pUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (the colon) and there are several different types. Thirty-percent of all patients have ulcerative proctitis, which involves an inflammation of the rectum; the last six inches of the colon only. The prognosis for this type of colitis is good, since there are limited complications of this mild form, yet there will still be an increased risk of colon polyps and cancer. Another type, proctosigmoiditis, affects the rectum and the s-shaped sigmoid colon just above the rectum. Left-sided colitis sufferers have inflammation from the rectum to the spleen area. Pan-ulcerative/total colitis sufferers have their entire colon affected and may result in serious complications.br /br /Loose and bloody stools are what send most patients running to the doctors office with UC. They may find themselves running to the restroom suddenly and doubling over with cramps and uncomfortable abdominal pain. As the inflammation worsens, patients report fatigue and unexplained weight loss. About half of all sufferers exhibit only mild symptoms. However, if left untreated, more serious complications arise, such as anemia, skin lesions, joint pain, liver disorders, improper development, colon wall holes and cancerous colon polyps. Often sufferers have periods of remission and recurrence, which makes the inflammation sometimes difficult to treat. br /br /The most serious complication of ulcerative colitis is toxic megacolon, which occurs when the colon becomes paralyzed, thus preventing bowel movements or gas passage. If left untreated, the patient will become groggy, disoriented and weak, and the colon may actually rupture (peritonitis), requiring life-saving surgery. Other complications arising from lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis include colon perforation, severe dehydration, liver disease, joint inflammation and a 10% increased risk of colon cancer. Its advised that patients get a colonoscopy screening done every 1 to 2 years if the inflammation has persisted for more than 8 years. There is a danger for both men and women wishing to conceive, as some medications used to treat this disease have been known to cause birth defects, increase the risk of fetal death or induce pre-term labor.br /br /As a first line of defense against ulcerative colitis, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, cortocosteroids or immune system suppressors. On many people, nicotine patches provide short-term relief for flare-ups. Patients often try anti-diarrhea medications, fiber supplements, laxatives, pain relievers and iron supplements to manage their symptoms. To manage something like lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis, individuals should limit dairy, increase fiber, avoid gassy foods, avoid caffeine, eat smaller meals, drink lots of liquids and take a multivitamin./p
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