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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Ulcerative Colitis is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes inflammation to occur in the large intestine.
Ulcerative Colitis is one of two IBDs, the other being Crohn's Disease. Unlike Crohn's Disease, where inflammation can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, Ulcerative Colitis can only show up in the large intestine. There are five different types of Ulcerative Colitis. The type of Ulcerative Colitis is categorized by where the inflammation appears in the large intestine.
There is no known cause for Ulcerative Colitis, but some research shows a possible link between Ulcerative Colitis and bacteria or a virus. Ulcerative Colitis does not occur because of stress or certain foods; but stress and certain foods can trigger problems associated with Ulcerative Colitis, including diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Ulcerative Colitis does not go away, however the symptoms can come and go over time. As with other Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, diarrhea is the the number one symptom of Ulcerative Colitis. When the large intestine becomes inflamed and irritated because of Ulcerative Colitis it can also form ulcers or sores that further damage the lining of the intestine. These sores can also cause blood during a bowel movement. Additionally, fever, exhaustion and dehydration can all be symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis is very treatable and many people who suffer from it can lead normal life-styles once the symptoms are in remission. Getting the symptoms in remission is the goal of treatments. Taking medication is the most effect way to reduce symptoms. Before treatments can start, our doctors screen for Ulcerative Colitis by performing a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy will examine the large intestine and help rule out other possible problems that might be causing the symptoms.
People who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis are also at an increased risk for developing intestinal cancer and need to be screened with a colonoscopy regularly.
Ulcerative Colitis is most often found in people around the time they are 30 years old. Older adults can suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, but chances are higher to be diagnosed at a younger age. If you have immediate family members or a family history of Ulcerative Colitis, you are more at risk. People who are from a Jewish decent also tend to have a heightened risk
If you are at a greater risk or are experiencing chronic diarrhea, blood in stool or sever cramps, it is best to consult a doctor for screening. If symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are not treated in a timely fashion it could lead to hospitalization.
