Take Control
of Your Ulcerative Colitis
With Ayurveda!
Ayurved se sambhav hai !
Consult with our expert doctors today.
Enter your details to book a personalized consultation.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract, specifically in the colon (large intestine) and rectum. The inflammation often leads to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues of the colon and rectum.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development:
- Immune System Dysfunction: UC is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon, causing chronic inflammation.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of IBD increases the risk of developing UC. Certain genes related to immune function have been implicated in susceptibility.
- Environmental Factors: Diet, infections, and stress are thought to play a role in triggering or exacerbating UC. Some researchers suggest that a Western diet, rich in processed foods, could increase the risk.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak due to the inflammation and loss of nutrients.
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Microbial Imbalance: An imbalance in the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria in the intestines) may contribute to the development of UC.
Signs And Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis?
The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person, and they may come and go in flare-ups. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, and watery stools, often accompanied by an urgent need to go.
- Abdominal pain and cramping: Pain or discomfort, often in the lower abdomen.
- Blood in the stool: This can be bright red or dark due to the inflammation and ulcers in the colon.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak due to the inflammation and loss of nutrients.
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss due to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Fever: Low-grade fever during flare-ups.
- Rectal bleeding: Occasional bleeding during or after bowel movements.
- Urgency to defecate: A strong and frequent need to use the bathroom.
- Joint pain: Some people with UC also experience joint pain or inflammation.
- Mouth sores: Painful sores in the mouth can occur.
- Dehydration: Due to loss of fluids from diarrhea.
Types Of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Proctitis
Involves only the rectum and causes symptoms like rectal bleeding and urgency.
Proctosigmoiditis
Affects the rectum and sigmoid colon, causing more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Left-Sided Colitis
Involves the rectum and extends up to the splenic flexure (the part of the colon near the spleen), causing symptoms like cramps, diarrhea, and bleeding.
Pancolitis
Affects the entire colon, leading to widespread inflammation and more severe symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and dehydration.
Acute Severe Colitis
A very severe and rare form of UC, causing high fever, severe pain, and significant dehydration. It may require hospitalization and emergency care.