概述
What is Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that causes inflammation and sores on the inner lining of your large intestine, also known as the colon. The disease causes the body and immune system to think that food, bacteria and other needed things in the intestine are not supposed to be there. With this, the body attacks the cells of the bowels, causing inflammation that does not easily go away. Typically, symptoms develop over time rather than suddenly. The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve an abnormal immune response against some microorganisms in which the tissues are also attacked. Genetics may also play a role in who develops ulcerative colitis. Additionally, there are factors that have been found to aggravate ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis can be embarrassing, difficult and sometimes cause life-threatening complications. Although there is no cure, there are several new treatments and medications that can reduce signs and symptoms. Some medications can also cause long-term remission of the disease.
How common is Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is relatively uncommon and currently affects about 700,000 Americans. Ulcerative colitis can develop at any age, but the disease is most likely develop in people 15-30 years old. Although the exact cause is unknown, there are some known factors that increase risk. Genetics may play a role in who develops ulcerative colitis, and you are at higher risk of having ulcerative colitis if a first-degree relative has it. However, most people with ulcerative colitis do not have this family history. Additionally, race and ethnicity may increase the risk of ulcerative colitis. White people and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have the highest risk of the disease, but it can occur in any race.
Questions regarding your Ulcerative Colitis?
You can reach the Accredo Ulcerative Colitis care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week by phone or online.
24 小时客户服务中心
症状
What are the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on where it occurs and the severity of the inflammation. About half of people with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Some people have long periods where they are free from symptoms, called remission. The most common symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, blood or pus in the stool, and frequent bowel movements. Other symptoms may include:
- 贫血
- Sever tiredness
- 体重减轻
- Joint pain
- 腹痛
- Growth failure in children
如何诊断
Doctors will use blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and imaging tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Healthcare providers divide ulcerative colitis into different types according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:
- Ulcerative proctitis: Inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus, also called the rectum. Rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease.
- Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation involves the rectum and sigmoid colon — the lower end of the colon. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels despite the urge to do so. This is called tenesmus.
- Left-sided colitis: Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending portions of the colon. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and urgency to defecate.
- Pancolitis: This type often affects the entire colon and causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
药品
溃疡性结肠炎
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for Ulcerative Colitis.
财政指导
急救性质的特殊药品很昂贵。通过此视频，了解 Accredo 团队如何帮助个人找到可以负担他们救命药品费用的方式。
查找支持
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for Ulcerative Colitis. 下面是其中部分组织。
支持组织
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Support Foundation
- United Ostomy Associations of America
- Girls with Guts Nonprofit Organization
- 克罗恩病和结肠炎基金会
政府组织
团队介绍
Accredo’s Ulcerative Colitis team is dedicated to serving you, and we understand the complexity of your condition. 我们的特殊培训临床医师每周 7 天、每天 24 小时为您提供服务，以回答您的任何问题。
我们为什么要这样做
Accredo 为慢性和复杂病症患者提供支持，并帮助他们过上最好的生活。请观看我们的视频，了解我们为什么为患者尽心尽力。