What is Ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.
It is a autoimmune condition, where your own immune system attacks the cells of the colon and rectum.
What are the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis?
Repeated diarrhea which may contain blood, mucus, pus
Discomfort in the abdomen (tummy)
Needing to go to the restroom to have a bowel movement repeatedly
Weight loss
During acute episodes, patients may experience joint swelling and pain, redness in the eyes, skin rash, sores in the mouth, fever, dehydration.
What should I do if I have symptoms of Ulcerative colitis?
Consult your healthcare provider.
How is Ulcerative colitis diagnosed and treated?
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, Lab tests.
A procedure is done where a camera will be passed to look at the gut[Colonoscopy, Upper and lower GI Endoscopy].
Treatment is done with oral medicines to control the acute symptoms, Long-term medicines to suppress the immune system to prevent acute attacks.
Sometimes surgery is recommended in severe cases.
What are the long-term complications of ulcerative colitis?
Damage to the bile ducts in the liver [Sclerosing cholangitis]
Risk of bowel cancer.
Stunted growth in children.
Location of abdominal organs
