Fats
/health-info/saturated-fats/
Foods for Autoimmune Disease
/health-info/worst-foods-for-autoimmune-disease/