Ulcerative Colitis

 Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis


 

 

 

Terms You Should Know

  • Absorption : The process of nutrients passing from the intestines into the blood stream.

  •  Anus : Opening at the end of the rectum that allows solid waste to be eliminated. 

  • Barium enema : A procedure in which a dye called barium is introduced into the colon through a tube inserted into the rectum, and a series of X-rays is taken. 

  • Colon : The large intestine. 

  • Colectomy : Colectomy is the removal of the colon.

  • Colonoscopy : Colonoscopy is an examination of the colon with the help of an endoscope. 

  • Chronic disease : Illness that occurs at frequent intervals over a long period of time. 

  • Crohn's Disease : An inflammatory and ulcerative process that occurs in the deep layers of the small and sometimes large intestine. 

  • Digestion : The process of breaking down food into its simplest chemical compounds so that it can be absorbed. 

  • Duodenum : The first portion of the small intestine; it connects the stomach to the small intestine. 

  • Enema : A procedure in which a solution is introduced into the rectum. 

  • Flare-up : A flare-up is an increase in clinical disease symptoms. 

  • Ileum : The last portion of the small intestine that connects to the large intestine. 

  • Immune System : The body's natural defense system that flights against disease. 

  • Inflammation : Inflammation is the body's response to irritation or injury. Inflammation causes tissues of the affected part to become swollen, red, warm an painful. 

  • Jejunum : The middle portion of the small intestine. 

  • Large intestine : Also known as the colon.

  • Left-sided colitis : Colitis that affects the entire left side of the colon: the rectum , sigmoid colon, and descending colon. 

  • Malnutrition : A condition that occurs when the body does not have enough calories, vitamins, and minerals to maintain growth and health. 

  • Rectum : Lowest portion of the colon. 

  • Remission : The period of time when disease symptoms are absent. 

  • Sigmoidoscopy : Sigmoidoscopy is visualization of the rectum and sigmoid colon using an endoscope.

  • Small intestine : Connects to the stomach and large intestine. Absorbs nutrients.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, recurring disease of the large bowel and rectum. It may affect only a part of the large intestine, or the entire colon and rectum. Rarely, it may affect the last part of the s mall intestine, called the ileum. The affected part of the large intestine becomes inflamed and develops ulcers, causing symptoms that include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. 


It is actually only the inner lining of the large bowel that is affected in ulcerative colitis. A similar condition, Crohn's Disease can cause inflammation in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract and can affect the full thickness of the bowel wall. Both conditions, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease, are known as inflammatory bowel disease. 


The disorder can occur in both sexes, all races and all age groups. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may start at any age but usually begin between ages 15 and 30, with a small group experiencing their attack between ages 50 and 70. Diagnosis of late-onset colitis is often difficult. 

Causes and Types
Symptoms 
Diagnosis
Treatment