An inflammatory, often chronic disease, ulcerative ocolitis affects the mucosa of the colon. Severeti ranges from a mild, localized disorder to a fulminant disaese that may cause a perforated colon, progressing to a potentially fatal peritonitis and toxemia.
CAUSES
Although what causes ulcerative colitis is unknown, it is thought to be related to abnormal immune reponse in gastrointestinal tract, possibly associated with food and bacteria. Stress was once thought to be the cause of ulcerative colitis, but studies show that while it isn't a cause, it does increase the severity of the attack. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs primarily in young adults, especially women.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The hallmark of ulcerative colitis is recurrent bloody diarrhea, often containing pus and mucus, interspersed with remissions. The intensity of these attacks varies with the extent of onflammation. Other symptoms include spastic rectum and anus, abdominal pain, irritability, weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Ulcerative colitis may lead to complications affecting many body systems:
- Blood: anemia from iron deficiency, coagulation defects due to vitamin K deficiency
- Skin: rash on the face and arms
- Eyes: uveitis
- Liver problems, including cirrhosis
- Musculoskeletal: arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, loss of muscle mass
- Gastrointestinal: strictures, pseudopolyps, stenosis and perforated colon, leading to peritonitis.
TREATMENT
The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, replace nutritional losses and blood volume and prevent complications. Supportive treatment includes bed rest, IV fluid replacement, and a clear liquid diet. Blood transfusion may be needed to correct anemia.
Medications to control inflammation include corticotropin and adrenal corticosteroids which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.