New or changing symptoms often mean that additional treatment is needed to keep ulcerative colitis under control. For this reason, people who have ulcerative colitis should be in frequent contact with their physicians. Common symptoms that require a doctor's immediate attention are fever, which could indicate infection or a ruptured intestine, and heavy bleeding from the rectum. A serious, but uncommon, complication, called megacolon, results when the colon...
Read moreThe definition of colitis is inflammation of the colon. There are many different ways that inflammation can present and manifest itself.... Read more »
I have had ulcerative colitis for years, and it began when I stopped smoking. I have read that there may be an association. I... Read more »
See Part I of this series for more Q&A from Dr. Eisner The arthritis in my knee has been acting up lately. A rheumatologist... Read more »
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that is produced by the pineal gland. It has been well known for its role in the... Read more »
Ten years ago when I was finally diagnosed with UC I was given Asacol, a 5-ASA drug, to get the inflammation in my colon under control.... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases. All inflammatory bowel diseases cause chronic inflammation... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
There is no definitive diagnostic test for ulcerative colitis, although findings on biopsy and barium x-rays, as well as appearance during endoscopy... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
The two major inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, share certain characteristics:Symptoms usually appear in young... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Complications in the IntestineMalabsorption and Malnutrition. Malabsorption is the inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. In IBD, this... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
SurgeryProctocolectomy and Ileoanal AnastomosisProctocolectomy is removal of the entire colon, including the lower part of the rectum and the... Read more »