Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammations of the intestinal mucosa of the large intestine that usually occur in episodes. Both diseases belong to the group of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
While Crohn's disease usually occurs in the small intestine, but can also occur in the entire gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis only occurs in the large intestine.
The inflammation of the bowel usually begins in the rectum. It then often extends first to the left side, but possibly also to the entire colon. A transition to the small intestine occurs only very rarely.
Just like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
Ulcerative colitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases:
The causes of ulcerative colitis are not known. However, due to the familial accumulation of the disease, it is assumed that there is a hereditary predisposition. Furthermore, disorders of the immune system could lead to pathological interactions with the intestinal mucosa and thus to the inflammations in the colon.
Other causes are
The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis usually begins with a questionnaire about existing symptoms and medical history (anamnesis). This is followed by a physical examination.
Further examinations may include:
Before a planned colitis ulcerosa operation, an endoscopy of the rectum (rectoscopy) is necessary.
A colonoscopy allows the doctor to take a close look at the intestines © phonlamaiphoto | AdobeStock
Ulcerative colitis is typically characterised by cramping abdominal pain
Patients often have pain before or immediately after defecation.
Furthermore, the intestinal disease is characterised by bloody and mucous, sometimes also watery diarrhoea. The number of diarrhoea cases depends directly on how severely the colon is affected by the disease. Diarrhoea can occur up to 20 times a day, and in severe cases even up to 30 times a day.
Depending on the severity, there may be other symptoms of ulcerative colitis:
The disease usually shows a chronic and relapsing progression, but can also be rather constant. Thus, three forms can be distinguished:
Chronic recurrent ulcerative colitis is the most common form, affecting about 85 percent of patients. The bowel disease progresses in episodes with phases without signs of disease that can last up to several years. However, this can always be followed by recurrences (relapses).
Chronic continuous ulcerative colitis occurs in about 10 percent of patients. Those affected suffer continuously from discomfort and do not have phases without signs of illness.
Acute fulminant ulcerative colitis affects about 5 percent of patients. This form is characterised by a very sudden and violent onset of disease with
Depending on the extent and duration of the inflammation, complications may occur. However, most patients are spared complications. The occurrence of a complication often constitutes an indication for ulcerative colitis surgery.
Ulcerative colitis can also cause colorectal cancer © peterschreiber.media | AdobeStock
Since the causes for the development of ulcerative colitis are not known, the disease cannot be cured. Therefore, treatment aims to relieve the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Depending on the severity and progression, there are different options available for the treatment of ulcerative colitis:
In the case of a severe progression, complications or insufficient effectiveness of drug therapy, surgical treatment (ulcerative colitis surgery)
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
