What is Ulcerative Colitis?

WARNING: This post contains details of a "graphic" nature involving disgusting and embarrassing medical conditions. Do NOT read this post if you cannot stomach these details.

Ulcerative Colitis is a serious chronic disease.  Inflammatory Bowel Diseases plague 1 out of every 200 Americans. No one know what causes Ulcerative Colitis, but we do know that certain foods seem to aggravate symptoms.

Ulcerative Colitis happens when our immune system begins attacking the healthy tissues of the mucosal lining in the colon. When that happens, inflammation and bleeding ulcers occur. This causes severe cramping and bloody diarrhea multiple times per day. Some have reported over 50 bowel movements or more!

Because of the diarrhea and the lack of appetite, people tend to lose weight rapidly. Dehydration is also a big concern so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

There are many different treatments for IBD's.They include corticosteroids, biologics and other immunosuppressants. Each person's disease is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Your GI doctor can help you find the right treatment.