Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers. This happens in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Ulcerative colitis is usually continuous from the rectum onwards, with the rectum almost universally being involved. There is rarely peri-anal disease, but cases have been reported. This ulcer causes diarrhoea, bleeding and mucus. With time the patient may become anaemic, protein and salt depleted. Due to the fact that other health conditions may exist that exhibit similar symptoms, care for ulcerative colitis begins with a confirmation of this initial diagnosis. This includes taking stool samples to rule out the presence of parasites or an existing infection within the colon, and performing blood tests to detect elevated white blood cell counts (high white blood cell counts indicate that the cause of inflammation is due to the activation of the body's own immune response). Causes of Ulcerative colitis The common causes and risk factor's of Ulcerative colitis include the following: The exect cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Abnormal activation of the immune system in the intestines. A family history of Ulcerative colitis. Smoking. Generalized enhanced reactivity against intestinal bacterial antigens. Environmental factors such as nutrition and exposure to various infections. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending on the amount of the colon (large intestine) that is inflamed and the intensity of the inflammation. There are different types of ulcerative colitis and they are classified according to the portion of the colon that is inflamed. For example, it is referred to by physicians as ulcerative proctitis when only the rectum is inflamed and the only symptom in this case may be rectal bleeding. In more severe cases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis that is confined to the rectum may include rectal pain and bleeding, sudden need to empty the bowels or a painful urge to move the bowels without result. Cure: There are many ways to cure ulcerative colitis, the most common of them being the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs such as Aminosalicylates, or drugs that contain 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA), help control inflammation. Sulfasalazine is a combination of sulfapyridine and 5-ASA; it induces and maintains remission, and helps to improve the quality of life of the sufferers. Most of these drugs will help you to cure ulcerative colitis fast, but keep in mind that they also come with their own set of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and headache. As with any prescription drugs, ulcerative colitis medications cause side effects in some people. These side effects may include nauseau, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. One ulcerative colitis medication, sulfasalazine, may reduce sperm count in men while they are taking it. These and other side effects often send people looking for other choices. A complete ulcerative colitis treatment plan may include vitamin supplementation, particularly D and B12. Iron supplements are sometimes recommended due to the loss of blood that may lead to anemia. It is known that a deficiency of Vitamin D in the diet often causes diarrhea and B12 is important to help the body effectively absorb iron and other necessary nutrients.
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