General Information About Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects only the large intestine (colon) and the rectum, causing permanent inflammation, swelling, and bleeding sores (ulcers) on the inner lining of the intestine.
While Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus in a patchy (skip) manner; Ulcerative Colitis occurs only in the large intestine, starting from the anus and progressing continuously.
Bloody and mucous (slimy) diarrhea that repeats many times a day, severe cramp-like abdominal pain, a constant urge to go to the toilet (tenesmus), anemia, and involuntary weight loss.
Yes. Untreated ulcerative colitis, which causes constant inflammation (cell destruction and repair) in the intestine over the years, significantly increases the risk of developing colon cancer after 8-10 years.
Levels of occult blood and calprotectin (an inflammation marker) in the stool are checked. For a definitive diagnosis, a Contrast-Enhanced Colonoscopy is performed by a Gastroenterology specialist to visualize the inside of the intestine, and a tissue biopsy is taken from suspicious areas.
Corticosteroids, mesalazine-containing enemas, and in advanced cases, smart drugs (biological agents) that regulate the immune system are used to suppress the inflammation. In severe cases where medications do not work, completely removing the large intestine surgically is the definitive solution.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
