Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune condition, meaning a condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease that causes ulcers (sores) in the superficial lining of the colon and rectum.
The exact cause of Ulcerative Colitis is not known, but is believed to be caused by immune dysfunction triggered by infection. An abnormal immune response occurs, attacking the digestive tract while the immune system is fighting the invading bacteria or virus. Ulcerative Colitis is more common in people who have family members with the disease, indicating that heredity seems to play a role, too.
Ulcerative Colitis can affect different parts of the colon and rectum. The symptoms may vary depending on their severity and location.
Proctitis
Rectal Beeding is the only sign of this type. It involves inflammation of the area closest to the anus (rectum).
Proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation involves the rectum and lower end of the colon (sigmoid). It presents with symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so.
Left-sided Colitis
Inflammation extends from the rectum to the lower end of the colon (Sigmoid) and descending colon. People with this involvement generally present with abdominal pain on the left side, bloody diarrhea, and urgency to defecate.
Pancolitis
In this type, the entire colon is affected. It presents with symptoms, such as recurring bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, weight loss and fatigue.
