Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Ulcerative colitis is a condition where there is inflammation of the large bowel and rectum (the last part of the bowel where poo is stored). This inflammation can lead to serious problems including ulcers on the lining of the bowel. Those suffering complain of tummy pain and diarrhoea, and they often notice blood and mucus mixed in the stool.
Weight loss can occur as vital nutrients aren't absorbed and the body puts its resources into the inflammation process. You may also have a mild fever and feel easily fatigued, to the extent it's hard to get on with your daily tasks.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and there can be long periods of being symptom-free between flare-ups. How often you're opening your bowels can be a good marker of how bad the symptoms are. If you are opening your bowels more than six times a day this is a serious flare of symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition and needs to be monitored and managed throughout your life.
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What causes ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body starts attacking certain parts of itself as it recognises them as foreign, rather like it would with an infection which is a foreign invasion of viruses or bacteria.
The underlying cause is not known, but likely to be a complex mix of factors. Genetics plays a part - some of your family members may suffer from ulcerative colitis or other related conditions - and its course may be influenced by some aspects of diet and lifestyle, leading to the bodies immune system acting inappropriately.
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation of the bowel with medications such as steroids, aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants. Some may need to stay on medications long term to control symptoms, and some may experience complications that require surgery to remove part of the bowel.
Other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions can be more common if you suffer from ulcerative colitis. It's common to get inflammation with the joints, especially those of the hand, eye problems, such as an inflammatory condition known as uveitis, skin problems, such as psoriasis, and a lower back problem called ankylosing spondylitis.
Ulcerative colitis is not contagious and cannot be passed on from person to person, but it may be inherited.
Is diet an important factor?
Ulcerative colitis is not a food intolerance, but there is some evidence that certain dietary changes may help symptoms - following a high-calorie diet or lactose-free diet are two examples. These may be recommended by your specialist team alongside medications to dampen down the inflammatory response.
There's some evidence that improving your gut microbiome balance could reduce inflammation and keep your condition under control. A recent study showed that Symprove, a probiotic supplement, reduced inflammatory markers in tests.
You could try anti-inflammatory foods such as those rich in omega 3, turmeric and Psyllium husk as soluble fibre. Vitamin C-rich foods and ginger may help protect the intestinal lining.
You are at risk of anaemia, so make sure you have enough iron-rich foods or you could try supplements, and seek out vitamin B foods or supplements to help with any fatigue.
Am I fit for work?
If you have a flare of ulcerative colitis, you are not fit to work. If your symptoms are manageable, you may be fit for work.
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