Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. Various factors can contribute to the development of this disease, like immune system dysfunction, changes in the gut bacteria, genetics and environmental factors. Diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus, anemia, weight loss, abdominal pain, etc. may be observed. Extra-intestinal symptoms like painful arthritis may also occur. Depending on the extent of the disease, ulcerative colitis may be distal or extensive. A complete blood count, liver function tests, stool culture, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, biopsy, etc. aid in determining if a patient has ulcerative colitis. A therapeutic regime is designed such that remission is first induced, by achieving mucosal healing of the colitis and providing relief of symptoms. This is followed by treatment aimed at maintaining remission and preventing complications. The surgical removal of the large intestine is also an effective strategy if medication fails to control extra-intestinal symptoms, or if frank perforation, exsanguinating hemorrhage or carcinoma occur. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. It outlines the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis in detail. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this medical condition.