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- What is ulcerative colitis?
- Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
- Causes of ulcerative colitis
- Prevention of ulcerative colitis
- Risk factors for ulcerative colitis
- Complications of ulcerative colitis
- When to see a doctor about ulcerative colitis
- Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
- Conventional treatment of ulcerative colitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of ulcerative colitis
- Living with ulcerative colitis
- Caring for someone with ulcerative colitis
Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
Initial diagnosis of ulcerative colitis includes:
- Medical history of symptoms - the doctor will ask a series of questions about your symptoms (especially the duration and severity), your diet, your family medical history (if anyone else has similar symptoms or other gastrointestinal disorders)
- Physical examination - the doctor (or gastroenterologist) will examine your abdominal area for pain or discomfort, as well as examining other parts of your body if needed (your hands, eyes and mouth)
Once the doctor (or gastroenterologist) has reviewed the medical history and determines that further investigation is warranted, the following tests can be ordered:
- Blood test - this is ordered to test iron, haemoglobin, vitamin B12 and other items. A blood test can determine if you are malnourished or have Crohn's disease
- Stool sample - this is ordered to determine if there is any blood in the stools or if there is a bacterial infection in the bowel present
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Further diagnostic tests can be ordered if symptoms continue despite treatment:
- Barium meal - is often performed to rule out any other disorders of the bowel, such as ulcers and IBS, as it can show ulcerations of the bowel and stomach, narrowing of the bowel and fistulas in the bowel (little pockets in the bowel). This test is not performed much in Australia any more as a CAT scan can show the same information without having to enduring the ingestion of the barium (less invasive)
- Gynaecological exam - many women with abdominal pain may need to undergo a gynaecological exam to rule out any gynaecological problems, if their symptoms warrant
- CAT scan - a computerised x-ray of the abdominal area which can show if there are any abscesses, ulcerations or any other abnormality in any part of the bowel
- MRI - magnetic resonance imaging can show clear pictures of the body tissues and organs, so it can show abscesses, ulcerations and any other abnormalities in the bowel
- Colonoscopy - a gastroenterologist performs this test and it involves having a colonoscope (small, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end) being inserted into the colon (from the anus) to get a better view of the colon (or bowel) and determine level of inflammation and disease progression. The gastroenterologist will take a sample of the colon (a biopsy), especially of any parts that are inflamed, ulcerated or in any way abnormal. The colonoscopy is usually performed under light sedation and takes only about 10-15 minutes to be completed. Having ulcerative colitis means there is a higher risk for developing colon cancer, so regular colonoscopy is recommended to prevent this
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 30 September 2008 || Last updated: 14 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
