CROHN'S
& ULCERATIVE COLLITIS (UC)
This
category of bowel disease includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative
Colitis (UC). These diseases essentially result in
the inflammation and chronic irritation of the wall of the
bowel. The underlying cause of this chronic
inflammatory disease is not understood. Ulcerative
colitis generally effects the colon, whereas Crohn's disease
can effect anywhere along the GI
tract, from mouth to anus.
These
diseases often cause chronic diarrhea, cramping, and bloody
stools. Ulcerative colitis carries an increased risk
of colon cancer, and has a clear genetic component.
Both diseases may require surgery and/or chronic steroids
as well as other medications for treatment.
Because these diseases can cause so many different complications,
it is important they be diagnosed and treated by a competent
physician. Anybody with chronic diarrhea, bloody
stools, or a significant change in normal bowel habits should
see their physician for an evaluation.
The
photograph shows a man who has had long-standing Crohn's
disease. His anus is scarred from chronic inflammation.
The small dark holes above and below his anus are called
fistula-in-ano and represent abnormal passageways from his
rectum to the skin which formed after repetitive bouts of
inflammation and scarring.
