Ulcerative colitis: what it is and what causes

Together with Chron’s disease it is one of the so-called chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

It was once considered a disease of purely psychosomatic origin. Today, however, ulcerative colitis is recognized as a disease characterized by an excessive immune response towards the intestinal flora, which develops mainly in genetically predisposed subjects and is influenced by a series of environmental factors.

Beware of anemia and dehydration during acute phases

Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation of the intestine; It usually develops at the level of the rectum, but can also extend to the colon. The direct consequence of this inflammatory state is the formation of lesions and ulcers in the intestine.

This pathology has a chronic course, but is characterized by the alternation of acute phases and periods of remission of symptoms.

Depending on the severity, symptomatic episodes can be very frequent, or occur only rarely during the year, leaving the patient with ample periods of well-being.

When they occur, however, the symptoms can also be very disabling.

The most frequent manifestation is represented by severe diarrhea, which is associated with the emission of blood and mucus, and often also abdominal pain.

In the event that the inflammation is localized exclusively to the rectum, it is possible that the symptomatology is diametrically opposed: in this case, the disease can manifest itself with constipation even severe.

During acute phases, even hospitalization may be necessary: excessive loss of fluids and blood due to episodes of diarrhea can lead to severe anemia or dehydration, which make continuous monitoring of the patient and urgent administration of appropriate therapies mandatory.

On the causes there are only hypotheses

Despite numerous studies conducted in this field in search of the cause (or causes) of this disease, to date a concrete answer has not yet been given.

The most accredited hypotheses concern a series of factors that probably contribute to the development of ulcerative colitis. Among these the most likely are:

  • an excessive immune response against the intestinal bacterial flora, or a reaction against invasion by pathogenic microorganisms, which the body can no longer block
  • an altered composition of the intestinal microflora, which in turn causes an abnormal response from the immune system
  • a genetic component, hypothesis supported by the fact that individuals who have a family history for this disease also have a much higher risk of developing it
  • exposure to environmental factors, which could explain the higher incidence of ulcerative colitis in the West compared to developing countries
  • a diet rich in fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-6 fatty acids and meat; The ban on junk food, which would increase the risk especially in the youngest.

In addition to these factors, low levels of vitamin D and the intake of certain medicines, especially antibiotics, also seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.

Finally, it has been hypothesized that even excessive hygiene, especially at an early age, can predispose to this pathology due to reduced contact with pathogens during the period of development of the immune system.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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