Carenotes > Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (koh-LEYE-tis) is a long-term disease of the colon (large intestine). The colon is a 5 to 6 feet long tube inside your abdomen (belly) where stool is formed. The colon connects your small intestine to your anus (opening through which stool passes).

With ulcerative colitis, there is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Tiny open sores or ulcers form on the lining, where they bleed and make pus and mucus. You may have times with few or no signs or symptoms which is called a remission (quiet). At other times, you may have more signs or symptoms which is called a relapse (active).

What causes ulcerative colitis? Caregivers do not exactly know what causes ulcerative colitis but the following may be possible causes:

• Genetics: You are more likely to have ulcerative colitis if another family member has this illness.
  
  
• Immune system: A weakened immune system may cause ulcerative colitis. The immune system is the part of the body that fights infection.
  
  
• Infections: Germs called virus or bacteria may cause swelling of the colon.
  
  
• Medicines: Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may lead to disease flare-ups.
  
  
• Stress: Stress may increase symptoms in ulcerative colitis as it is found to affect the immune system. This also increases your chances of having infections.

What are the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis? Your signs and symptoms may vary at different times. They may come and go with quiet and active periods. Over time, active periods may occur often and symptoms may be worse. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal (stomach) pain: Crampy pain that comes and goes.
  
  
• Bloody diarrhea: Loose bowel movements with blood in them most of the time.

Other signs and symptoms may also include:

• Bowel movement problems: You may feel the need to have a bowel movement even after having finished a bowel movement.
  
  
• Fatigue: You may feel more tired than usual.
  
  
• Fever: You may have a high fever.
  
  
• Pallor: Your skin may have a pale color.
  
  
• Poor appetite: You may have no interest in eating.
  
  
• Weight loss: You may lose weight without trying.

Children with ulcerative colitis may grow more slowly and may not get as tall as they should. They may also develop more slowly sexually.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed? You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test that is done to look at your colon. A tube with a light on the end will be put into your anus, and then moved forward into your colon.
  
  
• Barium enema: A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon. A tube is put into your anus, and a liquid called barium is put through the tube. Barium is used so that caregivers can see your colon better on the x-ray film.
  
  
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy test looks for changes in your intestinal (bowel) wall that may be caused by a disease or condition. This test may also help find the cause of bleeding or pain. A long, thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is put through your anus into your rectum (rear-end). It also goes to the part of your intestine called the sigmoid. Caregivers will look for problems in your rectum and lower colon. A small amount of tissue may be taken from the intestine wall and sent for tests. Follow your caregiver's instructions for what to do before, during and after the test.
  
  
• Stool sample: A sample of your stool or bowel movement (BM) is sent to a lab for tests. The stool may show what germ is causing your illness. This helps caregivers learn what medicine is best to treat you.

How is ulcerative colitis treated? You may need one or more of the following:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Aminosalicylates: These are also known as 5-ASA. These medicines work by preventing your immune system from releasing substances that can cause swelling.
    
    
  • Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medicine: This medicine blocks inflammation.
    
    
  • Immunosuppressants: These medicines may be given to slow down the immune system.
    
    
  • Nutritional supplements: Caregivers may give you vitamins or minerals to improve your nutrition if you have severe ulcerative colitis.
    
    
  • Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery to remove all or part of your colon. Surgery is the only cure for ulcerative colitis. There are different kinds of surgery that can be done depending on how bad your ulcerative colitis is. Talk with caregivers to find out what surgery might be best for you.

What else can be done to feel better? Ulcerative colitis is a long-term disease that you or your child may have for the rest of your lives. Children with ulcerative colitis may feel self-conscious if they do not grow as fast as other children their age. Encourage your child to take his medicines as he was told by his caregiver. Offer encouragement and help so that your child can feel better, start growing again, and lead a more normal life. Children often have a harder time with ulcerative colitis than adults, so your support is especially important.

Ulcerative colitis cannot be prevented but you can reduce your symptoms. The following may help you feel better:

• Take your medicines as you were told to keep your disease quiet. Always ask your caregiver before using vitamins, nutritional supplements, or medicines.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet. Keep a record of what food or drinks make your symptoms worse. Drink 8 to 10 (eight ounce) cups of water each day. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol may be found in beer, wine, vodka, and other adult drinks.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver about exercising and how to manage stress. Practice deep breathing. These can prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

How do I find support and more information? Having ulcerative colitis is a life-changing illness for you and your family. Accepting that you have ulcerative colitis may be hard. You and those around you may feel scared, confused, and anxious. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregiver, family or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a support group with other people who have ulcerative colitis. Call or write the following organizations for more information:

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1-800-8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

• Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.
  386 Park Avenue S, 17th Floor
  New York, NY 10016-8004
  Phone: 1-800-932-2423
  Web Address: http://www.ccfa.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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