Overview
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed. Inflammation usually begins in
the rectum and lower (sigmoid) intestine and spreads upward to the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, the ileum.
The inflammation causes diarrhea, or frequent emptying of the colon. As cells on the surface of the lining of the colon die and slough off, ulcers (open sores) form, causing pus, mucus, and bleeding.
Who is affected by Ulcerative Colitis?
Although children and older people sometimes develop ulcerative colitis, it most often starts between the ages 15 and 30. It affects males and females equally and appears to run in some families.
Why is Ulcerative Colitis a concern?
Ulcerative colitis requires long-term medical care. There may be remissions - periods when the symptoms go away - that last for months or even years. However, usually symptoms eventually return.
Only in rare cases, when complications occur, is the disease fatal. If only the rectum and lower colon are involved, the risk of cancer is not higher than normal. However, the risk of colon cancer is greater than normal in children with widespread ulcerative colitis.
What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
The following are the most common symptoms for ulcerative colitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
- abdominal pain
- bloody diarrhea
- fatigue
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- rectal bleeding
- loss of body fluids and nutrients
- anemia caused by severe bleeding
Sometimes children also experience:
- Skin lesions
- Joint pain
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Liver disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Rashes
- Kidney Stones
How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
A thorough physical examination, including blood tests to determine whether an anemic condition exists, or if the white blood cell count is elevated (a sign of inflammation), is part of the diagnostic process. Symptoms that suggest ulcerative colitis may also be evaluated with the following procedures:
- Stool Sample - to check for bleeding or infection.
- Colonoscopy - a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire length of the large intestine,a and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis:
Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on the following:
- The child's age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the disease
- The child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- The expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
While there is no special diet for ulcerative colitis, children may be able to control mild symptoms simply
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