This is an automatically translated article.
Article written by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, long-term disease that can cause inflammation of the intestines. The disease is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 30. Here are 12 interesting facts about this disease that you probably didn't know.
1. Ulcerative colitis affects only the lower intestine
It is common to confuse ulcerative colitis with Crohn's disease. Both are types of IBD that affect the gastrointestinal tract. And they both share symptoms like cramps and diarrhea.One way to tell the difference is by location. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the inner lining of the colon. Crohn's can be anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.
2. About 1 million Americans have ulcerative colitis
About 907,000 American adults live with the condition, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.3. Ulcerative colitis affects both the elderly and the young
Usually, ulcerative colitis is diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30, or after age 60.
Viêm loét đại tràng ảnh hưởng đến cả người lớn tuổi và người trẻ
4. Adnexal surgery may help some people avoid ulcerative colitis
People who have their appendix removed may be protected from ulcerative colitis, but only if they have early surgery. Researchers don't know the exact link between appendages and IBD. It may be related to the role of the appendix in the immune system.5. Inherited ulcerative colitis in the family
Between 10 and 25% of people with ulcerative colitis have a brother, sister, or parent with the disease. It's clear that genes play a role, but researchers have yet to identify which genes are involved.6. Ulcerative colitis isn't just a colon problem
Ulcerative colitis can also affect other organs. About 5% of people with IBD will develop severe inflammation in the liver. Medications for ulcerative colitis can also treat liver disease.7. Symptoms vary from person to person
Diarrhea, cramping, and bleeding are typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis. However, they can vary in intensity from mild to moderate and severe. These symptoms also come and go from time to time.8. Medicines will not cure disease
The truth is that there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but they can control the symptoms of the disease. At the same time, the drug can increase the period of being symptom-free (called remission). The only way to really cure ulcerative colitis is to surgically remove the colon and rectum. However, surgery also has some risks and some problems after surgery that we cannot predict.
Sự thật là không có loại thuốc nào được sử dụng để chữa khỏi bệnh trong điều trị viêm loét đại tràng
9. There is no “ulcerative colitis diet”
There is no single food or food combination that can treat ulcerative colitis. However, some people find that certain foods worsen their symptoms. If you notice that foods like dairy, whole grains, or artificial sweeteners make your symptoms worse, try to avoid them.10. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer
Having ulcerative colitis increases your risk of colorectal cancer. This risk starts to increase eight to 10 years after you have the disease. But the chances of you actually getting colorectal cancer are still very small. Most people with ulcerative colitis will not get colorectal cancer.11. Surgery may be a must
Between 23 and 45 percent of people with ulcerative colitis will eventually need surgery. Medicines are not effective for them or they will develop complications, such as a hole in the colon that needs to be fixed.
Phẫu thuật có thể là điều bắt buộc với những bệnh nhân bị viêm loét dạ dày
12. Celebrities Can Also Be Diagnosed With Ulcerative Colitis
Actress Amy Brenneman, former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe are among the many celebrities who have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
