Ulcerative colitis Causes and Risks:
The cause is unknown, and it may affect any age group although there are peaks at ages 15 to 30 and then again at ages 50 to 70.
The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large bowel. Repeated episodes of inflammation lead to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis may occur with severe disease. The symptoms vary in severity and their onset may be gradual or sudden. Attacks may be provoked by many factors, including respiratory infections or stress .
Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis or Jewish ancestry. The incidence is 5 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Because the cause is unknown, prevention is also unknown.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
The goals of treatment are to control the acute attacks, prevent recurrent attacks, and promote healing of the colon. Hospitalization is often required for severe attacks. Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation. Sulfasalazine may decrease the frequency of attacks. Surgery may be indicated in refractory disease
Prognosis:
The course of the disease varies with remissions and exacerbations over a period of years, or the disorder can present as a fulminant disease. A permanent and complete cure is unusual. The risk of cancer increases in each decade after the diagnosis.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain or other symptoms of ulcerative colitis are present.
Call your health care provider if ulcerative colitis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
Colonoscopy has become a very important diagnostic procedure in detecting diseases of the colon. The entire length of the colon can be visualized using a flexible fiber optic scope. The specialist (gastroenterologist) can see the interior of the colon and take samples (biopsy) if necessary. The entire procedure can be viewed on a color monitor and videotaped for later evaluation.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
Pyoderma gangrenosum on the side and back: This is a poorly understood disease of the skin, often seen in association with autoimmune diseases that cause wasting (loss of tissue mass) and debilitation. Some of these diseases include inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Classic lesions of pyoderma gangrenosum are enlarging ulcers with undetermined or loose edges associated with an autoimmune mechanism.
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