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Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the inner lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
read more about ulcerative colitis ...The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the lining of the colon. The inflammation is continuous and confined strictly to the lining of the large bowel, differentiating it from Crohn's disease.
Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and persistent urgency to have a bowel movement. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and fever can also occur during severe flare-ups.
Ulcerative Colitis impacts eye health as a systemic inflammatory disorder. Patients frequently develop inflammation in the eye tissues, such as episcleritis (redness on the surface) or uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), which can cause pain and blurry vision.
Diagnosis involves an endoscopy (colonoscopy) to view the lining of the colon and take biopsies. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation using medication (aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, or biologic drugs). Surgery may be needed to remove the colon.
Long-term complications include severe dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Patients require frequent monitoring and screening to manage these risks.
Yes, surgical removal of the colon (colectomy) is considered a definitive cure for the disease.
No, Crohn's can affect the entire digestive tract in patches. Ulcerative Colitis is continuous inflammation confined to the large intestine.
No, the disorder affects both men and women equally.
Consult a gastroenterologist if you notice blood in your stool or persistent diarrhea. Long-term UC increases the risk of colon cancer and can cause "Episcleritis", a red, painful inflammation of the eye surface that correlates with bowel flares.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Ulcerative Colitis (crohnscolitisfoundation.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Ulcerative Colitis (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
AAO. IBD and the Eye (aao.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Ulcerative Colitis (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.