About Systemic Ulcerative Colitis Disease

Systemic ulcerative colitis disease is a chronic condition that is characterized by inflammation and ulcerations in the colon, as well as abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Though the disease itself is not life-threatening, symptoms can be debilitating at times. Patients who suffer from systemic ulcerative colitis disease can develop complications that can be life-threatening without medical intervention.

Causes

• The causes of systemic ulcerative colitis disease are unknown. There is some evidence that the disease may have genetic components or arise from environmental factors. Ulcerative colitus may be related to Crohn's disease, in that patients who develop it may have a first- or second-generation relative who develops Crohn's disease.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

• Patients suffering from Ulcerative colitus and Crohn's disease suffer from very similar symptoms. The difference between the two diseases is that ulcerative colitis primarily affects the large intestine, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment Options

• There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis. It is considered a chronic disease, and treatment is focused on reducing duration and frequency of symptoms, and controlling pain during symptomatic flareups. Treatment options include altering environmental factors, including improving a patient's diet and having him stop smoking. During symptomatic flareups, treatment may include efforts to reduce inflammation and pain via prescription medications. Certain prescription medications have also proven effective at shortening the duration of symptomatic flareups and prolonging periods of remission.

Complications

• Patients who develop ulcerative colitis may experience complications over the history of the disease, including colon cancer or a thickening of the colon wall that can cause blockage. These complications may require surgery to rectify. A patient who has a portion of her colon removed surgically may eventually develop short bowl syndrome.

Stress

• In the past, it was mistakenly thought that stress was a contributing factor in developing ulcerative colitis. It is now known that this is not the case. However, once a patient develops ulcerative colitis, stress can increase the duration and severity of the symptoms. Because of this, stress management has become an important element in managing the disorder.