Ulcerative Colitis
Overview
Ulcerative colitis is the chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine. It primarily affects the internal lining of the colon resulting into multiple ulcers in the affected part of the colon. Ulcerative colitis may present as proctitis (limited to rectum), left sided colitis or pan colitis (entire colon).
Recurrent loose stools with blood & mucus
Exact cause for ulcerative colitis is still not well understood
- Several factors such as abnormal immune response, genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors may cause ulcerative colitis.
- Could be triggered by an interaction between a bacterial or viral colonic infection and body’s immune response
The primary goal of the medical treatment is to keep the disease under control. However flare ups may recur even on treatment.
- Aim is to induce remission and maintaining remission.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs / Steroids / Biologics
Not caused by any specific foods but some foods may aggravate the symptoms. It is important to maintain good nutrition.
- Procto-colectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (Pouch surgery).
- Surgery may be performed in one stage or two stages depending on the presentation and ongoing medications.