Causes and Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It is supposed to be due to a defect in the immune system so that the body's defense system ( antibodies) attacks and injures the colon. Another speculation is that an unidentified microorganism is responsible for the disease. It is probable that a combination of factors, including heredity, may be involved in the cause. Ulcerative colitis has a genetic component, with a higher probability of incidence in families in which another member has ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease:

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis may involve the entire colon ( pancolitis), only the rectum ( ulcerative proctitis) or somewhere between the two. 

Ulcerative proctitis : Ulcerative colitis is limited to the rectum. Symptoms are diarrhoea, bloody stool, pain in the rectal area, and a sense of urgency to empty the bowel. 

Proctosigmoiditis : This affects the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Symptoms are diarrhoea, bloody stool, cramps and pain in the rectal area, and moderate pain on the left side of the abdomen. 

Left-sided colitis: Left-sided colitis affects the entire left side of the colon. Symptoms include diarrhoea, bleeding, weight loss and loss of appetite, and sometimes severe pain on the left side of the abdomen. 

Pancolitis : If the entire colon is affected, the term pancolitis is used ('pan' meaning 'total'). 

It is important to know, for proper treatment, which part of the colon is involved. Ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, and even left-sided colitis can be treated with local agents introduced through the anus. Pancolitis required treatment with oral medication. 

Introduction of Ulcerative Colitis
Causes and Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis 
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis