Ulcerative Colitis, Pediatric
Ulcerative colitis is long-lasting (chronic) inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Sores (ulcers) may also form on the colon.
Ulcerative colitis, along with a closely related condition called Crohn disease, is often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease.
CAUSES
Ulcerative colitis is caused by increased activity of the immune system in the intestines. The immune system is the system that protects the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other things that can make a person sick. The cause of increased activity of the immune system is not known.
RISK FACTORS
Having a family history of ulcerative colitis.
Being of Jewish descent.
SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of this condition include:
Diarrhea.
Blood …show more content…
A physical exam.
Tests, including:
Blood tests.
Stool tests.
X-rays.
CT scans.
Endoscopy. In this test the lining of the colon is examined with a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
A biopsy. In this test a tissue sample is taken from your colon for examination.
A barium enema. In this test a chalky fluid called barium is given as an enema. Then, X-rays of the bowel are taken.
TREATMENT
There is no cure for this condition, but the condition can be managed. Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of the disease. It often involves medicines to reduce inflammation or to help with symptoms. Some medicines can affect growth, so children who take medicines may need to have their height and weight checked often. They may also need to take nutritional supplements.
Severe flare-ups may need to be treated at a hospital. There treatment may involve:
Resting the bowel by not eating or drinking for a period of time.
Getting fluids and nutrition through an IV tube or a tube that passes through the nose into the stomach.
Getting medicines through an IV
Ulcerative colitis is long-lasting (chronic) inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Sores (ulcers) may also form on the colon.
Ulcerative colitis, along with a closely related condition called Crohn disease, is often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease.
CAUSES
Ulcerative colitis is caused by increased activity of the immune system in the intestines. The immune system is the system that protects the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other things that can make a person sick. The cause of increased activity of the immune system is not known.
RISK FACTORS
Having a family history of ulcerative colitis.
Being of Jewish descent.
SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of this condition include:
Diarrhea.
Blood …show more content…
A physical exam.
Tests, including:
Blood tests.
Stool tests.
X-rays.
CT scans.
Endoscopy. In this test the lining of the colon is examined with a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
A biopsy. In this test a tissue sample is taken from your colon for examination.
A barium enema. In this test a chalky fluid called barium is given as an enema. Then, X-rays of the bowel are taken.
TREATMENT
There is no cure for this condition, but the condition can be managed. Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of the disease. It often involves medicines to reduce inflammation or to help with symptoms. Some medicines can affect growth, so children who take medicines may need to have their height and weight checked often. They may also need to take nutritional supplements.
Severe flare-ups may need to be treated at a hospital. There treatment may involve:
Resting the bowel by not eating or drinking for a period of time.
Getting fluids and nutrition through an IV tube or a tube that passes through the nose into the stomach.
Getting medicines through an IV