An inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis is often chronic and affects an estimated 750,000 people in the United States. The condition can include ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is debilitating for some, while for others, it can cause life-threatening complications.

If you would like to know more about this digestive disease, discover the answers to four frequently asked questions about ulcerative colitis.

1. What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

One of the first symptoms of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea. The diarrhea might be bloody or contain mucous. As stools become looser, the diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal cramps. Besides diarrhea and abdominal cramps, other common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, dehydration, loss of appetite, and a constant urge to pass stools.

Symptoms may also depend on the type of ulcerative colitis. The four main kinds of ulcerative colitis include:

• Ulcerative proctitis. This affects the end of the colon. Symptoms include rectal bleeding and pain.
• Proctosigmoiditis. This affects the rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Left-sided colitis. This affects the rectum and left side of the sigmoid colon. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss.
• Pancolitis. This affects the entire colon. Symptoms include occasional bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and considerable weight loss.

One more type of ulcerative colitis is fulminant colitis, also known as acute severe ulcerative colitis. This rare type of ulcerative colitis comes on suddenly and affects the entire colon. Symptoms include severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. Fulminant colitis is also very painful, and the person who has this condition can go into shock from the pain.

2. What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

No one knows the cause of ulcerative colitis. However, certain risk factors can increase a person's chances of getting this digestive disease. One risk factor is genetics. In fact, one-fifth of those with ulcerative colitis has a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the disease.

Some people with ulcerative colitis, however, don't have any family members with ulcerative colitis. Age is another risk factor, as ulcerative colitis is more common for those between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Caucasians and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are known to have a higher risk of getting the digestive disease.

Some believe that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the digestive tract.

3. What Are Possible Complications of Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the large intestine, as well as other parts of the body, especially the joints. About half of those with ulcerative colitis also has arthritis. Some people with ulcerative colitis experience bone loss from prescribed steroids. They might also have ulcers on the skin and eye inflammation.

Some life-threatening complications of ulcerative colitis include:

• Blood clots
• Colon cancer
• Liver disease
• Severe bleeding
• Dehydration

One more life-threatening complication is toxic megacolon. This occurs when the colon blows up like a balloon because it has stopped working. The colon can perforate, causing bacteria to go into other parts of the body. Only about three percent of people with ulcerative colitis experience toxic megacolon.

4. What Treatment Options Are Available for Ulcerative Colitis?

No treatment exists for ulcerative colitis. Those who have the disease focus on managing their symptoms. Aminosalicylates and steroids are often prescribed to treat inflammation. Some people may also be prescribed anti-diarrheal medications. Surgery, such as a colectomy or an ileostomy, may be necessary for those who can't manage their symptoms with medications.

If you live in the Louisville area and think you may have ulcerative colitis or any other type of digestive disorder, contact Kentuckiana Gastroenterology & Paramount Surgery Center. Our gastroenterologist will listen to your concerns and will respond with the best treatment option for you.