Best doctor for ulcerative colitis in Hyderabad, Dr. Datta Ram U Explains
Inflammation in the rectum spreads to the colon. Symptoms are not regular – don’t persist for many. Symptoms may often come and go. In addition to abdominal pain and cramps, the other symptoms may include pus or blood in stools, loss of iron, anemia, abdominal cramping, weight loss, and diarrhea. Medicines may help in relieving pain and relaxing abdominal muscles and calming inflammation. However, for more stubborn and complicated cases, surgery remains the best option. If you are looking for the best doctor for ulcerative colitis in Hyderabad, this information is for you.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD comprises a group of diseases that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the rectum and colon (the large intestine). It usually occurs in the lining of the colon. Tiny sores called ulcers form on the lining of the colon due to inflammation. The sores form in the rectum and spread upward. They affect the complete colon. Inflammation may lead to frequent emptying of the bowel and rapid movement of bowel contents, and urgency to defecate. When the cells in the lining of the colon die, ulcers form. Ulcers cause bleeding (rectal bleeding and pain) and discharge of pus and mucus.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
Many experts are not clear about the exact cause of ulcerative colitis, but they think that environmental factors, the microbiome, abnormal immunological reactions, and genes could play a role together. Even stress, food habits, and unhealthy lifestyle factors such as smoking, and eating spicy foods, can trigger symptoms, but they are not directly involved in the causation of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis runs in families. Therefore, strong family history is a risk factor.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
The signs and symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis may include stomach pain, abdominal cramps, frequent and rapid movement of abdominal contents; an urge to empty bowels frequently; recurring diarrhea that may contain pus, mucus, and blood. The other symptoms may include loss of weight, loss of appetite, and extreme tiredness (fatigue). Due to ulcerative colitis, many people have a huge impact on their day-to-day lives.
The extent of inflammation and severity of symptoms may vary depending on the area of the colon and rectum involved.
What are the complications of Ulcerative Colitis?
The complications associated with unattended and chronic ulcerative colitis may include severe bleeding, formation of blood clots in the arteries and veins; swelling of the colon; inflammation of the joints, skin and eyes; bone loss osteoporosis; severe dehydration; and formation of holes in the colon – perforated colon. And also, an increased risk of colon cancer.
When to see a specialist doctor?
You should see a specialist doctor – such as a gastroenterologist or any other best doctor for ulcerative colitis in Hyderabad, if you experience persistent abdominal pain and cramps with changes in your bowel habits or if you have the following symptoms associated with chronic ulcerative colitis: blood and mucus in the stool, rectal bleeding, severe inflammation, ongoing diarrhea that doesn’t respond to OTC medicines and treatment; and diarrhea that wakes you up from the sleep and fever that lasts more than two to three days.
Bottom Line
Usually, ulcerative colitis is not very serious, but it may lead to life-threatening complications and can make you weak and prone to other serious health conditions such as perforated colon and colon cancer. Though the signs and symptoms are debilitating, treatment can greatly reduce them and bring long-term benefits.
To know about the various treatment and the best options for the management of ulcerative colitis, meet Dr. Datta Ram U.