Introduction
Like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is classified as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (‘IBD’). Unlike Crohn's however, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to the anus), ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and the rectum.
IBD is becoming increasingly common in Australia, with an estimated 800,000 people currently with the condition. It tends to develop in the younger population (under 30 years of age).
Most cases of ulcerative colitis affect the rectum, referred to as proctitis, although it can spread around to affect any portion of the colon. The rectum and the left side of the colon are more commonly affected than the right side of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by contiguous inflammation of the rectum and/or colon, unlike Crohn’s disease, where there may be normal appearing segments of bowel in between inflamed segments.
Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis may cause one, or often a number of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal cramping / pain.
- Diarrhoea.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Discharge of mucous.
- Urgent (and frequent) need to have a bowel movement OR feeling the need to have a bowel movement but not being able to do so.
- Eating problems (in severe ulcerative colitis).
- Fever.
- Slow growth/development (in children).
- Tiredness / fatigue.
- Weight loss (unexpected).
Causes
The precise mechanism of the development of ulcerative colitis is not yet fully understood, however research indicates that is possibly related to problems with the immune system overreacting when encountering specific bacterial or viral infections or particular proteins with this reaction being more severe and/or longer lasting than in people without the condition. This overreaction may in turn be caused by genetic or environmental factors, or a combination of the two. Ulcerative colitis is considered to be an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune cells attack the lining of the rectum and / or colon.
Tests & Diagnosis
It can be difficult to reach a positive diagnosis of ulcerative colitis because it shares a number of symptoms with other conditions. The most common examination is a colonoscopy – where tissue samples can be taken and tested. Other common tests to help in diagnosis include blood tests and stool samples. A CT (Computed Tomography) scan may be performed in acute cases.
Treatment
There is no cure as such for ulcerative colitis, however the condition can be managed with medication. In severe or complicated cases, surgery may be recommended.
