Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 5/6/2020
Doctor's Notes on Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the colon (large bowel or large intestine). Signs and symptoms include inflammation of colon tissue and it can produce sores and ulcers; it is usually limited to the colon and rarely affects the small intestine, except for the terminal ileum. Common signs and symptoms include
- frequent loose stools (sometimes with blood),
- lower abdominal discomfort and pain,
- fever,
- lethargy,
- appetite loss,
- weight loss,
- bowel incontinence and
- anemia.
Occasionally, other body organs may be involved; for example, eye problems, joint problems, neck or back pain, skin rashes, liver and bile duct problems and/or kidney problems.
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. Risk factors include
Ulcerative Colitis : Diet, Symptoms & Treatment Quiz
QuestionUlcerative colitis affects the colon. The colon is also referred to as the...
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Abdominal Pain (Adults)
Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, heart attack, kidney stones, diverticulitis, shingles, spider bites, and more. Information about when to seek medical care for abdominal pain is also provided. -
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test Chart Ranges
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation somewhere in the body. When there is inflammation in the body, the CRP levels increase. Elevated c-reactive protein levels in the blood have been associated with increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. -
Colitis
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. There are many cause of colitis, infectious colitis (bacterial or viral), ischemic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis (lymphocytic and collagenous), and chemical colitis. Symptoms of colitis are generally diarrhea (may be bloody) and abdominal pain and/or cramping. Treatment of colitis depends upon the cause. -
Colon Cancer
The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus. Most colon cancers start as adenomatous polyps that turn into adenocarcinomas. Colon cancer (bowel cancer) is typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopic procedures. Treatment methods include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. -
Colonoscopy Procedure
Colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon. Reasons for colonoscopy is to detect or diagnose diseases of the colon, for example, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other types of colitis, colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, and other bowel and rectal diseases. Risks for colonoscopy include colon perforation, infection, or bleeding. -
Endoscopy Procedure: Diagnosing Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease can be diagnosed by a variety of procedures and tests such as endoscopy. There are several different names for endoscopy, and it depends on what part of the digestive tract being examined. Types of endoscopy include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, and balloon endoscopy, or enteroscopy. Preparation for endoscopy depends on the type of test being performed. Signs and symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, fever, anemia, decrease in appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain and cramping. -
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of diseases and conditions in which the intestines and other digestive structures become inflamed. Two of these diseases are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The cause of IBD is not known; however, they may be a result of an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue. Symptoms of IBD vary from person to person, and also vary by disease, but may include bloody diarrhea, fever, anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Treatment for IBD include diet, lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. -
Proctitis
Proctitis is an inflammation of the anus rectal lining. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, spasms during bowel movements, a feeling of being unable to empty the bowels completely. Treatment includes safe sex practices and antibiotics. -
Rectal Pain
Rectal pain is a common problem. Some common causes of rectal pain include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fleeting anal spasms (proctalgia fugax), and levator ani syndrome. Diagnosis of rectal pain generally require no procedures. Treatment of rectal pain depends on the cause of the pain. -
Skin Abscess
An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are not recommended as a treatment method for abscesses (or boils) because they can cause further injury.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.