Ulcerative Colitis

Being diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition like ulcerative colitis can feel overwhelming. You may not fully understand what it is. And you don’t want to have to stop living your life.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that should be monitored closely to prevent the development of medical complications.

But just because you’ve been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis doesn’t mean you need to give up the things you love. The severity of the disease varies from person to person, but many treatment options can help manage your condition.

This page will first discuss what ulcerative colitis is and the symptoms that accompany it. We’ll also highlight how ulcerative colitis is different from Crohn’s disease. Lastly, we’ll touch on potential causes and discuss treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It’s a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcerations in the colon and rectum.

Your immune system normally attacks foreign invaders to keep you healthy. But with ulcerative colitis, your immune system attacks the inner lining of the digestive tract.

Most people with ulcerative colitis are diagnosed with mild to moderate disease. But some people may experience more severe symptoms.

Mild to moderate ulcerative colitis may include:

• Six or fewer bowel movements a day
• Mild to moderate rectal bleeding
• Average or elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (an inflammation marker)

Moderate to severe ulcerative colitis may include:

• Six or more bloody bowel movements a day
• Elevated heart rate
• Fever
• Anemia
• Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Ulcerative colitis can alternate between phases of remission and relapse. Remission is when your symptoms lessen or disappear altogether. And relapse is when your symptoms worsen or flare-up.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms depend on the location and severity of inflammation in the large intestine. Symptoms are usually the most notable at the time of diagnosis and lessen with treatment. But they may fluctuate throughout your lifetime.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgency to poop
• Inability to poop
• Bloating
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Anemia

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both inflammatory bowel diseases. While they have some similarities, they are two different conditions that affect the digestive tract in different ways. Below, we’ll discuss how these conditions differ from one another.

Ulcerative Colitis

A diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is generally less severe than Crohn’s disease and may have a better prognosis. 

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by the following:

• Inflammation of the colon and rectum
• Damage to the inner lining of the digestive tract
• Continuous inflammation and redness

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is usually the more severe form of inflammatory bowel disease. But each person’s case is different.

Characteristics of Crohn’s disease include:

• Inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract — all the way from the mouth to the anus
• Damage to the layers of the bowel walls
• Patchy inflammation
  • Some areas of the digestive tract appear healthy, and others seem inflamed

The cause of ulcerative colitis is not yet known. More research is needed to determine ulcerative colitis causes. But the disease may be influenced by many factors.

Ulcerative colitis causes may include:

• Immune system malfunction
• Genetics
• Environment

Immune System Malfunction

We know that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the colon and rectum. But we don’t know what causes it. Certain bacteria or viruses may trigger an immune system malfunction.

Genetics

Genetics may also play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Specific genes are present in people with ulcerative colitis. And the disease sometimes occurs frequently in families. 

Environment

The environment may also contribute to ulcerative colitis. Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives may increase the chance of developing ulcerative colitis. Also, Inflammatory bowel disease correlates with a diet high in fat.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that does not have a cure. But many treatment options can improve your quality of life. Treatment for ulcerative colitis can lessen or eliminate your symptoms by reducing inflammation in the colon and rectum. 

If ulcerative colitis goes untreated, it can lead to the development of colon cancer.

Medication is a critical aspect of managing ulcerative colitis. It’s important to keep taking your medicine to maintain remission even after your symptoms lessen or disappear. If you discontinue your medication once you start feeling better, your symptoms may worsen.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis may include the following medications:

• 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA)
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologic therapies

5-ASA medications are used most often for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. These are available to take both orally and topically. The combined use of an oral and rectal treatment may increase the rate of remission. We know that applying a medication topically to the rectum may be difficult or uncomfortable, so we always consider your preference before prescribing a treatment plan.

Corticosteroids are also used to decrease inflammation. But they are only a short-term solution. If you frequently require corticosteroid treatment, it’s a sign that you may need more aggressive medication.

Immunomodulators and biologic therapies are medications that reduce inflammation by suppressing your immune system. These medications are less popular for ulcerative colitis treatment. But we may need to consider them if you don’t respond well to other medicines.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that should be taken seriously. Managing ulcerative colitis with a GI doctor’s help can improve your treatment outcomes and reduce your risk of medical complications. If you experience new or worsening ulcerative colitis symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor.

Dr. Sameer Islam is a gastroenterologist and West Texas native who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions like ulcerative colitis.

If you have concerns about ulcerative colitis or if you want help managing your condition, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.