ULCERATIVE COLITIS CAUSES – HEREDITY OR IMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE?

The lining of the large intestine is the targeted body part of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of this critical digestive system component. While the full spectrum of ulcerative colitis causes is wholly unknown, there are some suggestive insights into potential sources of this form of chronic colitis.

Oddly enough, it has been suggested that people of Jewish descent are more likely to be afflicted with this inflammatory bowel disorder. This suggests that, while unproven, heredity could potentially play a role and be considered on the list of suspects for ulcerative colitis causes. Having history in the family of this condition also seems to be a risk factor, which is another clue that heredity is likely a key component of ulcerative colitis causes.

There are other purported theories for what causes ulcerative colitis symptoms. Immune system problems are present in people who have this condition, but it still seems to be unknown as to whether this is can be considered on the list of ulcerative colitis causes, or merely an inadvertent side effect of the condition. Environment has also been considered as a cause, and diet and lifestyle have been evaluated as potential sources of this condition.

Medications such as prednisone and corticosteroids are often employed in ulcerative colitis treatment. The key to successful treatment is normally to get the condition into remission and then continue with medication to prevent recurrence of symptoms. In addition, it’s also often recommended that patients stick to a healthy ulcerative colitis diet that normally includes eliminating spicy foods and other items that can aggravate the digestive system. Less conventional methods include treatment with nicotine and iron supplementation, although these are extremely uncommon and largely experimental. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the colon is considered, although patients will have to weigh the potential quality of life differences that result in this extreme form of curative treatment.

While determining the exact cause of the condition is difficult for this ailment, treatment is largely successful and well tolerated. Mild and moderate cases are often well managed with medication and dietary changes, and more severe cases are still manageable by combinations of treatments.