Discover everything you need to know about ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine and rectum.
If you’re looking for detailed information about this disease, its symptoms, and available treatment options, EndoBlog is the right place!
In this article, understand the main aspects of ulcerative colitis. Happy reading!
What is ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis, also known as colitis ulcerosa, is a chronic disease that is part of the group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), mainly affecting the large intestine, resulting in inflammation and ulcers in the intestinal mucosa.
Although it is more common in adolescents and young adults, it manifests in people of different age groups.
Ulcerative colitis is distinct from Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD.
While UC specifically affects the large intestine, sparing the small intestine, Crohn’s disease can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract, both the small and large intestines, and presents with alternating areas of inflammation and healthy tissue.
Ulcerative colitis: symptoms
Ulcerative colitis presents characteristic symptoms, and one of the main ones is diarrhea, with the presence of blood in the stool.
This diarrheal condition occurs due to inflammation of the intestinal wall, which interferes with the proper absorption of water by the body. The ulcerations in the intestine trigger bleeding, resulting in the release of blood in the stool.
In addition to bloody diarrhea, other common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain, cramps, and an urgent need to evacuate. Abdominal pain is felt at different intensities and locations, often accompanied by cramps.
The bleeding resulting from ulcerative colitis can cause anemia, due to continuous blood loss. Anemia, in turn, contributes to the development of additional symptoms, such as fatigue and tiredness.
Ulcerative colitis: treatments
Although there is no definitive cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment helps control symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and keep the disease in remission. With medical follow-up and a personalized therapeutic plan, including dietary re-education and medication, symptoms are minimized, and the achievement of well-being is undeniable.
Even though it is possible to manage the disease, flare-ups occur throughout the patient’s life. The treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prolong periods of remission.
How the diagnosis is made
To diagnose ulcerative colitis, the doctor will consider the possibility of other diseases with similar symptoms and will perform a series of tests to rule out these other possible causes, such as infections.
The tests frequently used in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis are:
- Stool test: to rule out infections and check for blood in the stool;
- Blood test: to reveal signs of inflammation in the body and identify antibodies related to ulcerative colitis;
- Sigmoidoscopy: allows visualization of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon.
- Colonoscopy: a more comprehensive examination, which allows the visualization of the entire colon and the end of the small intestine.
Learn more about colonoscopy at EndoBlog
A colonoscopy is one of the main exams for the confirmation of the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. With it, the doctor will assess the degree of inflammation, the extent of the disease, and rule out other similar conditions.
Learn more about colonoscopy and other exams for the diagnosis of conditions in the digestive system. Browse through the contents of EndoBlog.
Residência em Endoscopia Digestiva no Hospital das Clínicas da USP (HCFMUSP)
Residência em Gastroenterologia no Hospital Universitário da UFSC
Presidente da SOBED / SC na gestão 2018-2020
Médico da clínica Endogastro em Florianópolis e ProGastro em Joinville