explanation - UC

Question 1

short summary of UC explanation

Answer 1

1 in 400
physiology
pathophysiology
cause
chronic relapsing
lifestyle
medication
vaccinations
surgery
monitoring

Question 2

how common is UC

Answer 2

2 in 1000 in uk

Question 3

physiology?

Answer 3

digestive system one long tube that starts at mouth, ends at anus, processes food. at the end of this tube is large intestine and rectum. rectum stores stool and large intestine absorbs water from your diet into the body

colon (large intestine) and rectum lined with protective lining on inside

Question 4

pathophysiology

Answer 4

ulcers occur when lining of colon is damaged and body tissue underneath is exposed. this contains blood vessels that can bleed and cause blood in stool. if you could see, ulcers look like small red craters

colitis means inflammation of colon (large intestine). this causes diarrhoea.

normally starts in the rectum (often causes constipation not diarrhea) then works its way up large intestine.

Question 5

cause

Answer 5

unknown cause.
genetic factor - more common if relative has it
main theory - trigger causing immune system to cause inflammation. more likely viral/bacterial infection

Question 6

chronic/relapsing, flare ups

Answer 6

ongoing condition, symptoms fluctuate from normal to flare ups. flare ups have symptoms like diarrhoea, blood in stool, cramps, pain passing stools. lasts days/weeks

Question 7

lifestyle

Answer 7

no specific diet helps - as long as well balanced - Eatwell plate
constipation - high fibre (fruit, veg, grains etc)

Question 8

medication?

Answer 8

reduces risk of colon cancer
flare ups - aminosalicylate (mesalazine), steroids, laxatives
prevention - aminosalicylate, probiotics?

Question 9

recommended vaccinations

Answer 9

pneumonia
hepatitis
HPV

Question 10

aminosalicylate side effects

Answer 10

abdomen pains
feeling sick
headaches
rashes

Question 11

other?

Answer 11

surgery if really struggling (1/4, remove colon and rectum)
monitoring - follow ups for vaccinations and see how you’re getting on. monitoring after 10 yrs for cancer
cancer risk decreased with meds - 75% reduced risk

Question 12

UC explanation overview?

Answer 12

check whats known
1 in 400
physiology
pathophys - ulcers, inflammation
link to symptoms
cause - unknown, infection trigger, genetic
chronic relapsing
lifestyle
medication - aminosalicylate (mesalazine), steroids, laxatives, probiotics
vaccinations
surgery
monitoring
prognosis?
safety netting?