Ulcerative Colitis: The Causes And Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the intestines, and more specifically the large intestine or colon. It is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome though sounds similar, is a less serious condition. Ulcerative colitis is very similar to Crohn's disease. It has a of 35-100 people per 100,000 per year in the United States of America. Even though what causes Ulcerative colitis, is as yet unknown, recent studies have shown that genetics play a key role in the cause of this disease.

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis:

Studies have not been able to find out the exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis (UC), but they have postulated about several in-direct factors, like Stress and Genetics.

• Genetic Component: It can be considered on the basis of a few points; aggregation of UC in families, a concordance rate of 10% in identical twins, and 3% in dizygotic twins, ethnic variations in occurrence and genetic markers and linkages.


• Environmental Factors: several environmental factors may play a role is the occurrence of this disease, like diet. Since the colon is exposed to many substances that may cause inflammation. Also a diet that is low on dietary fiber that is fermentable. Certain skin treatment medication has also been suspected to be a possible cause.


• Autoimmune Disease: Ulcerative colitis has been listed by certain sources as an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks some part of the body.

Ulcerative Colitis has many similarities to another Inflammatory Bowel Disease called Crohn's Disease, but they are different in their pathophysiology and etiology. There are theories that also suggest that it is caused due a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the intestines.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:

The symptoms of the disease depend primarily upon the progress of the disease. The symptoms are as follows:

• Diarrhea with blood and at times mucus.


• Patients may experience sudden weight loss and a presence of blood during a rectal examination.


• It may be accompanied with varying degrees of abdominal pain, mild discomfort at the time of bowel movements or bowel movements that are accompanied by painful cramping of the abdomen.


• It sometimes exhibits extra-intestinal symptoms like painful arthritic knees.

However a diagnosis of UC can not be made until intestinal symptoms manifest.

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis:

Traditional treatment of ulcerative colitis is through prescription medication. However the medication is often very strong and alternative treatment paths are recommended in conjunction with the medication. Some of these are:

• Dietary Modification: Lactose intolerance is noted in some patients, which can be checked through some tests. Since milk is not consumed by them, calcium supplementary is to be given. Fresh fruits, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and high fructose corn syrup containing foods should be avoided by patients with diarrhea.


• Oils and Fats: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), found in fish oil is an adjunct therapy used for treatment. Also slow release phosphatidylcholine has been known to help patients as well.


• Antioxidants: Antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E, Selenium and manganese are also to be taken to control the release of oxidants like hydrogen peroxide. Vitamin B6 and iron is to be taken in moderate doses, as they are associated with increase in hydrogen peroxide levels.


• Herbal Remedies: Several herbal remedies have been known to assist in relieving symptoms of UC. Certain Indian herbs have proved useful in treatment.


• Bacterial Recolonization: Consumption of Probiotics is another treatment path that helps.

Though alternative treatments are helpful and effective, prescription medication is the best way to treat Ulcerative Colitis. If the severity of the disease is extreme, surgical removal of the colon is recommended and a colostomy is performed.