Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Unlike Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon and does not involve other parts of the digestive tract. It usually begins in the rectum and lower colon but can extend throughout the entire colon in some cases.

The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. In ulcerative colitis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the colon, leading to ongoing inflammation. The most common symptoms include diarrhea mixed with blood or mucus, as well as abdominal pain. In addition to intestinal symptoms, inflammation can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints, skin, eyes, liver, and bile ducts. While ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.

While the signs of ulcerative colitis can vary from child to child, some symptoms are more common than others. The most typical symptom is bloody diarrhea. Other colon-related symptoms may include abdominal pain, urgent or uncontrollable bowel movements, poor appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Some children may also experience less common symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, or fevers.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, often marked by cycles of remission and flare-ups. In some children, symptoms may begin mildly, while in others, they may appear suddenly and with greater severity.

Similar to other inflammatory diseases, the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but research suggests that genetic, immune, and environmental factors all play a role. Environmental antigens may directly trigger inflammation or activate the immune system in a way that fails to shut down properly.

Once the immune system is “switched on” in a child with ulcerative colitis, it may continue attacking healthy tissue, leading to persistent inflammation and the symptoms associated with the disease.