
|
Ulcerative colitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine, which results in a thickening and scarring of the colon to the point where it cannot properly take in excess fluid from the feces. Patients with ulcerative colitis may experience serious complications, such as the formation of abscesses around the anus, colon rupture, colon cancer, and fistulas.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever, as well as rectal bleeding and abscess formation. Attacks can also involve bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps and pain. People suffering from ulcerative colitis may experience alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation; in severe cases, diarrhea may occur up to 20 times a day. The existence of ulcerative colitis is confirmed through a barium x-ray or colonoscopy, a procedure in which a tube is inserted from the anus into the colon. Because the pathological appearances of ulcerative colitis are usually characteristic, it is often readily identified and diagnosed; however, the cause of this disease is unknown. People with ulcerative colitis have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease. The most popular theory at this time is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people. Some people whose attacks are triggered by certain foods are able to control the symptoms by avoiding foods that upset their intestines, such as highly seasoned foods, raw fruits and vegetables, or milk sugar (lactose). Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the seriousness of the disease. Most people are treated with medication. In severe cases, a patient may need surgery to remove the diseased colon, as surgery is the only known cure for this condition. Because each person may experience ulcerative colitis differently, treatment is adjusted for each individual. However, emotional and psychological support for those dealing with ulcerative colitis is an important part of any prescribed regimen. |


| Social Security Disability Workers Compensation Attorney, Wisconsin |