Colitis, more formally known as Ulcerative Colitis, is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can be difficult to diagnose because of the similarity of symptoms to other intestinal disorders and IBDs such as Crohn's disease. The main difference is that Crohn's disease causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall and usually occurs in the small intestine, although it can occur anyway along the digestive tract from mouth to anus, whereas Colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation is usually found in the rectum and lower portion of the colon, but it can effect the entire colon.
Colitis can affect people of any age, but generally symptoms start between 15 and 30. Children and teenagers sometimes develop the disease but it is less common, as are sufferers over 50. The inflammation within the intestines causes diarrhea, as the colon empties more frequently. Ulcers appear where the inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon, which then bleed and produce pus.
Like Crohn's disease, the cause of Colitis has yet to be determined. The current thinking is that it's a reaction by the immune system to a virus or bacterium. People suffering with colitis tend to have abnormal immune systems, but what is unclear is whether this is the cause or an effect of the disease. It has been proven, however that Colitis is not caused by stress or through food allergies, however these factors may in fact be a trigger for some people already suffering with the disease.
The symptoms most commonly reported by sufferers of colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. However, sufferers may also experience fatigue, weight loss, a suppressed appetite, bleeding from the rectum and can become deficient in essential nutrients.
Diagnosing Colitis can be tricky due to its similarity to other IBDs. Therefore, a thorough physical exam and series of tests are usually required. Blood tests are carried out to help identify anemia, or high white blood cell count, which usually signifies inflammation within the body. Stool samples are commonly checked for evidence of blood or infection. You may have to have a colonoscopy and/or biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon. Another possibility is a barium enema x-ray of the colon. This involves filling the colon with barium solution and then taking x-rays to highlight any ulcers or inflammation.
The main treatment option for sufferers is medication, however depending on the serious of the disease surgery may be required to remove the colon. For some people, watching what they eat and avoiding known triggers can lead to a reduction in symptoms or remission. Although, for most people the symptoms return, with surgery being the only known cure.
Related Articles
What Have Ibs And Parasites Got In Common?
By: Susan Reynolds | 02/06/2007 | Health
Although many people can people suffer infrequently with diarrhea or the sudden urgent need to rush to the bathroom after eating, this does not necessarily indicate a person has IBS. IBS, as well the symptoms mentioned may include abdominal pain, fatigue and tiredness, abnormal bowel habits such as constipation and...
What Is The Best Irritable Bowel Treatment - The Insoluble Problem?
By: Susan Reynolds | 02/06/2007 | Health
Insoluble and soluble fibers are both irritable bowel treatment options that are natural and can be easy to add to a diet. They should be included as a vital part of any dietary regimen. Although the amount of soluble and insoluble fiber in the diet should be increased...
Info On Irritable Bowel Syndrome
By: Susan Reynolds | 03/06/2007 | Health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is a disrupting condition in which sufferers usually experience gastrointestinal discomfort and bowel habit variability. Although, info on irritable bowel syndrome shows that the symptoms are extensive and reminiscent to other gastrointestinal disorders, it can be diagnosed by...
Is There An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cure?
By: Susan Reynolds | 05/06/2007 | Health
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by diarrhea and constipation (or sometimes both), abdominal cramping, pain and discomfort. There is no specific cause for the condition and it is thought to stem from a number of potential factors from micro-organism invasion to an unhealthy...
IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes
By: Eddie Hudd | 26/05/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Many health professionals claim that IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome has more to do with bad eating habits along with poor nutrition than any other reason. They advocate modifying the diet so that it centres on more healthy food options and suggest using a mild herbal colon-cleansing product to further assist proper bowel functioning, which in turn will promote better colon health.
Is There An Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ovarian Cyst Connection?
By: Susan Reynolds | 05/06/2007 | Health
Understandably, there is a lot of concern among patients and physicians alike as they try to determine the mystery surrounding an irritable bowel syndrome ovarian cyst link. It is already a known fact that women are three times more likely to be effected by irritable bowel syndrome than men, but...
The Best Diet For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
By: Susan Reynolds | 05/06/2007 | Health
Being a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely connected with the food we eat, and the way we eat it. This is why diet plays a very important role in alleviating or aggravating IBS. For the gut to properly function in digesting and moving waste material, a...
Aloe Vera Combats Ibs
By: Dave Simpson | 18/06/2008 | Nutrition
IBS - or to give it its full name - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a set of symptoms which affect the stomach and bowel. At the time of writing, there is no fully attributed cause to these symptoms, and the symptoms themselves can quite often vary dramatically between sufferers. Because of this, IBS is often referred to by several names such as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or irritable colon.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Advice please
By: barbara | 19-07-2008
for how long do you need to take the bowtrol and how often do you need to clease your bowls
Horse splint treatment?
By: DeniseDu | 17-06-2008
I just bought my first horse about a year ago and am still new to all the medical issues. Last week he developed a splint on his left front leg, on the outside. We believe it came from a kick from a pasture mate. My vet has seen him and said that we should apply alcohol to the swelling twice a day for a few weeks. I am just wondering what the alchohol will actually do to help the splint reduce. I don't understand why the alcholol will help. So, if anyone has any ideas as to why alchohol is use, I would appreciate your input. Is there something else I should be doing? There is no heat at the site and no lameness in that leg. My horse is a 13 year old paint. Thanks.
Filtering non-adults
By: Eyals | 16-06-2008
What ways are there to filter non-adults? (besides just asking or requesting credit card numbers)
Can someone who has COLITIS take any of the Agel products?
