Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that may become a precursor to colon cancer if left untreated. The condition causes inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.
This condition can develop at any age but usually develops between the ages of 15 and 30. To learn more about ulcerative colitis, the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha gives you an insightful account.
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Firstly, ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, which means that it develops slowly over time. It refers to the formation of ulcers or inflammation in the lining of the large intestine and is an inflammatory bowel disease. With this condition, it is possible to have flare-ups or times when the symptom gets worse.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
There are 4 common types of ulcerative colitis. They are as follows:
- Ulcerative Proctitis
When the inflammation occurs close to the rectum, and then spreads to the lower part of the colon, it is known as ulcerative proctitis.
- Proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation in the lower part of the colon or the sigmoid colon is known as proctosigmoiditis.
- Left-sided Colitis
The inflammation occurs from the rectum through the sigmoid through the descending portions of the colitis.
- Pancolitis
This UC affects the entire colon as a whole.
To determine the extent of your ulcerative colitis, it is necessary to consult with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
Cause of Ulcerative Colitis
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. While diet and stress can activate the problem, it isn’t the cause. One of the possible causes is an immune system failure, where the immune system begins to attack the digestive system cells.
Symptoms and Signs of Ulcerative Colitis
Here are some signs of symptoms of ulcerative colitis:
- Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Rectal bleeding — passing a small amount of blood with stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal pain
- Urgency to defecate
- Inability to defecate despite urgency
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- In children, failure to grow
If you show any of these symptoms, consider it imperative to choose the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata for a thorough check-up and diagnosis.
What Not To Eat If You Have Ulcerative Colitis?
While diet doesn’t cause ulcerative colitis, there can be flare-ups from time to time because of diet. That’s why we recommend that you avoid foods like greasy foods, high-sugar drinks and foods, high-fibre foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Eat a balanced diet or consult with a dietician to help you understand which foods do not trigger your ulcerative colitis.
Wrapping Up
Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition. People can have flare-ups from time to time. While the disease can be managed with medication, but surgery is the only cure. Around 30% of people with ulcerative colitis need surgery. Get in touch with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata for a consultation.