What is Ulcerative Colitis

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Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that affects a part of the large intestine known as the colon and the end part of the digestive tract also known as the rectum. Ulcers are formed in the lining of the colon which produce pus or mucus and can cause bleeding. The symptoms associated with the disease may be minor or can be major depending on the the extent of ulcerations that are present. The symptoms of the disease can include a cramping sensation in the abdominal area, presence of blood in the stool, fever, joint pain, diarrhea, rectal discomfort and the loss of weight.
Suspected Causes
Studies have failed to understand the core reason behind the development of this problem however, several factors have been suspected contributors to the onset of ulcerative colitis. suspect that bacteria maybe one of the main culprits behind the problem. “The researchers believe that certain strains of bacteria residing in the colon degrade the walls and can cause ulcers” .
Other studies have shown that the disease is inheritable and therefore can be genetic in character. Familial aggregation and prevalence of the disease in different ethnic groups e.g. Jews lend support to the fact that the problem may be genetic in nature. “Even though researchers are still not able to pinpoint the specific gene suspected to cause ulcerative colitis, it has been shown that one or more genes are involved”.
However, the most important cause is immunological response of the human body. Abnormal response of the immune system have been the prime suspect. Studies have shown that both B and T cells are involved in “the persistence of inflammation but the initial interactions that take place in the mucosa in terms of antigen processing and presentatio...

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... may opt for: Proctocolectomy and Brooke ileostomy, abdominal colectomy and ilcorectal anastomosis, Proctocolectomy and Kock pouch.Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Surgery becomes essential for patients at risk of colorectal carcinoma.
The role of intestinal fauna was not well understood before this. Recent microbial research has shown that bacteriotherapy can also be used for treatment. “Colonic infusion of donor human intestinal flora can reverse ulcerated colitis in select patients”.
Statistics have shown that ulcerative colitis rates have been on the rise in recent years and the trend is not in the U.S. alone but has also been found in almost all other countries. Research should be oriented towards understanding the accurate causes of ulcerative colitis and design management strategies and other treatment strategies accordingly.

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