Colitis, more formally known as Ulcerative Colitis, is an
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can be difficult to
diagnose because of the similarity of symptoms to other
intestinal disorders and IBDs such as Crohn's disease. The main
difference is that Crohn's disease causes inflammation deeper
within the intestinal wall and usually occurs in the small
intestine, although it can occur anyway along the digestive
tract from mouth to anus, whereas Colitis causes inflammation
and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. The
inflammation is usually found in the rectum and lower portion of
the colon, but it can effect the entire colon.
Colitis can affect people of any age, but generally symptoms
start between 15 and 30. Children and teenagers sometimes
develop the disease but it is less common, as are sufferers over
50. The inflammation within the intestines causes diarrhea, as
the colon empties more frequently. Ulcers appear where the
inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon, which then
bleed and produce pus.
Like Crohn’s disease, the cause of Colitis has yet to be
determined. The current thinking is that it’s a reaction by the
immune system to a virus or bacterium. People suffering with
colitis tend to have abnormal immune systems, but what is
unclear is whether this is the cause or an effect of the
disease. It has been proven, however that Colitis is not caused
by stress or through food allergies, however these factors may
in fact be a trigger for some people already suffering with the
disease.
The symptoms most commonly reported by sufferers of colitis are
abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. However, sufferers may also
experience fatigue, weight loss, a suppressed appetite, bleeding
from the rectum and can become deficient in essential nutrients.
Diagnosing Colitis can be tricky due to its similarity to other
IBDs. Therefore, a thorough physical exam and series of tests
are usually required. Blood tests are carried out to help
identify anemia, or high white blood cell count, which usually
signifies inflammation within the body. Stool samples are
commonly checked for evidence of blood or infection. You may
have to have a colonoscopy and/or biopsy, which involves taking
a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon. Another
possibility is a barium enema x-ray of the colon. This involves
filling the colon with barium solution and then taking x-rays to
highlight any ulcers or inflammation.
The main treatment option for sufferers is medication, however
depending on the serious of the disease surgery may be required
to remove the colon. For some people, watching what they eat and
avoiding known triggers can lead to a reduction in symptoms or
remission. Although, for most people the symptoms return, with
surgery being the only known cure.
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