Ulcerative colitis disease has become significantly common, given people’s lifestyles and food habits. It is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores in the digestive tract. Over time, these sores produce pus and mucus that frequently cause abdominal pain and the urge to empty the colon (digestive tract). While treatments for ulcerative colitis are available, the condition can’t be fully cured. So, let’s look at what causes ulcerative colitis and its symptoms.

The causes of the ulcerative colitis
This disease is presumed to be the result of several interrelated factors.

Autoimmune condition
The autoimmune system is the body’s first defense system. Some researchers believe that the autoimmune system is the cause of ulcerative colitis when the system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. In this case, the autoimmune system may attack the good bacteria in the colon that helps to digest.

Genetics
Some researchers have also discovered that ulcerative colitis might be inherited through genetics. They have already identified some genes responsible for developing such a condition.

Environmental factors
The place, atmosphere, stress, and air pollution are triggers for a UC flare-up.

The early symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis starts slowly and gradually becomes severe as the inflammation progresses. That is why the symptoms will also change over time. However, the symptoms of this disease are as follows:

Diarrhea and blood in stool
The early symptom of ulcerative colitis is a frequent need for bowel movements and watery diarrhea. Those living with ulcerative colitis may see blood, pus, or mucus in the stools. One may also feel the sudden need for a bowel movement more than ten times a day.

Pain in the abdomen
People with ulcerative colitis often have pain in the abdomen. Such pain can move in between mild to severe based on the patient’s condition. However, if one experiences excruciating pain accompanied by muscle spasms, the condition has developed, and one must see a doctor at the earliest.

Fever
Almost 40% of the patients with this disease develop a low-grade but chronic fever. However, you should seek a doctor’s help if the fever exceeds 103 degrees Celsius.

Anemia
Since this disease involves emitting blood through stool, the patient can develop anemia too. In turn, anemia can lead to weariness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and problems in concentration.

Other symptoms
Ulcerative colitis can lead to the following signs:

• Inflammation in the mouth
• Pain in the joints
• Swelling in the eyes
• Skin rashes

Types of ulcerative colitis
The doctors have classified this disease according to its location. The various colitis conditions are –

• Proctosigmoiditis
  This condition causes swelling of the rectum and affects the lower part of the colon.
• Left-sided colitis
  In this condition, the inflammation can affect the rectum through the sigmoid and the lower part of the colon. The signs of this ulcerative colitis are frequent urge to defecate, blood in stools, cramps, and pain on the left side of the stomach.
• Pancolitis
  This type affects the entire colon and initiates several bouts of bowel movements. Fatigue, abdominal pain and cramps, eye swelling, and low BMI are a few of the symptoms.

The treatment of ulcer colitis
The prime goal in treating ulcerative colitis is ensuring the immune system is in normal condition, and regular bowel movements are experienced without pain and discomfort. Since there is no known cure for this disease, a series of treatments can be helpful such as:

• Anti-inflammatory prescriptions and immune system suppressors
  These treatment options are recommended to improve the symptoms and reduce inflammation.
• Surgery
  If the prescriptions fail to provide relief, doctors can suggest surgery on the colon based on the severity of the condition and one’s overall health.
• Changes in meal plans
  Making changes in eating habits can help improve the symptoms of UC during a flare-up. Avoid foods like chocolate, cakes, cookies, candies, and high-fat foods such as coconut, red meat, and greasy food items, as they may trigger the condition. Doctors recommend including low-fiber foods and fruits, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, cooked vegetables, and plenty of fluids in one’s meal plan.

It is best to consult a doctor if one experiences any signs of ulcerative colitis. Taking preventive measures as early as possible improves one’s quality of life in the long run.