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Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Ulcerative Pancolitis - Ulcerative Proctosigmoiditis - Ulcerative Ileocolitis
General
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the large intestine (the colon) and the rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are involved. The understood mechanism includes the overactivation of the immune system. The immune system "attacks" the gastrointestinal tract, causing persistent inflammation and damage. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer; hence early testing for cancer is particularly important in these patients. Additional complications of ulcerative colitis include intestinal bleeding, infections, and scarring of the colon.
895 people with Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Learn from others who are experiencing Ulcerative Colitis (IBD) Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include: - Persistent diarrhea. - Abdominal Pain. - Bloody stool or rectal bleeding. - Rectal pain. - Weight loss. - Chronic Fatigue. - Fever. Other additional symptoms that are related to ulcerative colitis include: - Joints swelling and joints pain. - Skin problems. - Eye inflammation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by questioning and investigating the medical history and physical examination to provide additional information and exclude other diseases. Further tests include: - Stool sampling test. - Endoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the mouth. - Colonoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the rectum, large intestine (colon), and small intestine and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the rectum. - CT or MRI scans. - Blood testing.
Treatment
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition. Treatment’s primary goal is to reduce the inflammation and thus ease the symptoms. Treatment includes medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, antibiotics, and pain relievers. In some cases, surgery is indicated, in which the large intestine or parts of it are removed. Removing the entire large intestine may terminate the disease; however, it is an extensive procedure, and not all patients require it.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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So sorry to hear you are dealing with this. Rest and taking a step back can both be helpful, as well as addressing the sources of your stress and making changes if the stress is something within your control (I’ve found counseling to be very helpful with this). Also eating foods that are gentle on your gut can be helpful with symptoms. I’ve had **ulcerative colitis** for over 20 years, and these things can help some when I feel a flare coming on. However, most of my experience has been that if there is actual inflammation going on, then there is little I can actually do to reverse the symptoms and head back toward remission without the help of medications. Since you got Vedo on the 4th and are experiencing symptoms, it may be good to talk with your doctor about a change in dose and frequency, or a change to another medication if you’ve been on this one a while at an optimal dose and schedule and still having symptoms. 💜 Prayers for you this morning!
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