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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Illustration
Ulcerative Colitis
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation in the lining of the
large intestine (colon) and rectum.
How does it occur?
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. Sometimes the
disease worsens with stress, but stress is not the cause.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms usually come and go. Flare-ups of symptoms
alternate with times when you have no symptoms (remissions).
Symptoms include:
- diarrhea, usually with blood or mucus
- crampy pain in your lower abdomen
- dehydration
- fever
- weight loss.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and
examine you. You may have blood tests to check for anemia
and inflammation.
To look for inflamed tissue in your colon, you may have the
following tests:
- barium enema
- sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy (procedures for looking
inside your large intestine with a flexible lighted
tube).
How is it treated?
Usually you will not have to stay in the hospital for a mild
or moderate case of colitis. Your health care provider may
advise a special diet high in protein and calories.
Depending on your condition, you may need to have a
high-fiber or low-fiber diet.
Three medicines are commonly used to treat ulcerative
colitis:
- mesalamine
- sulfasalazine
- hydrocortisone.
If these medicines do not control your symptoms, your health
care provider may also prescribe prednisone.
If your condition is more serious, you may need to stay in
the hospital. Your treatment may include:
- IV (intravenous) feeding to replace lost nutrients and
fluids
- blood transfusions to restore lost blood
- antibiotics to help reduce inflammation
- nasogastric suction to remove stomach juices through a
tube passed through your nose (allows the stomach and
intestines to rest).
In severe cases surgery may be required. This may mean
complete removal of the large intestine, followed by an
operation called a permanent ileostomy. The ileum (the
lower part of the small intestine) is brought through a cut
in the abdominal wall and formed into an opening to allow
the stool (bowel movements) to collect in a bag attached to
the skin.
How long will the effects last?
Attacks of colitis may come and go over many years.
Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with proper
treatment, but you may need surgery if your symptoms are
severe.
How can I take care of myself?
- Follow the treatment plan your health care provider
prescribes. Ask how you can take care of yourself at
home.
- Follow the diet recommended by your health care provider.
Avoid milk products if they give you indigestion.
- When you have diarrhea, rest your bowel by drinking only
clear liquids such as water, juice, tea, and bouillon.
It is important to drink often so you don't get
dehydrated. Suck on ice chips if you feel too nauseated
to drink anything. Do not eat solid foods because they
can cause cramps.
- Learn to use deep breathing exercises and other
relaxation techniques when you feel stress.
- Rest and sleep regularly.
- Learn to recognize the signs of recurrence.
Because chronic ulcerative colitis may be associated with
cancer of the intestine, make sure you have regular checkups
with your health care provider.
For more information, contact:
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
386 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
800-343-3637
http://www.ccfa.org
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