The colon is the large intestine (bowel) and the rectum is at the end of the bowel where stools are stored.
The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis include recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus, needing to empty your bowels frequently, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Symptom severity varies, depending on the extent of the inflammation, but can have a significant effect on everyday living. You may go for weeks or months with few symptoms, even none at all in remission, then get flare-ups where the symptoms are much worse, with symptoms elsewhere in their body, such as painful and swollen joints or skin, mouth ulcers and red eyes. When severe, you may become dehydrated, breathless, feverish and pass blood.
It affects one in 420, is often diagnosed in the late teens with a family history and in certain ethnic groups, suggesting genetics are a factor. It’s also more common if you live in urban areas.
The cause
This is unclear, but is probably an autoimmune condition – your immune system fights tissues, mistakenly seeing them as ‘foreign’. Usually, there’s no specific trigger, although gut infections or stress may be relevant.
See your GP promptly. They will examine you and arrange blood and stool testing, and refer you to a specialist for further tests, including CT or ultrasound scans and the support of a care team. Once you have been diagnosed, the specialist will be available when you have a flare-up.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 08, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der February 08, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
7 things your GP WANTS YOU TO KNOW
Stay healthier for longer, whatever your age, with these expert insights
Podcasts TO PICK
Try our top suggestions for a spot of audio entertainment
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Simple bathroom UPDATES
Create a spa-like feel with these easy additions
Darling shrubs OF MAY
Floral fireworks for early summer
Pet perfect BREAKS
Treat yourself and your canine companion to a pampering escape
'Dyslexia is my SUPERPOWER!'
Matt Baker on his love for the countryside, health and life after The One Show
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY