Understanding Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that is typically a long-lasting inflammation and results in ulcers or sores in the digestive tract. In some cases, the innermost lining of the colon or the large intestines is affected along with the rectum. Although the cure is unknown for this systemic disease, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Theories are being created based off of the causes, signs and symptoms, its relationship to the diet, and the association with the oral cavity to gain a better understanding of the disease. Treatment will decrease the signs and symptoms. Diet can also play a role in recovery or prevention and there is an indicated relationship to the oral cavity. Diet can result in an extended remission that will give you a longer pain free period between flare-ups.

Symptoms all depend on where and how severe the inflammation of the disease is. Signs and symptoms get classified based on the location of the inflamed colon. Usually, the

Seeing a doctor is recommended if there is a persistent change in the bowel behaviors because it can turn into a serious disease that needs to be addressed before deadly conditions take effect. The Mayo Clinic says, “One possible cause is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract” (Staff, 2014). This means an immune system, which protects the body from foreign substances, that is not properly working will cause problems in the digestive system. The digestive system is where ingested food turns into nutrients and waste. This happens because it does not have the strength to fight off bacteria and virus’. Heredity can be part of the cause because it is more common in those who have family members experiencing the