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Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

  • Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
  • It usually starts in the rectum and may extend through part or all of the colon.
  • It is a long-term condition with periods of flare-ups and remission.
  • Caused by an abnormal immune response where the immune system attacks the intestinal lining. Leads to inflammation and ulcer formation in the colon.
  • Results in symptoms like bleeding, diarrhea, and pain.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Urgency to pass stool (tenesmus)
  • Fatigue, weight loss, fever
  • In children: delayed growth

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Ulcerative proctitis – limited to rectum
  • Left-sided colitis – extends to descending colon
  • Pancolitis – involves entire colon

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Severe bleeding and dehydration
  • Anemia
  • Colon cancer risk (long-term)
  • Toxic megacolon (life-threatening colon swelling)
  • Inflammation affecting skin, joints, and eyes

Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Blood tests (anemia, inflammation)
  • Stool tests (infection/inflammation markers)
  • Colonoscopy with biopsy (gold standard)
  • Imaging (CT/MRI) for complications

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., corticosteroids)
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Biologics (target immune response)
  • Antidiarrheals, pain relief, iron supplements
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