How Do You Know if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which is characterized by the presence of ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. Fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bleeding from the rectum may also occur.

Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a medication that is used to treat acne.  Accutane has many reported side effects.   It has been linked to bowel problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.  In June 2009, the manufacturer of Accutane announced that it notified the FDA of its intent to discontinue the manufacture and distribution of Accutane.

A patient who is suspected of having ulcerative colitis will generally be referred to a gastroenterologist, a physician who specializes in diseases of the digestive tract. A variety of diagnostic tests will be performed in order to rule out other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer, and to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The most common procedures include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, blood tests, and stool sample analysis.

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible lighted tube with a video camera at the end is inserted through the rectum and into the colon, allowing the physician to visualize the inside lining of the large intestine. Often a biopsy will be taken to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis. The patient is sedated during the procedure.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure similar to colonoscopy, differing in that only the inside of the rectum and the sigmoid colon, or the last two feet of the colon, are examined.

Blood Tests
Blood tests can determine the presence of anemia and inflammation, two findings associated with ulcerative colitis.

Stool Sample Analysis
The stools of patients with ulcerative colitis often contain both red and white blood cells. Stool sample analysis also allows the physician to rule out other causes of digestive symptoms, such as the presence of parasites or a bacterial infection.

Other procedures such as a barium enema, X-ray, or CT scan may be performed if the physician suspects complications resulting from ulcerative colitis or other conditions.

Anyone who suspects that they suffer from ulcerative colitis should contact their physician promptly and have their symptoms evaluated. Proper treatment can ameliorate symptoms and prevent the occurrence of serious complications.

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