Ulcerative colitis is type of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers, which are sores, inside the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects the lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.
Symptoms
The symptoms of UC are similar to those of other digestive disorders.
- Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding, passing small amount of blood with stool
- Urgency to defecate
- Inability to defecate despite urgency
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
Types
Medical professionals classify varying types of ulcerative colitis according to its location in the body. These are the main types listed below:
Ulcerative proctitis is the type of UC Inflammation that is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum). Bleeding from the rectum may be one of the only signifiers of this type of UC.
Proctosigmoiditis is Inflammation located near the rectum and sigmoid colon which is the lower end of the colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so.
Left-sided colitis which is Inflammation extending from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and urgency to defecate.
Pancolitis is the type of UC that often affects the entire colon and causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
There is no exact cause of ulcerative colitis. Previously, diet and stress were suspected. Doctors know that these factors may aggravate but do not cause ulcerative colitis. One possible cause is a malfunction in the immune system. When your immune system tries to aggressively fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too. Heredity also seems to play a role in that ulcerative colitis is more common in people who have family members with the disease. However, most people with ulcerative colitis don’t have this family history. Risk factors include: age, heredity, and race or ethnicity.
Prognosis
Endoscopic procedures with tissue biopsy are the only way to definitively diagnose ulcerative colitis. The following test could help identify UC and the type present in the body: blood tests, stool studies, colonoscopy, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Medical Marijuana and Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. Anti-Inflammatory drugs and Immune Suppressants may be required depending on the severity of your UC. Several categories of drugs may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. The type you take will depend on the severity of your condition. These are a few Marijuana Strains that could assist with UC.
Marijuana strains that help with pain associated from UC include:
- Medicine Man: This indica-dominant strain lives up to its name by delivering potent pain relief with high levels of THC.
- Hog’s Breath: This hybrid strain is 50/50, combining the best qualities of both. It is known for its potency against pain and anxiety.
- Jean Guy: This is a potent sativa has high THC content and energizing effects. A great one to start your day cramp-free.
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