Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is one of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and closely resembles Crohn's Disease and other of the IBD's. UC causes inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum. It does not travel to other parts of the digestive system like the mouth, throat or stomach.

It doesn't dig deep into the intestinal wall like its related disease, Crohn's disease, but leaves sores or ulcers along the intestinal wall. Ulcers continuously leak blood and toxic pus back into the digestive system, further inflaming the bowel, making more ulcers. With this cycle, Ulcerative Colitis continually fuels itself.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis causes abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea. As well, fatigue, weight loss, appetite change, skin lesions and fever have been reported. The instances of several conditions, seeming unrelated to Ulcerative Colitis have been received, including reports of osteoporosis, arthritis, liver disease, and eye inflammation. Doctors don't understand the relationship to the disease yet.

Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Doctors use drugs, usually, which tend to be ineffective for controlling the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. About one third of the sufferers have their colons removed, in order to relieve the symptoms. This surgery could probably be avoided with regular intestinal cleansing. It's also important to remain active as much as possible and keep a positive attitude since negative emotions can diminish health.

Population at Risk

Euro-Caucasian and people of Jewish descent show significantly high risk of developing Ulcerative Colitis. Usually more than one member of a family will have the disease.