By: Andy B | 29-05-2008
Can someone who has COLITIS take any of the agel products? Is there research to show any benefits?
Here's One For Yedda Users
By: rudewankus | 22-05-2008
Why do the majority of users on Yedda ask the stupidest questions about personal situations that the rest of us not only know nothing about...but DON'T FREAKIN' CARE?!?!?!?
Widget width - Is there a standard minimum?
By: Eyals | 27-04-2008
If I am to design a web widget - What is the smallest width it should fit? Are there standards for that?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Medicine Articles
Do Antibiotics Cure Sinusitis?
By: Joel Owens | 25/07/2008
Different kinds of arguments can be heard on whether antibiotics can cure sinusitis or not. But do not join those who easily conclude, whether they are for or against antibiotics for sinusitis. Learn for yourself by getting to know the various factors involved in reaching a decision.
Common Risks of Liposuction
By: Steven Walters | 25/07/2008
Liposuction can be a great way to get the sculpted look you want for your body. Just make sure that you're aware of the possible risks.
Benefit of Green Tea to Diabetes
By: Kritnaphat N. | 25/07/2008
Green tea consists of high nutritional and medicinal values. Many research studies has resulted that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels as well as improving the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol and also decreased the growth of cancer levels.
Green tea consists of most powerful antioxidants and green...
Chines Medicines For Aging
By: David Klein | 25/07/2008
Aging is a natural process. But that doesn't mean you would just have to sit back and let it take its toll on your face. There are ways you can delay the signs of aging. And it is all but a matter of using the right procedure for it. When...
Chinese Medicine For Celiac
By: David Klein | 25/07/2008
The Celiac disease is a problem with digestion. It is triggered by gluten, the protein found in pizza crusts, cookies, pasta, and breads. It can also be obtained from foods that contain rye, wheat, and barley. Certain oats may have gluten as well. When you eat these foods, there could...
Chinese Medicine For Cough
By: David Klein | 25/07/2008
Chinese medicines are widely used in the East for a lot of diseases. Common ailments such as coughs and colds are no exception. There will always be Chinese herbs that can effectively cure usual health concerns such as these. There are different types of cough. Some are due to phlegm...
Chinese Medicine For Infertility
By: David Klein | 25/07/2008
Infertility is a major problem facing couples and newly weds. The treatment for infertility has been under research since the early days. And from 200AD onwards, there had been many ways to conceived and treat infertility. Couples can now try several methods of addressing this problem. And the role of...
Abnormal Ovarian Cysts : Types, Causes And Treatments
By: Mary Parker | 25/07/2008
Abnormal ovarian cysts are very different from functional cysts since they have resulted from abnormal cell growth. However, that need not mean that they are all cancerous as most of them are simple benign growths. And none knows for sure what has caused them to grow. However, abnormal ovarian cysts...
More from Kirsten Whittaker
Gain Extra Seating With Bar Stools
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 16/10/2007 | Home Improvement
Today's kitchen can become a complete entertainment center thanks to a sleek kitchen and bar furniture, including a breakfast area with a stylist breakfast bar and bar stools. Many people remodel their kitchens to accommodate a small bar area where they can grab a bite to eat before work or...
Choosing Your First Digital Camera
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 16/10/2007 | Computers
Digital cameras are no longer a luxury these days, with high resolution mega pixels and sophisticated features coming within a very appealing price range. And thanks to many comprehensive digital camera reviews, it's easy to pick the most sought after features and qualities and still stay within a budget.
Most people...
Contemporary Furniture Trends
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 16/10/2007 | Home Improvement
Fashion trends no longer dictate the way we dress or decorate our homes. Eclecticism and contrasting style directions reign in home design. More and more people develop a taste of mixing contradictory furniture trends in their home decor, combining contemporary furniture with vintage finds and exotic art pieces.
Uncertain economy,...
Maternity Clothes Trends
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 16/10/2007 | Women's Issues
For most women, the most stylish maternity clothes solution is to wear stretch classic jeans and a man's white oxford shirt. However, the day comes when they face the inevitable: the visit to a maternity clothes store, either for a special occasion outfit, or to browse the plus size maternity...
Teak Patio Furniture Use And Care
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 16/10/2007 | Home Improvement
When the weather gets colder, many homeowners face a dilemma: to keep their patio furniture outside, with proper weatherproofing, or take it inside and try to accommodate in a basement or garage. But with teak patio furniture, you will no longer want to stash the patio set in the basement....
Log Cabin Fever
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 10/10/2007 | Home Improvement
Homesteaders settling in the territories of the American West traditionally built log cabins; durable, rainproof, and inexpensive. Today, eco-friendly and rustically charming, log cabins with their distinctive handcrafted appearance seem to be making a comeback, with luxurious features such as whirlpools, skylight windows and heated patios.
Swedish colonists built the...
Pool Tables: Fun For All The Family
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 10/10/2007 | Art and Entertainment
Having your own pool table at home can be a very rewarding step for any homeowner. The pool table, along with your favorite pool accessories, will not only help you unwind, but it will also provide quality entertainment for your guests. Instead of going to a local bar or pub...
Roman Shades: Light-Wise Window Solution
By: Kirsten Whittaker | 10/10/2007 | Home Improvement
Fabric roman shades add a touch of refinement, flair and sophistication to any room. You can buy a ready-to-use set of Roman shades or you can create them from scratch in any fabric and size that you like. You can hang Roman shades flat for a more modern style, or...
Health 
