Ulcerative Colitis Research Paper

Words: 585
Pages: 3

I have been living with an invisible disease for the last 9 years. Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long lasting inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, also known as the large bowel. Ulcerative Colitis is considered an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the lining of the large bowel. Today I am going to tell you about Ulcerative Colitis it’s causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. The exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis is unknown. It was previously thought that diet and stress were a cause, and while it definitely makes this disease worse it doesn’t cause it. A malfunction in the immune system is one suspected cause of UC. Instead of fighting off an infection, this malfunction can cause the immune system to attack the colon cells. Ulcerative Colitis appears to be more prevalent in people who have family members with the disease. Most people with UC don’t have a hereditary connection but you are more likely to have it if you have a family member who does. People in developed areas are more likely to suffer from Ulcerative Colitis than people under-developed areas. It is most common in people from 15 to 30, although it can affect anyone. It mainly affects Caucasians but can affect any …show more content…
Frequent trips to the bathroom is the most common symptom of UC, with this disease you spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Along with the frequency bowel movements are often loose and can have blood and mucus. It also causes pain that varies from slightly crampy to “oh god please just let me die.” During a flare-up you can experience fatigue, lethargy, appetite loss and a decrease in weight as a result. Ulcerative Colitis can also cause problems in other areas of the body such as; inflammation of your skin, joints, and eyes and anemia from blood loss. With UC you also have an increased risk of colon cancer, blood clots, and blockages in the