Dr. Michael Hafner
specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology for the inflammation "ulcerative colitis"
Is ulcerative colitis common and what does it actually consist of?
This is a disease that causes inflammation of the colon. It starts in the rectum and goes to the cecum (cecum). It can be triggered by a strong mucosal immune response to the normal intestinal flora in the body. The disease mostly affects people between 15 and 30 years of age. However, it can also be diagnosed in older people in the 50-70 years range. The environment is a major factor influencing the increase in the number of people with ulcerative colitis. According to recent observations, it is most prevalent in North America and northern Europe.
What is the symptomatology?
The main symptoms of the disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea, in which blood may also be observed. In the beginning, these symptoms may be mild and confused with hemorrhoids. In young sufferers, in most cases the initial symptoms are confused with those of irritable bowel syndrome. This is one of the main reasons why, when diarrhea occurs, whether it is accompanied by blood or not, it is necessary to seek a doctor's opinion for a correct diagnosis. More severe symptoms may lead to weight loss, fever, and due to iron deficiency, anemia may develop.
What are the causes of the development of the disease?
Among the main causes is the genetic predisposition of some patients to an excessive immune reaction against the intestinal flora. Ulcerative colitis does not cause damage to any layer of the colon wall unlike another similar disease, Crohn's disease. It is because of this that strictures and fistulas are not seen in ulcerative colitis. Another difference between the diseases is cigarette use, which in ulcerative colitis is not considered a risk but a protective factor. The disease causes mucosal damage followed by abdominal pain and diarrhea accompanied by blood.
What are the treatment methods?
When determining the correct treatment of the disease, its stage of development should be taken into account. In cases where the disease is more advanced, it is necessary to prescribe therapy that includes the use of vedolizumab, infliximab (biologics) or ustekinumab (antibodies against pro-inflammatory cytokines). Among the treatment methods, the use of steroids is not recommended unless it is imperative, as they can cause various side effects. In cases where the disease may threaten the patient's life, surgical intervention is necessary through colectomy, in which the patient's colon is removed. In cases of early diagnosis of the disease and subsequent adequate treatment, the results can be promising. In mild forms of the disease, when it only reaches the rectum, the patient may be prescribed treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug such as mesalamine.
What is the appropriate diet for people with ulcerative colitis?
For patients suffering from this disease, there are no dietary restrictions. Due to the lack of vitamin D and iron in the body of the patient, it is better to take a variety of food rich in the relevant vitamins, such as a lot of fruits, vegetables and foods containing protein. Patients suffering from a severe form of the disease may need to be fed enterally, orally, via a tube or even parenterally in order to supply the body with intravenous steroids or immunosuppressants.
