Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
UC affects up to 120,000 people in the UK, or 1 in 500 and between 6,000 and 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in part of the digestive tract.
Like Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis can be debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. It is a chronic condition: symptoms usually develop over time, rather than appearing suddenly. UC usually affects only the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum and, unlike Crohn’s, which can occur anywhere in the digestive tract and often spreads deeply into affected tissue, occurs only through continuous stretches of the colon.
There’s no known cure for Ulcerative Colitis, but therapies are available that may dramatically reduce symptoms and even bring about long-term remission.
Signs & Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Abdominal pain
Blood and/or mucus in stool
Diarrhoea that does not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Unexplained fever lasting more than 1-2 days
Risk Factors
Age
UC usually begins before 30 years. But, it can occur at any age, and some people develop the disease in their 50s and 60s.
Race or ethnicity
Whites have a higher risk of the disease than other ethnicities, and persons of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have the highest risk.
Family history
Isotretinoin use
Isotretinoin is a medication sometimes used to treat scarring cystic acne or acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It used to be sold under the brand name Accutane, but that brand has been discontinued, and it’s now sold under the brand names Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret. There is conflicting information as to whether isotretinoin use can increase the risk of IBD. Some studies have suggested a possible link, while other studies have found no such evidence.
UC Classification
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. For these reasons, UC is often classified according to its location.
Proctosigmoiditis
This form involves the rectum and the lower end of the colon, known as the sigmoid colon. Bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus) are common problems associated with this form of the disease.
Left-sided colitis
Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon, which are located in the upper left part of the abdomen. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.
Ulcerative proctitis
Inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. Other people may have rectal pain and a feeling of urgency. This form of UC tends to be the mildest.
Fulminant colitis
This rare, life-threatening form of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhoea and, sometimes, dehydration and shock. People with fulminant colitis are at risk of serious complications, including colon rupture and toxic megacolon, a condition that causes the colon to rapidly expand.
Pancolitis
Affecting more than the left colon and often the entire colon, pancolitis causes bouts of bloody diarrhoea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
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Practitioners work in partnership with patients, listening to their histories and looking at interactions among the factors that influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.
To ensure that you receive the best possible treatment, at IBS Clinics we use a full range of diagnostic laboratory tests.
These are recommended depending on your needs and symptoms and may include tests for food allergies and intolerance, breath tests, stool tests, as well as tests for adrenal function. Additional tests may be suggested as part of your consultation.
Tracey studied clinical nutrition at BCNH College of Nutrition and Health, where she now lectures. All IBS Clinics practitioners are Registered Nutritional Therapist who have qualified from an NTC registered Clinical Nutrition degree or Diploma course. Our patients appreciate our committedly professional, evidence-based, and empathic approach.
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