Causes & Diagnosis Of Ulcerative Colitis

Many scientists have speculated on the cause of ulcerative colitis. Anyone with ulcerative colitis will have a dysfunction in his or her immune system, but it is not known where ulcerative colitis is the result of this immune dysfunction or the cause. People who have ulcerative colitis will experience an abnormal immune reaction to bacteria in the digestive area.

Even though the general public believes this, ulcerative colitis is not the result of someone suffering from stress or an allergy to food. However, this does not mean that stressful situations or food allergies do not contribute or exacerbate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Various scientific tests are used in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The most important steps in diagnosing is by a physical examination and medical history as part of the first stage.

Since anemia is a symptom of this illness, your doctor can order a blood test, that can be used to check your low iron levels. If your iron levels are low, this could indicate that there is internal bleeding. Other tests will be needed to confirm if the anemia is caused by ulcerative colitis. Your blood test might show a reduced iron level, along with an increased white blood cell level due to the inflammation.

Another way to test for ulcerative colitis is using a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope. These instruments are used to make a firm diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, and also distinguish this condition from other intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or colon cancer. Using sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are the best methods of detecting if someone has ulcerative colitis.

It is also possible to use barium enemas, or computed tomography to see the ulcers contained within the intestine. However, the best suggestion that might help someone with ulcerative colitis is to make sure their intestine is as clean as possible. By carrying out a colon cleaning, there might be a less likely chance of inflammation occurring due to toxins and debris within the intestine. Having a clean colon might help improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.