What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, characterized by widespread fragility and superficial ulcerations of the colonic lining, often accompanied by bleeding. It is the most prevalent form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worldwide. The inflammation is typically confined to the mucosal and submucosal layers of the colon, beginning in the rectum and progressively extending in a continuous pattern toward the proximal colon.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Presence of blood, mucus, or pus in stool
- Increased bowel movements or recurrent diarrhea episodes
- Urgency to pass stool
- Tenesmus (a constant feeling of needing to pass stool)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
In approximately 25% of cases, UC can lead to symptoms beyond the digestive tract, such as:
- Joint pain and swelling (arthritic symptoms)
- Eye irritation, redness, or itchiness (eye symptoms)
- Painful skin rashes, ulcers, or bumps (skin symptoms)
Severity Classification:
Ulcerative colitis is categorized based on the frequency of rectal bleeding:
- Mild: Fewer than four episodes of rectal bleeding per day
- Moderate: More than four episodes per day
- Severe: More than four episodes per day, accompanied by systemic illness symptoms and low albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia)
Potential Complications:
Without proper management, UC can lead to serious complications, including:
- Severe bleeding
- Extreme dehydration
- Anemia
- Perforation of the colon
- Osteoporosis
- Inflammation affecting the skin, joints, and eyes
- Toxic megacolon (a rapidly swelling colon)
- Delayed growth and development in children
- Increased risk of colon cancer
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
Physicians utilize various diagnostic methods to confirm UC, including:
- X-ray with Barium Enema: Helps identify inflammation in the colon
- CT Scan & MRI: Useful in detecting moderate to severe inflammation
- Endoscopic Procedures: Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, often with a biopsy, provide a direct view of the colon and help confirm the diagnosis
Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in managing ulcerative colitis and preventing complications.
