Ulcerative Colitis Recognition, Diagnosis and Treatment?

Answer 1

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects many men and women. The disease can cause excessive discomfort and pain. UC can make it difficult to lead a normal life without treatment. Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the lower digestive tract. If you have unusually uncomfortable feelings in your lower abdomen, it is a good idea to learn more about ulcerative colitis.

Recognition

If you have ulcerative colitis, you will probably begin to have symptoms for awhile before you realize it is a serious disorder. UC most often makes itself known with diarrhea, often containing pus or blood. At the same time, you may feel abdominal cramping or pain. You might also feel nausea. It is common to feel fatigue after an attack of ulcerative colitis, and some people eventually become anemic. People may lose their appetite, lose weight, and lose nutrients with the body fluids that leave their bodies so quickly. In serious cases, fever and rectal bleeding can become problems.

Diagnosis

The first step your doctor will take in diagnosing your disorder will be to ask you if you are having any of the above problems. This will give him a better idea of whether more testing is warranted. If so, he may send you to a gastroenterologist. This doctor specializes in digestive diseases, and will review your answers to the questions as well. Furthermore, she will do a physical exam and possibly order tests. Possible tests include blood tests, stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema x-ray and computerized tomography (CT scan). Putting all the evidence together, the gastroenterologist will determine if you have ulcerative colitis.

Treatment

Treatment for ulcerative colitis can take many forms. For people with light to moderate symptoms, sometimes a modified diet may help. Eating less fiber, in this case, can be helpful. Eating bland foods, avoiding Carbonated Beverages and eating smaller meals can improve the symptoms. There are some medications that can improve UC symptoms, but none that will cure it. If the problems are severe, there are surgeries that can also improve the situation. Ulcerative colitis may be difficult to live with, but with the proper diagnosis and treatment it is possible to live a better life.