The Center of Allied Health and Nursing Education
Abstract
Have you ever heard about ulcerative colitis? For those that have not or might want to know a little more information regarding this disease, here is an essay that will help. You will learn the definition, risk factors, symptoms, if there is any treatment to cure and many more important details that many of us should take into consideration.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease where the bowels are inflamed and have sores, called ulcers. It affects the rectum and variable amounts of the large bowel (or intestine). Approximately 1 in 100 people are affected by UC. It is not an infectious illness. Evidence shows a genetic factor to be involved. Familial occurrence is high and most common in Caucasians. Researchers suspect that the immune system is involved. The cause of this disease is truly unknown. People with UC also have manifestations of iritis, ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, and nephrolithiasis. In studying will find that there are many similarities between Crohn’s and UC. The clinical presentation can overlap, so a good H&P is needed to proceed with diagnosing the patient. But even so, in around 10% of cases, it is not possible for doctors to distinguish between colitis and Crohns disease. (Gould, 2006) Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis occur in males and females generally between the ages of 20 to 30 years old. Diarrhea is generally the first symptom. Patients would also experience the following: (Seibert, 2011) • pain on opening the bowels • urgent and frequent need to open the bowels • the sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowels • diarrhea, even during the night • nausea • loss of appetite • weight loss • extreme tiredness
A number of other problems may be associated with colitis. These are more likely when the disease is active and include skin
References: CCFA: Colitis Treatment | Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis | Colitis Nutrition. (n.d.). CCFA: Crohn 's | Colitis | IBD. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/colitis-treatment-options.html Gould, B. E., & Dyer, R. M. (2006). Digestive System Disorder. Study guide for pathophysiology for the health professions (4th ed., pp. 420-423). Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier. Seibert, A. (2011, October 18). Ulcerative Colitis Picture Slideshow. Medicinenet. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from www.medicinenet.com/ulcerative_colitis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: Diarrhea, Constipation, Bleeding, and More. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-symptoms products.", t. m. (n.d.). AMPFLORACEL Colitis Treatment and AMP Floracel Promotions Coupons - Original MoloCure Formula. Ulcerative Colitis Diverticulitis Crohns Treatment Relief Remedy Help Irritable Bowel IBS MoloCure Molo cure Formula Digestinol Digestinal AMP ALOE No affiliation with Serovera. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from http://ampfloracel.com/colitis.html?gclid=CM_g87-mi7MCFc5cMgodS3kAhQ