Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System, 2nd Edition
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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflamma - tory disease that affects the colon’s muco- sal layer and can affect the rectum (Bas- son, 2022). The inflammation generally starts at the base of the colon’s mucosal layer and moves up the colon. The surface of the mucosal layer becomes dark, red, and velvety. Ulcerative colitis can erode the mucosa, causing the development of pseudopolyps and ulcers. The mucosa is affected by hemorrhage, edema, and ex- udative inflammation. Abscesses can form in the mucosa and drain purulent exudates. Tissue is destroyed, and sloughing of the muco- sa causes stools to become bloody and filled with mucus. As the ulcers or ab - scesses heal, scar tissue forms and gran- ulation tissue replaces the muscle layer of the colon. As the muscle layer decreases, the colon narrows and shortens, and its characteristic pouches are no longer evi- dent (Basson, 2022). Figure 9. Ulcers on the Lining of the Colon
in those with European Jewish ancestry. However, some recent studies dispute this (Basson, 2022). The exact cause of UC is unknown. In addition to possible genetic influences, UC development is believed to be relat- ed to abnormal immune responses in the GI tract. It is not, as previously thought, a result of diet or stress, although these things can trigger flares once the disease is already present (Basson, 2022). Ulcerative colitis is usually a chronic dis- ease with periods of remission and exac- erbations. It is characterized by episodes of bloody diarrhea that can often contain mucus and sometimes pus. Initially or be- tween flares, constipation is common and can progress to bowel obstruction (Bas- son, 2022). The disease may cause the individual to feel a constant need to pass stools, even though the bowels may be empty and be accompanied by cramp- ing, pain, and straining. These feelings are called tenesmus (Peppercorn & Kane, 2022a). Symptoms of UC include (Peppercorn & Kane, 2022a): ● Feelings of urgency to pass stools. ● Weight loss related to malabsorption. ● Weakness related to possible anemia and malabsorption. ● Anorexia. ● Nausea and vomiting. ● Fever. ● Abdominal cramping and pain. Complications associated with ulcer- ative colitis include (Peppercorn & Kane, 2022a): ● Hemorrhage. ● Infection. ● Anal fissures or fistulas as ulcers break through the intestinal wall. ● Perforations of the colon. ● Perirectal abscess.
Note . Kuczuk. (2007). UC Granularity. https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1595528. CC BY-SA 3.0. Ulcerative colitis can occur at any age but is seen primarily in young adults and is more common in women. Historical- ly, it was believed to be more prevalent
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