What is Ulcerative Colitis?
It is an inflammatory bowel disease damaging the digestive tract through inflammation, sores, and irritation. Currently, there is no cure for Ulcerative colitis. The inner lining of the large intestine (colon) is largely affected by the disease. Symptoms develop over time rather than showing up suddenly. The disease can be controlled through treatments. In the beginning, inflammation occurs in the rectum and can spread through the entire colon.
The severity of Ulcerative colitis depends on the location and the amount of inflammation. Therefore, everyone can experience the disease differently. Sometimes, people experience severe inflammation in the rectum or very mild in the colon.
According to research, about half of the people diagnosed with the disease experience mild symptoms. While others experience conditions such as :
-
Frequent fevers
-
Bloody diarrhoea
-
Nausea
-
Abdominal cramps
The disease may also cause :
-
Arthritis
-
Inflammation of the eye, liver disease and osteoporosis
There is no scientific evidence about the occurrence of these problems outside the colon. According to some scientists, the problems may be a result of inflammation triggered by the immune system.
Ulcerative colitis usually affects a person aged between 15 and 30. And it is less frequent among people of 50 and 70 years of age. Aster Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Dubai, has an experienced team of doctors that can treat the disease effectively.
You can also consult a gastroenterologist in Dubai if you experience any kind of issues with the colon or digestive system.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
-
Scientists and researchers haven’t found the cause of the disease to date. But, one possible cause can be weakened immunity (autoimmune disease).
-
Our immune system is designed to fight infection and keep the body stronger. According to some experts, the disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissues.
-
There is also a theory that the immune system mistakes the good bacteria in the colon and attacks them. These good bacteria are responsible for digestion, etc. When the immune system attacks good bacteria, the problem may arise in the colon.
-
Some researchers have also stated that our immune system may just malfunction by itself. There also may be an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Genetics
According to studies, more than 1 in 4 people with ulcerative colitis have a family history of it. Therefore, genetics can also be a contributor to ulcerative colitis.
It is also reported that the disease is also higher in some ethnic groups. Scientists have identified certain genes that can cause ulcerative colitis among people easily. It is also believed that genes play a major role in the immune system’s functioning.
Other factors may include environmental factors that can boost the chances of developing ulcerative colitis. For example, people living in Urban parts of Northwest Europe and America seem to develop the condition more. Diet, air pollution, medication can also contribute to the development of the disease. Aster Hospitals, is one of the top hospitals in Dubai
