These ulcers will cause discomfort and ultimately lead to emptying the colon many times in a day.” (“Crohn 's & Colitis,” (n.d.). Ulcerative Colitis is a form of Irritable Bowel Disease; not to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The difference between the two being that IBD causes inflammation of the bowels and can lead to tiredness and rectal bleeding; whereas IBS does not cause inflammation, fatigue, or rectal bleeding. Ulcerative Colitis only affects the lining of the large intestine; unlike similar diseases such as Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome that affects more than just the lining of the bowel. This is an immune disease that causes the inflammation to fight off an infection caused by the ulcers or pores in the intestine, and according to Crohn 's & Colitis (n.d), the immune system does not know when to shut itself off, therefor leading to tears in the lining of the intestine causing ulcers that create the pain and discomfort experienced. The disease can be classified into different severities; ranging from mild to severe, and having different treatments for more severe …show more content…
To this date there is no known cure, only ways to suppress the symptoms of this disease. The signs that appear can resemble those of others diseases and this causes a need for specific testing to be done and certain imagery to be obtained to get a diagnosis. Once it is diagnosed steps are determined for each individual person on how to help their symptoms and the proper treatment for them; as all cases are not the same and symptoms can range from mild to severe on a case-to-case basis. Treatment for this disease requires medication that the patient will have to take long term or lifelong and help in remission of symptoms or suppress the symptoms to a manageable degree for the patient to live a norm life. The treatment received and how the person cares for themself is a major component in the management of Ulcerative Colitis. The person must know what works best for their personal needs and follow through with treatment and dietary factors that could help their