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Ulcerative Colitis


Overview of Ulcerative Colitis

overview

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon varcharacterized by colon ulceration and episodes of bloody diarrhea. The ulcerated areas become inflamed and may form abscesses in the lining of the large intestine causing a serious and chronic problem. Ulcerative colitis may easily be confused with some bacterial infections of the colon. It is most common in women between the ages 15 and 40, but can occur at any age and in both sexes.

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

causes

The underlying cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. It could be genetic, infectious, or immunological. There may also be significant psychologic factors involved.

Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

signs and symptoms

Early symptoms of Ulcerative colitis include pain in the left side of the abdomen that improves after bowel movements. recurrent bouts of bloody diarrhea with mucus occur and alternate with symptom-free intervals. During an acute attack there is frequent, bloody diarrhea. there may be as many as 20 bowel movements per day. Not only is there abdominal pain, but severe cramps and pain around the rectum occurs. Abdominal swelling occurs in combination with nausea and vomiting. there is loss of appetite and loss of weight. High fevers, up to 104 F may occur in combination with dehydration.


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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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