Ulcerative Colitis

Any stomach or intestinal discomfort can be a significant disruption, causing both physical and emotional distress. Even if temporary, it can affect your daily routine. For individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), these symptoms are a regular occurrence.

It’s estimated that 750,000 people in North America live with ulcerative colitis. While there is no known cure for this chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), understanding its symptoms, causes, and available treatments can help you manage the condition effectively.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by inflammation and sores in the inner lining of the colon and rectum, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Although similar to Crohn’s disease, UC exclusively affects the colon and rectum, which influences treatment approaches and management strategies.

Where In The Body Does It Occur?

Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the large intestine, specifically the colon and rectum. The large intestine’s role is to absorb electrolytes and water from digested food before elimination as waste. The inflammation typically starts at the rectum and spreads upwards to the colon, although it may affect specific portions of the colon.

Types Of Ulcerative Colitis

UC is classified based on the extent and severity of inflammation in the colon:

• Ulcerative Proctitis: This mildest form affects the rectum and the innermost lining of the colon, causing symptoms like rectal bleeding and pain during bowel movements.
• Proctosigmoiditis: Involves inflammation of the rectum and the sigmoid colon, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, urgency, and lower abdominal cramping.
• Left-Sided Colitis: Affects the left side of the colon, causing inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding from the rectum to a certain point in the colon. Symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.
• Pancolitis: Also known as universal colitis, this severe form affects the entire colon from the rectum to the cecum, leading to severe diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
• Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: Characterized by severe inflammation in the colon, this type can lead to life-threatening complications such as toxic megacolon and sepsis, requiring immediate medical attention and often hospitalization.

Common Risk Factors for Chronic Intestinal Issues

While the exact cause of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unknown, certain risk factors have been identified that may increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

• Genetics: A genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders or inflammatory conditions can play a significant role in the development of UC.
• Environment: Exposure to various environmental factors, such as air pollution, diet, infections, exercise, and sleep habits, may increase the risk of developing UC.
• Age and Ethnicity: UC is more commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 and tends to affect Caucasians more than other ethnicities.Family History: Having a family history of UC increases the risk of developing the disease. Studies indicate that if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has UC, an individual’s risk increases by approximately 10%.
• Geographic Location: UC is more prevalent in developed countries, particularly in urban areas with higher socioeconomic status. This may be due to a more Westernized diet and lifestyle.
• Dietary Habits: A diet high in processed and refined foods, low in fiber, and lacking essential nutrients has been linked to an increased risk of UC.

Living With Ulcerative Colitis

Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. However, several strategies can help manage the condition and improve overall quality of life:

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
2. Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation can reduce inflammation and improve UC symptoms.
3. Manage Stress: Incorporating stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies can help mitigate UC flare-ups.

Dietary Considerations

1. Avoid Trigger Foods: Identifying and avoiding foods that exacerbate symptoms, such as spicy or high-fiber foods, can be beneficial.
2. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Including foods with anti-inflammatory properties in your diet can help manage symptoms.

Stress Management

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress.
2. Seek Therapy or Counseling: Professional support can provide coping strategies and emotional support.
3. Engage in Healthy Outlets: Activities such as exercise or hobbies can help manage stress effectively.

Possible Late Complications of UC When Left Untreated

If UC is left untreated or unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications, including:

1. Colorectal Cancer: Long-term inflammation in the colon increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
2. Toxic Megacolon: A rare but life-threatening complication where the colon becomes severely inflamed and dilated.
3. Severe Anemia: Chronic inflammation can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
4. Osteoporosis: The risk of developing osteoporosis is higher in individuals with UC due to malabsorption of nutrients and long-term use of corticosteroids.
5. Malnutrition: Chronic inflammation and frequent diarrhea can lead to malnutrition as the body cannot properly absorb nutrients.

Diagnosing Colon Inflammatory Conditions

Diagnosing UC can be challenging as it shares symptoms with other digestive conditions. The diagnostic process may involve:

1. Medical History Discussion: Your doctor will ask about your family’s medical history and your own, as genetics and family history can play a role in developing UC.
2. Physical Exam: The doctor will check for signs indicating inflammation or other abdominal symptoms.
3. Endoscopy and Colonoscopy: These procedures involve examining the inside of the colon and rectum for signs of inflammation and ulcers using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.

Enhance Your Well-Being with NextPain Care

Living with ulcerative colitis can be challenging, but effective management of symptoms and overall health is possible. At NextPain Care, our comprehensive approach focuses on reducing pain and improving quality of life through various treatment modalities. With our 3-level system, we aim to enhance your health and well-being, helping you lead a more comfortable life.