Todays Health Concerns
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Ulcerative colitis, also known as simply UC, is a disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. This inflammation can cause sores, called ulcers, to form. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally and usually begins between the ages of 15 and 30.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
What causes ulcerative colitis? The causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown at this time. People with ulcerative colitis do have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors don't know whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease. The abnormal activation of the immune systems causes chronic inflammation and ulceration. Ulcerative colitis is not contagious. You can not "catch" it from someone. Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis Medications and surgery can used to treat ulcerative colitis. Surgery is usually reserved for those with severe cases and life-threatening complications. Medication can not cure Ulcerative Colitis. It is used to induce and maintain remission (a period where there are no symptoms), and to improve the quality of life for people with ulcerative colitis. Several medications can be used to including: - Aminosalicylates - drugs that contain 5-aminosalicyclic acid (5-ASA), that help control inflammation. - Corticosteroids - prednisone, methylprednisone, and hydrocortisone. These also reduce inflammation. - Immunomodulators - medications that suppress the body's immune system. ** Other medications may be given to help with symptom such as, pain, diarrhea, anxiety, or infection. |
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