Ulcerative colitis, often referred to as UC, is a chronic autoimmune disease. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. UC can resemble the flu, making it difficult for most people to realize that they have the disease. There are about 500,000 patients within the United States diagnosed with the disease. The age group of 15 to 25 and individuals within their 50s represent most diagnosed patients, with women having the disease more often then men.
Causes
A cause for the disease has not been pinpointed. Although deficiencies in the immune system have been noted, there is not a consensus from medical professionals that the deficiencies are the cause. Other causes may be diet or stress, but there has been no conclusive study to link them to UC. It may also be caused by some sort of food sensitivities or infection if there is a genetic indicator for the disease.
Treatment
Most of the time, the symptoms do not warrant a significant treatment, and people can live without medications. If symptoms become moderate or severe, medication is usually the first treatment. Depending on severity, medication may be provided to alleviate the diarrhea and abdominal pain. If the symptoms are more severe, antibiotics may be used as well. Surgery may also be a solution if the medication is not an adequate solution. During surgery, the infected tissue in the small intestine is removed. Surgery is rare, as medication is usually successful if it is needed at all.
Maintenance
Regular doctor visits are needed to help manage the disease. A proper diet is also necessary. Calorie intake, protein, and other nutrients need to come from the many different food groups. The use of bacteria-based supplements is currently being studied to see if they may help to control the diet. It is especially important for a diet to be followed, as UC can be unpredictable.
The prognosis for patients suffering from UC is good. Many people live normal lives with very few, if any, activity restrictions. More attention may need to be paid to their medical needs, but the condition does not need to affect one's life negatively. Small changes in routine and activity are generally enough to keep most s symptoms in check. Carrying extra supplies, like underwear and toilet paper, is often helpful. UC does not have to change the life of the patient; a normal life is easy to have with this disease.
Causes
A cause for the disease has not been pinpointed. Although deficiencies in the immune system have been noted, there is not a consensus from medical professionals that the deficiencies are the cause. Other causes may be diet or stress, but there has been no conclusive study to link them to UC. It may also be caused by some sort of food sensitivities or infection if there is a genetic indicator for the disease.
Treatment
Most of the time, the symptoms do not warrant a significant treatment, and people can live without medications. If symptoms become moderate or severe, medication is usually the first treatment. Depending on severity, medication may be provided to alleviate the diarrhea and abdominal pain. If the symptoms are more severe, antibiotics may be used as well. Surgery may also be a solution if the medication is not an adequate solution. During surgery, the infected tissue in the small intestine is removed. Surgery is rare, as medication is usually successful if it is needed at all.
Maintenance
Regular doctor visits are needed to help manage the disease. A proper diet is also necessary. Calorie intake, protein, and other nutrients need to come from the many different food groups. The use of bacteria-based supplements is currently being studied to see if they may help to control the diet. It is especially important for a diet to be followed, as UC can be unpredictable.
The prognosis for patients suffering from UC is good. Many people live normal lives with very few, if any, activity restrictions. More attention may need to be paid to their medical needs, but the condition does not need to affect one's life negatively. Small changes in routine and activity are generally enough to keep most s symptoms in check. Carrying extra supplies, like underwear and toilet paper, is often helpful. UC does not have to change the life of the patient; a normal life is easy to have with this disease.
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