Hermit looks for relief from ulcerative colitis

September 7, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 55 and have had the dreaded disease ulcerative colitis since 1983. I realize there are a lot worse things that can happen to a person, but it has really screwed up my life. I would simply like to know if any progress has been made in recent years in finding an effective treatment or if a cure is anywhere in sight.

DEAR READER: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Inflammation destroys the cells that ordinarily line the colon, ultimately leading to ulcers that bleed and produce pus. It also causes the colon to empty frequently in the form of diarrhea. This disorder can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other intestinal disorders.
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June 19, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Can you give me some advice about ulcerative colitis? I have had this condition for 25 years. I have seen several doctors and taken lots of medication over the years and had to quit my job because of it. My doctor insists it is caused by bacteria but I was wondering if it could be caused by allergies?

DEAR READER:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It causes ulcers (sores) in the intestinal lining and inflammation (swelling). The ulcers forms where the swelling has killed the lining cells causing bleeding and pus. The inflammation can also cause diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally. It can occur at any age but generally starts between ages 15 and 30, appears to run in families and is more common in Caucasians and those of Jewish descent.

Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, [Read more...]

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