Ulcerative Colitis – Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the large intestine becomes inflamed and develops small open sores called ulcers. This condition affects the innermost lining of the tract, which is called the colon and rectum, and the symptoms build up gradually over time. There is, unfortunately, no cure. However, several management options can make it easier to live with the disease if a disciplined lifestyle is followed. Let’s understand the illness and its management options.
Causes and risk factors
The cause remains unknown to researchers. However, certain risk factors can increase the risk of this disease. This includes the age at which a young person below 30 may develop the disease. However, it can even affect those beyond 60 years of age. It has been studied that certain sections of the population, like those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, may be at higher risk than anyone with a family history of the disease.
Symptoms
The condition grows slowly and gradually, only showing symptoms much later, so it is important to get regular checkups done to avoid a complicated diagnosis. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
Rectal pain
Bleeding while passing the stool
Unexpected loss of body mass
Feeling feverish
Fatigue
Diarrhea with blood or pus
Urgent bowel movement
Inability to pass stool despite the urgency
Pain in the abdomen and cramping
Failure to grow in children
The symptoms may differ depending on how mild or severe the inflammation is. Also, there might be a remission period where no symptoms are observed until they suddenly come back again. Always stay observant and seek medical help when any irregularity is noticed.
Types of ulcerative colitis
Depending on where the disease developed, it is classified differently, and the symptoms often overlap. Here are the different classifications of the condition depending on its location:
Ulcerative proctitis
This refers to the inflammation confined to the anus region, also called the rectum. Rectal bleeding may be the only symptom observed in this case.
Pancolitis
This affects the entire colon and leads to symptoms like severe and bloody diarrhea, fatigue, pain and cramping in the abdomen, and also unexpected body mass loss, which is significant.
Left-sided colitis
This shows inflammation which starts from the rectum or the anus region and extends up to the sigmoid and some portions of the colon. Some symptoms of this type of UC include bloody diarrhea, an urgency to defecate, and pain and cramping on the left side of the abdomen.
Proctosigmoiditis
The sigmoid colon is the lower end of the colon, and this type of UC leads to inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid. The symptoms are severe, like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, and being in a state of tenesmus. This means that while there is an urgency to defecate, the body is unable to do so.
It is extremely important to get a consultation from a doctor if any or some of these symptoms remain persistent for days:
Especially bloody diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Diarrhea that does not respond to other regular treatment methods.
An unexpected fever that lasts for more than two days.
Treatment
There are some options like anti-inflammatory treatment therapies, immune system suppressors, iron supplements, or pain relievers. There is also the option of surgery which involves removing the entire colon and rectum. This often also involves the J pouch surgery, which eliminates the need to wear a bag that collects stool. In this method, the surgeon can create a small pouch at the end of the small intestine, which is then directly attached to the anus, and the patient can defecate normally. In some cases, the bag is necessary to expel the waste. The J pouch surgery may need 2 to 3 steps to complete the whole process.
Management options
Since there is no permanent cure, there are other management options that help control the symptoms. This includes some lifestyle modifications like:
Limiting dairy intake
Lactose intolerance may be a high risk, and with an inflamed digestive tract, eating any dairy products might lead to more complications like bloating and diarrhea.
Eat small meals
It is observed that eating smaller meals more times a day as compared to eating 3 big meals throughout the day helps manage the symptoms of the disease.
Get a nutritionist
It is extremely important to stick to a disciplined meal plan that does not lead to inflammation or other complications. A nutritionist can prepare the right food chart and meal plan, which can be followed daily.
Staying hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. This can cause some stimulation in the digestive tract, which can lead to irritation and even diarrhea. Also, avoid carbonated drinks as that may create bloating or gas leading to irritation.
Exercising
This is crucial not just for physical activity but also for mental health. A condition like this can take a toll on mental well-being, and regular exercise has been proven to elevate mood, relieve depression, and reduce stress. Apart from that, exercise also helps in regular bowel movements, which may be a hindrance in ulcerative colitis. Speak to a healthcare professional and talk about an exercise plan that will be beneficial and not overly stressful on the body.
Biofeedback
This is a popular stress reduction technique that helps relieve muscle tension and also helps in slowing down the heart rate using a feedback machine. This technique is used to help destress and help achieve a relaxed state of mind to cope with the complications of the disease.
Breathing exercises
Yoga, meditation, and other breathing exercises are highly recommended to deal with the stress that comes with this disease. Dealing with everyday complications can get in the way of mental well-being, and it is highly advised to dedicate time and resources to relaxing the body and mind.
