Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, which is relatively common but remains poorly understood. Diagnosis must be made by a healthcare practitioner—typically a gastroenterologist. Irritable bowel syndrome, a completely unrelated and less serious condition, was sometimes called mucous colitis in the past. As a result, the general term “colitis” is still sometimes used inappropriately to refer to irritable bowel syndrome. It is critical that people who are diagnosed with “colitis” find out whether they have irritable bowel syndrome or UC.
What are the symptoms of UC?
UC is characterized by frequent abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, and nausea.
How is it treated?
Conventional treatment of UC includes avoiding raw fruits and vegetables. Sometimes a milk-free diet is suggested. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed, such as anticholinergic drugs, loperamide, diphenoxylate, or even deodorized opium tincture. These drugs must be used with extreme caution to prevent toxic dilation of the colon. Therapy with corticosteroids is commonly prescribed. Mesalamine may be prescribed in some cases, as an enema, orally, or in suppository form. Other drugs used include sulfasalazine, azothioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and cyclosporine. Toxic colitis, a grave medical emergency complication of UC, is treated intensively in emergency departments with a combination of antibiotics, intravenous fluid replacement, and either corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Emergency surgical removal of the colon is sometimes necessary in the most severe cases. Elective surgery may be recommended for milder cases.
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