Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. It leads to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss and can have flare-ups followed by remission periods.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
🔹 Autoimmune reaction – The immune system mistakenly attacks the colon.
🔹 Genetic factors – Runs in families.
🔹 Environmental triggers – Diet, stress, infections, or gut microbiome imbalance.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Chronic diarrhea (often with blood or mucus)
Abdominal pain & cramping
Urgency to use the bathroom
Weight loss & fatigue
Fever during flare-ups
Anemia (due to blood loss in stool)
Severe Cases May Cause:
- Severe dehydration & malnutrition
- Toxic megacolon (life-threatening colon swelling)
- Colon cancer (long-term risk in untreated UC)
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
Colonoscopy – Main test to check for colon inflammation & ulcers.
Blood tests – To check for anemia, infection, or inflammation markers.
Stool tests – To rule out infections.
Biopsy – Tissue sample from the colon for analysis.
Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis
1. Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs – 5-ASA (Mesalamine, Sulfasalazine) to reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroids – Prednisone (for severe flare-ups, short-term only).
Immunosuppressants – Azathioprine, Methotrexate (to control immune response).
Biologics (Advanced Therapy) – Infliximab, Adalimumab (for severe UC).
Antidiarrheal & pain relievers – Loperamide, Acetaminophen (avoid NSAIDs).
2. Lifestyle & Diet Tips
Low-fiber diet during flare-ups – White rice, bananas, boiled potatoes.
Anti-inflammatory foods – Avocados, salmon, turmeric.
Stay hydrated – Prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
Avoid trigger foods – Spicy foods, caffeine, dairy (if intolerant).
Manage stress – Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.