Ulcerative Colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulceration in the innermost lining of your large intestine or rectum. The condition generally develops gradually, but it can cause debilitating symptoms that interfere with your quality of life.

Doctors aren’t certain what causes inflammatory bowel disease but theorize that it might develop because of an immune system malfunction that causes your immune cells to attack your intestinal tissue.

Ulcerative colitis is often diagnosed before age 30, but you can develop the condition at any age. You could be at risk of developing the chronic condition if it runs in your family.

What are ulcerative colitis symptoms?

Your ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary in type and severity depending on where the inflammation is. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Blood or pus in the stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal pain
• Feeling an urgent need to defecate
• Weight loss
• Fever

For most people with ulcerative colitis, symptoms are mild to moderate and can include long periods of remission, meaning the disease is inactive.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

The experienced team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford take a whole-person approach to care and carry out comprehensive evaluations to provide the most accurate diagnosis. During your evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and then does physical and rectal exams.

Because your ulcerative colitis symptoms are similar to other colon and rectal conditions like rectal cancer and hemorrhoids, the team will likely run various tests to confirm or rule out another diagnosis. Tests can include blood work, stool test, and/or a colonoscopy.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

The team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford develops individualized treatment plans for ulcerative colitis based on the site of your inflammation and the severity of your symptoms. Your treatment plan can include prescription drugs that help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

If your ulcerative colitis is severe and affecting your quality of life, the team could suggest surgery. The procedure for inflammatory bowel disease involves the removal of your entire colon and rectum and reconstruction of your small intestine to create a pouch that attaches to your anus for elimination.

For comprehensive and compassionate care for your ulcerative colitis, contact Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford by phone or online today.