Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease which, if left untreated, could increase colon cancer risk.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which usually affects the lower left area of the colon known as the sigmoid colon. At times, the entire section of the colon may be affected.

This disease is characterized by inflammation and ulcers on the intestinal wall of the affected part of the colon. Ulcerative colitis normally affects the first layer of the intestinal lining called the mucosal membrane. On the other hand, Crohn’s disease involves the entire thickness of the intestinal wall of the colon.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar to Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. These are:

1.Diarrhea with bloody stools

2.Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen

3.Fever

4.Nausea

5.Lacking in energy, listless

Diarrhea from ulcerative colitis can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is therefore important to replace electrolyte on a regular basis as it could lead to shock. A serious complication of ulcerative colitis occurs when the entire colon is damaged. This affects the ability of the colon to perform its normal function. Besides this, increased cancer risk is another complication that can develop.

Ulcerative colitis diagnosis

In order to determine if a person has ulcerative colitis, a colonoscopy with an accompanying biopsy is the best option. Biopsy of a tissue sample can help the doctors diagnose the severity of the condition. Sometimes, a barium enema may also be prescribed as an alternative to colonoscopy. This allows doctors detect abnormalities of the colon through a series of x-rays.

Ulcerative colitis treatment

Treatment of ulcerative colitis depends on the severity and extent of the disease. The most widely used drugs today are corticosteroids and sulfasalazine. On top of that, other medications which help the patients to relieve their discomfort could be described.

For mild cases, such as Procitis (inflammation of the rectum), steroid enemas may be used. Alternatively, Mesalamine delayed-release tablets could also be used to treat ulcerative colitis that affects any part of the colon.

Mesalamine suppositories and enemas should only be used to treat inflammation of the lower part of the colon. Mesalamine is a class anti- inflammatory agent.

It works by reducing inflammation so that there is less discomfort from the disease.

Butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that is produced in the colon by bacteria, seems to be needed by the cells in the colon lining. Studies have shown that within 2 weeks of butyrate enemas (sodium butyrate 100 mmol/L) given to patients, there were less episodes of diarrhea with bloody stools.

It is necessary to obtain a prescription from a doctor for butyrate enemas. Fish oil has also been found to be a useful supplement for the management of ulcerative colitis. The use of dietary supplements of fish-oil-derived fatty acids has suggested a beneficial effect on inflammatory bowel disease.

In fact, fish-oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acid could reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Fish oils seem to exert their anti-inflammatory effects readily.

Ulcerative colitis diet

• Reduce intake of saturated fats. Fried foods, dairy products such as butter or margarine and red meat could cause gas and diarrhea if the fat in them is not properly digested.

• For those who are lactose intolerant, limit milk products. Abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea could indicate lactose intolerance.

• Be cautious with some high fiber foods. Nuts, seeds, corn and certain vegetables have the habit of provoking contractions in certain individuals once they enter the colon. Cramping could result.

• Rehydrate regularly since it is important to replenish water loss as a result of the many episodes of diarrhea experienced by those suffering from ulcerative colitis.

To address certain deficiencies in the diet caused by the avoidance of certain food groups, vitamins and health supplements should be considered.

Some medications used to treat ulcerative colitis such as corticosteroids could deplete the body’s calcium levels. Iron deficiency is a common issue among people with ulcerative colitis caused by blood loss.