Ulcerative Colitis – causes, symptoms, treatment – Southern Cross

Ulcerative colitis may be suspected when a person has experienced symptoms of rectal bleeding, intermittent diarrhoea and abdominal pain. As part of the diagnosis the doctor will take a full medical history and conduct a physical examination. The doctor may request that blood tests and specimens of the bowel motion are taken.

In ulcerative colitis, blood test results will often indicate anaemia and signs of inflammation in the body. Samples of bowel motions will often indicate the presence of blood, pus and mucous.

If ulcerative colitis is suspected,endoscopy may be recommended. Endoscopy is the most important diagnostic test used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. During this test a small flexible tube (an endoscope) with a fibre-optic camera at its tip is passed into the rectum and colon. The doctor is able to see the lining of the rectum and colon on a television screen and can look for signs of inflammation and ulceration that may indicate ulcerative colitis. Small tissue samples (biopsies) from the lining of the colon and rectum can be taken for testing. Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed by the characteristic abnormalities of this tissue.

X-ray tests using barium (a chalky liquid that is able to be seen on x-rays) can be helpful in determining how much of the colon is affected by ulcerative colitis. The barium is administered into the rectum and colon via a tube inserted through the anus. A series of x-rays is taken, showing the outline of the inside of the colon and highlighting any abnormalities.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to prevent complications of the condition by reducing inflammation and maintaining periods of remission. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the extent and severity of the condition. A persons age, general health, lifestyle and personal choice will also be taken into account. In very mild cases, modification of the diet and stress reduction may be all that are required to effectively manage symptoms. However, in severe cases, surgery to remove the colon and rectum may be required.Treatment options include:

Stress reduction

While stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, it can worsen symptoms in some people. Developing techniques to reduce stress can be helpful in managing the condition.

Diet

Alternative therapies Some people have found that therapies such as massage, yoga, acupuncture and naturopathy have helped to manage their condition. It is advisable to discuss these with the doctor before starting them.

Medications Treatment for ulcerative colitis usually involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications containing a medication known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Examples of these medications include sulphasalazine (Salazopyrin), mesalazine (Pentasa, Asacol) and olsalazine (Dipentum). These reduce inflammation in the colon and rectum leading to a reduction in symptoms. These medications are usually taken on a long-term basis and can help prevent flare-ups.

Medications to suppress the immune system may be recommended. Examples of these include azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclosporin (Neoral). Infliximab (Remicade) - a new type of medication that modifies immune system function - is available for people with active ulcerative colitis whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with 5-ASA and corticosteroid medications. However, use of infliximab may be restricted by its high cost.

Severe flare-ups of ulcerative colitis may require hospitalisation. Corticosteroid medications, such as budesonide (Entocort CIR) and prednisone (Apo-Prednisone) may be required and can be given either by mouth (orally), through a drip (intravenously) or into the rectum (as an enema or suppository). Antibiotics may be required if infection is present in the colon.

Dehydration caused by profuse diarrhoea may need to be treated by giving fluids through a drip. Medications to relieve pain and diarrhoea may also be given.

Loss of blood through the rectum over a long period of time can lead to anaemia. Iron tablets may be prescribed to correct the anaemia and prevent its recurrence. In cases of severe blood loss, blood transfusions may be required.

Surgery In severe cases, where medication and supportive treatment have not been successful in controlling the condition, or where the side effects of medications are intolerable, surgery may be required. Approximately 20% of all people with extensive ulcerative colitis will require surgery at some stage. There are three main surgical techniques for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Total proctocolectomy and ileostomy - This involves removing the entire colon and rectum. The end of the small intestine is brought out onto the wall of the abdomen. A collection bag is placed over the opening and faecal matter will pass into it. The bag is emptied by the person as required. The ileostomy is permanent. This type of surgery offers a permanent cure for ulcerative colitis.

Sub-total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis - This is where most of the colon is removed, but the rectum is retained. The lower end of the small intestine is joined to the upper end of the rectum.

Ileoanal anastomosis (Pouch operation) - The entire colon and rectum are removed. A section of the small intestine is used to make a small pouch where faecal matter can be stored. The pouch is then attached to the anus. This surgical technique does not require a permanent ileostomy.

Carson De-Witt, R. (2006) Ulcerative Colitis. The Gale Encyclopaedia of Medicine. Third Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. Farmington Hills, MI. Thompson Gale. Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand (2011). Ulcerative Colitis (PDF). http://crohnsandcolitis.org.nz/uploads/files/chapter_3.pdf

Crohn's & Colitis New Zealand (2011). Surgery in IBD (PDF). http://crohnsandcolitis.org.nz/uploads/files/chapter_5.pdf

Schoenfield, A., Wu, J.W. (2013). Ulcerative Colitis. MedicineNet.com. New York: WebMD LLC. O'Toole, J.M. (Ed) 2013) Mosby's Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professionals (9th ed) St. Louis:elsevier Mosby.

Last Reviewed May 2013

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