Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestine, mainly affecting the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine. Its clinical symptoms are diverse and have a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. This article will explore in detail the main symptoms and treatment methods of ulcerative colitis, helping readers better understand this disease.
1、 The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis
1. Diarrhea and mucous purulent stools
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which occurs in almost all patients. The severity of diarrhea varies, but it is mostly mucous purulent bloody stool, which is a mixture of mucus and blood in the stool, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of urgency and heaviness (that is, there is still a feeling of incomplete stool after defecation). This is caused by inflammatory exudation, erosion, and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, which is an important manifestation of disease activity.
2. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is also a significant symptom of ulcerative colitis, often manifested as paroxysmal spasmodic pain in the left or lower abdomen, and can also affect the entire abdomen. The pain often worsens before or after defecation, and is relieved after defecation. Mild cases may only have abdominal discomfort, while severe cases may have persistent and severe abdominal pain.
3. Systemic symptoms
During the active phase of the disease, patients may have low-grade or moderate fever, and severe patients may even experience high fever. Fever is usually not accompanied by chills or shivering, and is one of the manifestations of acute progression, severe infection, or complications of the disease. In addition, patients may also experience malnutrition symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, anemia, weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, and hypoalbuminemia.
4. Extraintestinal manifestations
Some patients with ulcerative colitis may also experience extraintestinal manifestations, such as peripheral arthritis, recurrent oral ulcers, nodular erythema, and exoscleritis. These manifestations are not directly related to the severity of intestinal inflammation, but may coexist in patients with ulcerative colitis.
2、 Treatment methods for ulcerative colitis
1. Dietary adjustment
Dietary adjustment is the foundation of the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Patients should maintain a light, easily digestible, and vitamin rich diet, and avoid consuming spicy, greasy, raw, cold, and other stimulating foods. At the same time, pay attention to supplementing sufficient protein and vitamins to improve overall nutritional status.
2. Drug therapy
Drug therapy is the main treatment method for ulcerative colitis. Commonly used drugs include: aminosalicylic acid drugs such as mesalazine, Salford, etc., which can inhibit platelet activity and anti-inflammatory, reduce intestinal mucosal damage, and alleviate symptoms.
Corticosteroids: For patients with moderate to severe illness or acute exacerbation, glucocorticoids are an important treatment option. It can be used orally, intravenously, or by local enema to achieve anti-inflammatory and immune suppression effects. However, it should be noted that long-term use of glucocorticoids may have side effects, so it should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, are suitable for patients who are ineffective or dependent on hormone therapy. Immunosuppressants can further suppress immune responses and reduce intestinal inflammation.
Biological agents: suitable for patients with severe ulcerative colitis who have poor or ineffective conventional treatment. Biological agents such as Infliximab and monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor have good clinical efficacy.
3. Surgical treatment
For patients with ineffective drug therapy or serious complications such as toxic megacolon, severe bloody stools, diarrhea, obstructive perforation, etc., surgical treatment is a necessary choice. Surgery can remove diseased intestinal tissue to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deterioration of the condition.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine also plays a certain role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Traditional Chinese medicine can adjust the patient's constitution and immune function through syndrome differentiation and treatment, in order to alleviate symptoms and reduce recurrence. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese medicine has relatively minor side effects and is suitable for long-term treatment.
3、 Summary: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestine, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, mucous purulent stools, abdominal pain, systemic symptoms, and extraintestinal manifestations. The treatment methods include dietary adjustments, medication therapy, surgical treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. During the treatment process, patients need to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, follow medical advice for treatment, and pay attention to regular follow-up and monitoring to monitor changes in the condition and adjust the treatment plan. Through scientific and rational treatment and management, patients with ulcerative colitis can achieve better treatment outcomes and quality of life.