Have you ever experienced a bruise, cut, or wound on your skin? They can be quite painful. Now, imagine if these wounds or cuts were inside one of our organs. It would be incredibly painful, right? Our intestines, both small and large, play a crucial role in absorbing nutrients and water from the food we eat, as well as helping us excrete waste. The last section of the large intestine, known as the colon and rectum, is responsible for absorbing water and eliminating waste in the form of stool. If these parts of the intestine are affected by a disease like Ulcerative colitis, it can make eating, absorbing nutrients, and excreting waste much more challenging.
About ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum. The affected areas can develop ulcers or sores, become red and swollen, and may even bleed. This condition is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 15 and 35. Ulcerative colitis tends to recur with intermittent flare-ups and periods of being symptom-free.
While the exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it is believed that an abnormal immune response may play a role. Inflammation of the intestine can occur due to the body’s immune system reacting abnormally to bacteria that normally reside in the intestine. This leads to swelling of the intestine. Emotional stress and spicy foods that irritate the digestive system have been identified as triggers for ulcerative colitis. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that hereditary factors can contribute to the development of this condition.
Symptoms
Ulcers in the colon and rectum can lead to abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding may occur if the ulcers are large, which can result in heavy blood loss and anemia. Inflamed intestines may cause frequent emptying and diarrhea, leading to the loss of body fluids and nutrients. You may also experience fever. These symptoms, over time, can lead to weight loss and growth failure in children. Inflammation can also cause general symptoms such as mouth sores, itchy and painful eyes, joint swelling and pain, kidney stones, osteoporosis (weakening of bones with a higher risk of fractures), liver problems like hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (scarring of the bile ducts in the liver). Additionally, you may develop skin sores and rashes.
Diagnosis
To diagnose ulcerative colitis, doctors will conduct blood tests to check for antibodies, anemia, or any signs of infection. They will also analyze stool samples to look for the presence of white blood cells, which can indicate ulcerative colitis, and to rule out any disorders caused by parasites, viruses, or bacteria. If necessary, a colonoscopy may be performed to examine the large intestine for any abnormalities. During this procedure, a tube with a camera at its end is gently inserted into the colon. If a colonoscopy cannot be done, a barium enema may be used instead. This involves introducing a barium dye into the colon through an enema, allowing doctors to visualize the lining of the intestine and detect any abnormalities. To examine the sigmoid, which is the last part of the colon, a flexible tube with a light is used in a procedure called Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. If the doctor suspects any abnormalities or perforations in the colon, a CT scan or X-ray of the pelvis or abdomen may also be performed.
Treatment
Diet management, stress control, and medications are all important methods for treating ulcerative colitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Rowasa, Asacol), balsalazide (Colazal), and olsalazine (Dipentum), are used to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids, like prednisolone, can also be given to reduce swelling. Immune system suppressors, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral), Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol), and infliximab (Remicade), help to reduce the body’s immune system reaction to natural bacteria in the intestine. In addition to these medications, doctors may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, antidiarrheals like loperamide, and iron supplements to relieve other symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. If symptoms cannot be controlled with medication, surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure, known as proctocolectomy, involves the removal of the severely affected part of the colon and rectum.
Diet
Individuals with ulcerative colitis often discover that specific foods can worsen their symptoms, necessitating caution when it comes to their diet. Foods aggravating the symptoms include fiber-rich foods such as dried fruits, beans, lentils, sprouts, whole meal bread, and high-fiber breakfast cereals, which can exacerbate diarrhea. Additionally, lactose, beer, other alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, spicy foods, and onions can also contribute to the discomfort. To manage the condition effectively, it is advisable to follow a diet that is low in fiber, salt, and fat, while also being lactose-free and high in calories.
Keep stress at bay
It has been discovered that emotional stress, including stress caused by emotions, worsens ulcerative colitis. To alleviate this, it is important to incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing, meditation, and exercise. Engaging in a hobby you enjoy and spending quality time with loved ones can also help divert your mind from stress. If you need further information, feel free to reach out to the “Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation”, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing support programs, education, and conducting research.
