Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms And Treatment

How ulcerative colitis almost killed Robert Redfords son





In this chronic condition, the colon and rectum become inflamed and develop ulcers or sores. As a result, you may experience bleeding and diarrhea, which are characteristic of ulcerative colitis. No one knows what causes ulcerative colitis. The immune system is involved, but it is not clear exactly how. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally. You can have ulcerative colitis at any age, but it often occurs between the ages of 15 and 30 years, or later in life, from the ages of 50 to 70 years. It is more common in whites and those of Jewish descent. It is important to receive treatment for ulcerative colitis. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of more serious complications in the long run. Some complications of ulcerative colitis are: Colon cancer Toxic megacolon How do I know if I have ulcerative colitis? Your doctor will first check for the usual symptoms of ulcerative colitis, mainly bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Following this, several tests can be performed to confirm that it is ulcerative colitis. These include: Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (cameras are used to view inside the intestine, and biopsies can be performed) X-rays (barium enema, computerized tomography scan) Stool samples to check for bacteria (sign of infection) and white blood cells (sign of inflammation) Blood tests for anemia Sedimentation rate, an indicator of inflammation Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, and they can have a negative impact on your social life. Certain foods and spices can trigger the symptoms, causing bouts of diarrhea in public places. The symptoms will vary depending on how serious your condition is, but they are manageable. pop over to these guys http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2013/07/13/ulcerative-colitis-symptoms-and-treatment









There was a long period of psychological adjustment, he says. You go through a lot when you spend months wondering whether youre going to live. James emerged with an intense feeling of gratitude, and wanted to give something back to doctors, nurses and donors. In 1995 he founded the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, a non-profit U.S. organisation dedicated to educating the public about organ and tissue donation. ULCERATIVE COLITIS: THE FACTS Ulcerative colitis is a long-term (chronic) condition affecting the colon. Symptoms, which include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss, can range from mild to severe. The illness causes the colon to become inflamed (swollen) and in some cases, ulcers (painful sores) may form on the lining. The causes for the condition are unknown, though research suggests that both environmental and genetic factors are involved. It is uncommon and it is estimated that there are ten new cases a year out of every 100,000 people. There are currently 100,000 people in England with ulcerative colitis. It normally appears between the ages of 15 and 30 and the outlook for most is quite good as symptoms can usually be controlled using medication. SOURCE: NHS In the UK, three people die every day waiting for a donor. As a film-maker with screenplay credits including Cowboy Up, starring Kiefer Sutherland, James realised he could increase awareness. One of his documentaries is The Kindness Of Strangers, about those awaiting organs and families who donate organs of loved ones. Some years after his own transplant he met the mother of the man whose liver hed received. Her 22-year-old son had died from an asthma attack and she was told his liver had gone to a man from Denver where James lived at the time. visit site http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2114066/How-ulcerative-colitis-killed-Robert-Redford-s-son.html