Ulcerative Colitis
What is it?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease belong to a group of conditions known collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by an abnormal response from the body’s immune system to food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine that are mistaken for foreign substances.
0
People are living with Chron's Disease0
New cases diagnosed each yearUlcerative Colitis most often impacts ages of
15 - 30
However anyone can be affected by Ulcerative Colitis at any age
Studies have shown that Ulcerative colitis is triggered by a genetic predisposition in some patients: about 15% of those affected have a close relative (parent, child or sibling) with an IBD. Environmental factors also play a role in Crohn’s disease; it is more common in developed countries and urban areas, other factors include viruses, bacteria, diet and stress.
How is Ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of infection, inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI longer periods tract.
Symptoms
Patients may experience episodes of disease activity, or flare-ups, followed by periods where symptoms are less severe
Management of Ulcerative Colitis
The main goal of treatment is to
Decrease
inflammation. Treatments may act to relieve symptoms acutely or for long-term maintenance.
0%
of patients will eventually require surgery when medical therapy is no longer effective or complications arise.After
8 to10
Years with Ulcerative Colitis, risk for colorectal cancer increases gradually, specifically in patients with suboptimal treatment and persistent inflammation.
Ulcerative Colitis affects people in many ways including social and psychological factors:
- Location Toilets in public spaces
- Preparing for Accidents
- Planning for longer periods of travel
- Restlessness
- Loss of Appetite
- Anxiety
- Fatigue and Insomnia
- Depression and Stress
Value of Patients Organizations
Overarching Principal of Advocacy
Representation
Mobilization
Empowerment
Crohn’s disease is diagnosed through a combination of lab tests and imaging studies. Initial lab tests highlight signs of inflammation and internal bleeding. Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies and capsule (or double-balloon) endoscopies are further used to identify the severity and location of disease along the GI tract.