Ulcerative colitis
Overview
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are: recurringdiarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pustummy painneeding to poo frequently You may also experience extreme tiredness (fatigue), loss of appetite and weight loss. The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives. Some people may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all (remission), followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome (flare-ups or relapses). During a flare-up, some people with ulcerative colitis also experience symptoms elsewhere in their body; which are known as extra-intestinal symptoms. These can include: painful and swollen joints (arthritis)mouth ulcersswollen fat under the skin causing bumps and patches – this is known aserythema nodosumirritated and red eyesproblems with bones, such as osteoporosis In many people, no specific trigger for flare-ups is identified, although a gut infection can occasionally be the cause. Stress is also thought to be a potential factor.
Causes
Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system, the body's defence against infection, goes wrong and attacks healthy tissue. The most popular theory is that the immune system mistakes harmless bacteria inside the colon as a threat and attacks the tissues of the colon, causing it to become inflamed. Exactly what causes the immune system to behave in this way is unclear. Many experts think it's a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment
Aminosalicylates; Steroids; Immunosuppressants; Surgery.
Prevention
Unknown. Manage stress/diet may help symptoms.
When to see a doctor
You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you have not been diagnosed with the condition. They can arrange blood or poo sample tests to help determine what may be causing your symptoms. If necessary, they can refer you to hospital for further tests. Find out more about diagnosing ulcerative colitis If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and think you may be having a severe flare-up, contact a GP or your care team for advice. You may need to be urgently admitted to hospital for immediate care. If you cannot contact your GP or care team, callNHS 111or contact yourlocal out-of-hours service.