Colitis Information
What is Colitis? When you first learn that you have Ulcerative Colitis, you probably feel overwhelmed. You may not have heard of Ulcerative Colitis before. And even if you are familiar with the disorder, the information you have may be pretty limited. On this page we hope to provide you with some helpful information and common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. We've also included some information on Crohn's Disease which is another bowel disorder that's very distressing.
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic (ongoing) disease of the colon, or large intestine. The disease is marked by inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa, or innermost lining. Tiny open sores, or ulcers, form on the surface of the lining, where they bleed and produce pus and mucus. Because the inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, symptoms typically include diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and often crampy abdominal pain.
The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may also involve the entire colon. When ulcerative colitis affects only the lowest part of the colon -- the rectum -- it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the disease affects only the left side of the colon, it is called limited or distal colitis. If it involves the entire colon, it is termed pancolitis.
Ulcerative colitis differs from another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease. Crohn's can affect any area of the gastro-intestinal tract, including the small intestine and colon. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects only the colon. The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas
of diseased intestine. In contrast, such so-called "skip" areas may occur in Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall.
Both illnesses do have one strong feature in common. They are marked by an abnormal response by the body's immune system. The immune system is composed of various cells and proteins. Normally, these protect the body from infection. In people with inflammatory bowel disease, however, the immune system reacts inappropriately. Mistaking food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances, it launches an attack. In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation. These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury. When this happens, the patient experiences the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Neither ulcerative colitis nor Crohn's disease should be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder that affects the motility (muscle contractions) of the colon. Sometimes called "spastic colon" or "nervous colitis," IBS is not characterized by intestinal inflammation. It is, therefore, a much less serious disease than ulcerative colitis. IBS bears no direct relationship to either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
What are the symptoms of Colitis?
The first symptom of ulcerative colitis is a progressive loosening of the stool. The stool is generally bloody and may be associated with crampy abdominal pain and severe urgency to have a bowel movement. The diarrhea may begin slowly or quite suddenly. Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss are common, as is fatigue. In cases of severe bleeding, anemia may also occur.
Approximately half of all patients with ulcerative colitis have relatively mild symptoms. However, others may suffer from severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and fever. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis do tend to come and go, with fairly long periods in between flare-ups in which patients may experience no distress at all. These periods of remission can span months or even years, although symptoms do eventually return. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis will vary depending on the extent of inflammation in the rectum and the colon of the patient.
While ulcerative colitis is a serious chronic disease, it is not considered a fatal illness. Most people with the illness may continue to lead productive lives (in between flare-ups of the disease), but they may be hospitalized from time to time, or need to take medication to help ease their suffering. Many individuals may feel well and can be relatively free of symptoms for a few months. But again, everyone is different. Always remember though, that people with ulcerative colitis are not alone. Many people suffer with IBD and are trying to cope with the illness everyday. But, by joining a support group or sharing your feelings with family or friends, you can be strengthened and healed by their help and support. To find support groups or other web sites of interest, please click here.
