Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that belongs to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which is characterized by persistent inflammation of the mucosal lining of the colon only. The inflammation always involves the rectum and may spread continuously along the entire length of the colon, and in rare cases also to the terminal portion of the small intestine.

The disease causes the formation of ulcers and sores in the inner wall of the colon, and depending on the extent of inflammation, the severity of symptoms varies: abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea (sometimes with blood or pus), urgency of bowel movements, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and in some cases impaired growth in children.

The disease is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission, and can manifest at any age but is most common between ages 15-30. The exact cause is unknown, but the hypotheses suggest a combination of genetic, environmental, and an excessive immune response against beneficial gut bacteria or foreign pathogens, leading to an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction. Ulcerative Colitis requires ongoing medication and usually also gastroenterological follow-up.

The medications are intended to suppress the inflammation and to regulate immune system activity. In severe cases and in the event of complications, surgery for partial or total removal of the colon may be required. There are currently about 21,000 people with Ulcerative Colitis in Israel, and in recent years the incidence has increased in Western countries.

Diagnostic tests include, among others, colonoscopy and blood tests, as well as a new video capsule test that enables full and non-invasive scanning of the colon to evaluate inflammation and monitor the disease.