Ulcerative colitis (chronic intestinal inflammation)
In most patients, this chronic inflammation of the colon occurs for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Ulcerative colitis is relatively widespread: an estimated 150,000 people in Germany are affected - about as many as Crohn's disease, also a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CED).
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are very similar. Unlike Crohn's disease, however, ulcerative colitis does not spread throughout the digestive tract symptoms of ulcerative colitis, but typically begins in the rectum and extends as far as the end of the small intestine. In addition, the inflammation is limited to the mucous membrane and spares the deeper wall layers.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis are severe, sometimes slimy-bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and a general feeling of malaise. Other signs of this condition include fatigue, poor performance and sometimes fever.
Unclear causes and typical comorbidities
Why ulcerative colitis occurs is largely unknown. However, a dysregulation of the immune system as well as genetic factors probably play a role as cause. What is certain is that the bowel disease often with comorbidities associated - for example, arthritis of the knee joints, certain eye diseases and osteoporosis. Ulcerative colitis typically occurs in bouts. Phases of increased disease activity alternate with symptom-free intervals. A dreaded, but very rare complication is the so-called megacolon, which can lead to blood poisoning. Also, the risk is increased after a long disease duration of a colon cancer to get sick.
Colonoscopy and blood tests
In order to diagnose the disease safely and rule out Crohn's disease, colonoscopy is most meaningful. Blood tests help to control the course of the disease as well as therapeutic successes.
Therapy options for ulcerative colitis
For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, depending on the severity of the disease, various treatment options are available. Probiotics, which have been shown to be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in some studies, are worth trying . These medications include cortisone and 5-aminosalicylic acid supplements. Furthermore, immune modulators that act on the immune system are available. Only in exceptional cases it is necessary to remove the large intestine. The prognosis is therefore quite favorable for many patients, as our case study shows. In severe cases - especially if the entire colon is affected - but the risk forColon cancer increased.
Change of diet and stress management
Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, sufferers often have to change their lifestyle . This includes primarily a change in diet: Although sufferers usually do not have to follow a special diet. However, in symptom-free phases you should pay attention to balanced whole foods to prevent malnutrition.
Also, stress management plays an important role. Because stress has a negative effect on the disease. It is also helpful for patients to get detailed information about their illness and to talk to other people affected. Thus, in spite of the intestinal disease usually the quality of life can be maintained.