Ulcerative Colitis: Understanding, Symptoms and Treatment
Colitis Ulcerative colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon and rectum. It belongs to a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and causes inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the intestines.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary depending on the degree and location of inflammation in the intestines. The main symptoms are:
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Bloody diarrhea: Patients with ulcerative colitis often experience frequent diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
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Abdominal pain: The pain may be present constantly or intermittently, and it is usually localized in the lower abdomen.
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Loss of appetite and reluctance to eat: Inflammation in the intestines can cause patients to lose their appetite and lose weight.
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Fatigue and weakness: Ulcerative colitis may be accompanied by fatigue, weakness and general malaise.
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Joint inflammation: Some patients may experience joint inflammation, which can lead to pain and limited mobility.
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Fever: Inflammation in the body can cause increased body temperature and fever.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, and its cause is not fully understood. Genetic predisposition and autoimmune processes are thought to play a role in the development of the disease. External factors such as stress, diet and environment can also influence symptoms.
The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is usually made after a physical examination, laboratory tests, including blood and stool tests, and imaging tests, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is aimed at reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive medications, or biologic therapies to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity. Diet and lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on symptom management.
In some cases, when conservative treatment is ineffective or complications occur, surgery may be required. Surgery may involve removing the affected part of the intestine or creating an ostomy to remove waste from the body.
It is important to note that ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, and its management requires long-term cooperation between the patient and the doctor. Regular visits to your doctor, following prescribed medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
In conclusion, ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers on the intestinal mucosa. Management of this disease requires a comprehensive approach that includes drug therapy, diet and lifestyle changes. Early consultation with a doctor and compliance with specialist recommendations can help patients with ulcerative colitis live a full and active life.
Ulcerative colitis (colithelial, non-ulcerative, ulcerative, confluent colitis, ulcerative-necrotic colitis) is one of the rare nosological variants of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in which the so-called ulcerative (ulcerative) form of colitis is detected - a nonspecific inflammatory lesion of predominantly deep layers of the mucosa membranes of the colon without the participation of specific flora, usually with the presence of ulcerative defects