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Ulcerative Proctitis

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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine where the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produces pus or mucous and may cause bleeding. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and the rectum. The rectum is always involved in ulcerative colitis. When inflammation only occurs in the rectum, the disease is called ulcerative proctitis. If the inflammation extends into the upper parts of the colon and the whole colon is involved, it is called universal proctitis or pancolitis (Christian Novdqvist). Swelling causes the bowel to move its contents quickly and evacuate frequently. It rarely affects the small intestine.
The exact cause of ulcerative …show more content…

The most common symptoms include rectal bleeding, rectal pain, abdominal pain, and the urgency to defecate. Symptoms include variability depending on the extent of the inflammation and its location. Most people have periods of remission that can last weeks or years (NIDDK).
The diagnosis of this condition is insinuated by the symptoms of rectal bleeding, abdominal bleeding, and diarrhea. The doctor must rule out other possible causes. Some tests may include a stool test to check for infection, a blood test to reveal what the white blood cell count is, a colonoscopy to examine the rectum and inside of the colon, and a barium enema x-ray. A medical and family history also aids in diagnosis.
There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, only medications to reduce symptoms or surgical intervention. The type of medication depends on the seriousness of the condition. Medications help induce and maintain remission, improve one’s quality of life, and minimize the side effects and the risk of cancer (NIDDK). Surgery is reserved for those with severe inflammation and life threatening complications. A procedure called ileoanal anastomosis constructs a pouch from the end of the small intestine and directly attaches it to the anus, allowing one to expel wastes normally (Mayo Clinic

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