Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes the inner lining of the large intestine
(colon) to get red and swollen with sores called ulcers. It's a chronic condition,
which means it lasts a long time or constantly comes and goes.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are cramping belly pain
and diarrhea.
Other symptoms include:
blood in the toilet, on toilet paper, or in the stool (poop)
urgent need to poop
a fever
low energy
weight loss
Ulcerative coliits can cause other problems, such as rashes, eye problems, joint
pain and arthritis, and liver disease. Kids with ulcerative colitis may not grow well
as well as other kids their age and puberty may happen later than normal.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not clear. It is probably a combination
of genetics, the immune system,
and something in the environment that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal
tract. Diet and stress may make symptoms worse, but probably don't cause ulcerative
colitis.
Who Gets Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis tends to run in families. But not everyone with ulcerative colitis
has a family history of BD. Ulcerative colitis can happen at any age, but is usually
diagnosed in teens and young adults.
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, stool tests,
and X-rays. Medical imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, might be done too.
The doctor will check your stool for blood, and might look at your colon with an
instrument called an endoscope, a long, thin tube attached to a TV
monitor. In this procedure, called a colonoscopy, the tube is inserted
through the anus to let the doctor see inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the wall
of the colon. During the procedure, the doctor might do a
(taking small tissue samples for further testing).
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?
Ulcerative colitis is treated with medicines and sometimes surgery. The goal of
treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent other problems, and avoid flare-ups.
Your doctor may recommend:
anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the inflammation
immunosuppressive agents to prevent the immune system from causing further inflammation
biologic agents to block proteins that cause inflammation
Because some medicines make it harder to fight infections, it's important that
you be tested for tuberculosis and have all the recommended
vaccines before starting treatment.
Surgery may be necessary if:
the bowel develops a hole
the bowel widens and swells up (called toxic megacolon)
the bleeding can't be stopped
symptoms don't respond to treatment
What Else Should I Know About Ulcerative Colitis?
Poor appetite, diarrhea, and poor digestion of nutrients can make it hard for teens
with ulcerative colitis to get the calories and nutrients the body needs. Be sure
to eat a variety of foods, get plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that make your symptoms
worse. Some teens may need supplements, like calcium
or vitamin D. Someone who isn't growing well may need other
nutrition support.
Looking Ahead
Although it can be challenging to deal with the symptoms of ulcerative colitis,
many people find that they're able to feel well and have few symptoms for long periods
of time. Talk to your doctor about ways that you can feel better during the times
you have flares. If you feel sad or anxious about your symptoms, it may also help
to talk to a therapist or
other mental health professional.
As you get older, you can take on more responsibility for managing
your health care. Getting treatment for ulcerative colitis, managing your symptoms,
and keeping a positive attitude can help get you back on track.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is a good resource for more information and
support.
