October's Monthly Topic Ulcerative Colitis

October’s Monthly Topic: Ulcerative Colitis Resources Used: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/ Authors’ Disclaimer: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. Visit The Abler Blog To Stay Up To Date On all Of Our Current Content: https://seetheabled.blogspot.com What Is Ulcerative Colitis? It is a chronic disease that targets the large intestine. This simply means that the lining of the person’s colon becomes inflamed. When this happens, the colon can show sores or what is commonly known as: ulcers. This is caused by an over reaction by the person’s immune system. The ulcers can cause mucus and pus. Which can caused the person to frequently have the urge to empty the colon… For a more detailed example, please take a look at this video: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview What Causes This Condition? There is currently no core reason/cause for this condition. However, some of the suggested to be triggered by an interaction by a virus or bacterial infection between the colon and your immune system responds. Usually your body can protect itself with its’ proteins, and cells when facing an infection in the body. And once the infection is gone the inflammation is also gone. With Ulcerative Colitis however, the inflammation continues long after the body has done its job clearing the infection. This means your body continues to send your white blood cells to the lining of your intestines. Continuing to cause ulcers and chronic inflammation, Who Can Be Effected By This Condition? While this condition can effect anyone, typically, a diagnosis occurs for the person who is in their mid thirties. And equally men and when can be diagnosed, However, there is evidence that older men get the diagnosis of this condition more than an older women does.. About 1..6% of people can be diagnosed with condition. And it can go up to 30% if you have a first-degree family member with this condition. Please note that even if you do have someone in your family with this condition, that there is no certainty that you will get the diagnosis of having this condition despite the evidence of family history. It is also important to not that anyone one from any ethnic and racial group can be impacted by this condition. What Is The Difference between Ulcerative Colitis And Crohn’s Disease? With Crohn’s Disease It can target any part of the GI Tract, and the entire thickness of the bowel wall. With Ulcerative Colitis however, only the large intestine and colon are effected…Effecting the inner most lining of the large intestine. For further information between the two conditions, please go to this link: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview The Different Types Of Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative Proctitis In ulcerative proctitis, bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum. This condition typically affects less than six inches of the rectum, and it is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. Symptoms may include: Rectal bleeding Rectal pain Urgency in your bowel movements   Left-Sided Colitis In this form of ulcerative colitis, continuous inflammation begins at the rectum and extends as far into the colon as the splenic flexure, which is a bend in the colon near the spleen. Left-sided colitis also includes proctosigmoiditis, which affects rectum and the lower segment of colon located right above the rectum known as the sigmoid colon. Symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Weight loss Bloody diarrhea Pain on the left side of the abdomen   Extensive Colitis This type of ulcerative colitis affects the entire colon. Continuous inflammation begins at the rectum and extends beyond the splenic flexure. Symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Bloody diarrhea Abdominal pain Weight loss   Signs And Symptoms Signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. And about have of patients can experience mild symptoms. You will most likely experience periods of time with no symptoms, this is when the condition is considered in remission. Others may experience more flare-ups than periods of remission. And some of the symptoms they may experience include this short list: Loss of appetite Weight loss Nausea Fever Low energy and fatigue Anemia (low red blood cell count) Delayed growth and development in children For further information on the impact on how the symptoms can impact your life. Follow this link to a helpful guide: http://gitract.ccfa.org/?_ga=2.229240538.790965406.1660920303-748132368.1659977341 There is also other helpful resources to help you mange your condition. Thay can be found at this link: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/symptoms How To Get The Proper Diagnosis? Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and ask a series of questions about your family history and so on. Then they might want to conduct their own tests that will help them rule out what it isn’t. As well as rile out any kind of possible infection. The following link explains the process in greater detail. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/diagnosis-testing How To diagnosis Ulcerative Colitis The main goal with treating this condition is to help the person regulate their immune system. While there is no cure for this condition. There is a variety treatment options that range from dietary to the most extreme which is surgery. For a more in depth look into these options here is a link to help explain the options better. Your best resource you have however, is getting in contact with your doctor if you suspect you, or a loved one may have this condition. Please do not self-diagnosis yourself or a loved one with any condition. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/treatment-options