Ulcerative colitis is commonly referred to as a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which affects the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) and causes its inflammation. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon region of the digestive system and can affect the rectum. Inflammation begins in the innermost lining of the rectum and gradually goes up to affect the innermost linings of GI tracts. Researchers believe the cause of ulcerative colitis is linked to a blend of genetics, immunity, and external environmental factors.

What you need to know
Treatments for colitis usually begin with diagnosis. Knowing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis helps in treating the same.

The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Cramps
• Belly pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding

High fever, lack of appetite, and frequent bouts of diarrhea on the same day lasting up to 20 times are some of the most common symptoms of the presence of ulcerative colitis. Sometimes these symptoms come and go, but symptoms that persist over time must be treated.  Ulcerative colitis may cause other issues in the body such as joint pain, eye problems, and diseases in the liver.

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
Colitis tests start with a physical examination by the doctor. Since ulcerative colitis is similar in symptoms with Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis, colonoscopy is a common method employed in the examining of the symptoms of this disease.  Diagnosis of colitis involves blood tests which help determine whether it’s an inflammation or infection of the colon. Stool sample tests are done alongside blood tests.

Risks of ulcerative colitis
Having ulcerative colitis for eight or more years of your life can put you at risk of being susceptible to colon cancer. Besides that, ulcerative colitis can be unpredictable and frequent flares involve multiple trips to the bathroom. This can cause embarrassment in the workplace and personal life.

Treating ulcerative colitis
Treatments for colitis depend on the diagnostics and severity of the disease. A healthcare professional may recommend treatments to help reduce the body’s immune response or prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. Proper treatment can reduce inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and reduce discomfort.

Optimizing one’s food plan also aids in the treatment and recovery process. Some foods gel well with ulcerative colitis while others don’t. In general, soft, bland foods, which are nutrient rich are used for treating colitis. Lactose-intolerant individuals should avoid dairy.  Consult with a nutritional expert to discuss this and optimize your diet accordingly.

Surgery is another method employed, but not usually recommended in treatments for colitis. It involves removing the entire colon and rectum and creating the ileostomy or external stoma. The ileostomy or external stoma procedure makes a hole in the abdomen region through which wastes are emptied out into a pouch by sticking the pouch with an adhesive on the skin. This is a little invasive in nature, and the degree of risk involved solely depends on the patient’s health, age, fitness, and overall condition.

There are new, safer surgical methods coming out for treating colitis, which involve removing the colon but avoiding the creation of an external pouch or ileostomy. This involves removing the colon and rectum, however, creating an internal pouch and attaching it to the sphincter muscle of the rectum and draining out the wastes. This makes the entire surgical process safer.  

Although treatment can help, the key thing to keep in mind is that ulcerative colitis can occur due to low immunity and the piling up of various toxic substances or foreign entities in the colon of the human body.

To prevent any chances of occurrence of this disease, following a healthy lifestyle, exercising, getting enough sleep, and having balanced meals are crucial. These habits make a huge difference in the long run. Low immunity stems from an unhealthy lifestyle down the line and preventing that in the first place is what makes the difference. Ulcerative colitis can be treated, but it takes time. If you know anyone who is facing ulcerative colitis, or if you are facing any signs of this disease, consult a healthcare professional and make changes to your lifestyle as soon as possible to prevent further complications of this disease.