1. Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is one of the diseases, along with Crohn's Disease and other intestinal problems, which are grouped into Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). Colitis is contained mainly in the colon and rectum. Some people show signs of colitis only in the lower or sigmoid colon and rectum (ulcerative proctitis), some in only the left side of the colon (distal colitis) and still others in the entire colon (pancolitis). Inflammation occurs in the lining of the colon, resulting in ulcers that can bleed and also produce pus. Diarrhea and loose stools often mixed with mucus are common signs of ulcerative colitis. Currently, there are no known causes and no known cures for colitis.
2. It's More Than Something You Ate
Sometimes, you can get diarrhea or even mucus in your stools from something you might have eaten. However, these symptoms will usually clear up in a day or two. If you are suffering from repeated episodes of bloody diarrhea, loose stools with mucus and sudden urges to have a bowel movement, you might have colitis. Other signs of colitis include fever, cramps in the lower abdomen, fatigue, weight loss and anemia. It's best to seek medical attention if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks.
3. Colitis: Myths and Misconceptions
A common misconception about colitis is it's brought on by stress or by eating something that might trigger an attack. Colitis is a disease of the immune system. Some unknown factor causes the body to fight the "good" bacteria present in the colon, resulting in inflammation. Certain foods--particularly greasy or spicy in nature--or stress can exacerbate symptoms, but these alone do not cause colitis. Another common myth is colitis leads to colon cancer. People who suffer from colitis do not have a significant occurrence of colon cancer compared to people who do not have the disease. Oddly, one fact sounds like myth but is not: nicotine seems to have a positive effect on colitis, and nicotine patches have even been used as therapy to treat the disease.
4. Colitis Mimics Other Bowel Problems
Diagnosing colitis can be difficult, because the symptoms mimic other bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease or irritable bowel syndrome. A thorough physical examination and family history (genetics can play a part in colitis) will be taken. Blood tests, study of stool samples, sigmoidoscopy (an examination of the rectum and lower colon with a flexible, lighted tubing), colonoscopy (an examination of the entire colon, usually with biopsies taken from several area throughout the colon), and barium enema x-rays or CT scans of the abdomen can all help to identify colitis.
5. Don't Take Colitis Lying Down
For the most part, colitis is a manageable disease. Most people who suffer from colitis are able to go about their daily routines without significant interruption. Oral medications such as drugs containing 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA) help to reduce inflammation, the most common of these being sulfasalazine. Others with fewer side effects include mesalamine (Rowasa, Asacol) or olsalazine (Dipentum). The latter drugs are also used on a maintenance schedule to maintain remission of the disease. In some cases, short-term use of corticosteroids may be prescribed to fight inflammation, or immunosuppressant drugs like Remicade may be delivered intravenously. In extreme cases of colitis unresponsive to drug therapy, surgery to remove the entire colon may be necessary to eliminate the disease.
