| The acute or chronic inflammation of the large intestine or colon is known as Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative colitis may involve a larger portion of the colon, or, even the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, which is called the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are similar to the other intestinal disorder, known as the irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products may trigger symptoms in some people. People in the United States, England and northern Europe are more prone to ulcerative colitis. It is more common in people of Jewish descent. Ulcerative colitis is rarely seen in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America and amongst the black population. For unknown reasons, an increased frequency of this condition has been recently observed in developing nations. Ulcerative colitis is caused by abnormal activation of the immune system in the intestines. The immune system is composed of immune cells and the proteins that these cells produce. These cells and proteins serve to defend the body against harmful bacteria. Activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues where the activation occurs. The continued abnormal activation of the immune systems causes chronic inflammation and ulceration. The susceptibility to abnormal activation of the immune system is genetically inherited. Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed by symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. Stool specimens are collected for analysis to exclude infection and parasites, since these conditions can cause colitis that mimics ulcerative colitis. Blood tests may show anemia and an elevated white blood cell count. A very high white blood cell count is an indication of inflammation in the colon. Anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhea drugs are prescribed to patients with acute ulcerative colitis and are administered the drug, sulfasalazine. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, heart -burn and weight loss. Adrenal steroids are also administered in severe cases of colitis. Previous Article | Next Article If you enjoyed reading "Ulcerative Colitis", you may also be interested in the rest of the articles in our comprehensive series on: Colitis Or, browse our master article archive for a listing of all main topics. We would like to thank the researchers, authors and contributors of Ulcerative Colitis. Here is some more information and links that may also help you in the exploration of the topic "Colitis": Colitis provides detailed information on Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Colitis Symptoms, Ischemic Colitis and more. Colitis is affiliated with Crohns Disease Diet. |