Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

Research on cases of ulcerative colitis in the United States counts over a million cases of this disease. Though the causes are unknown, doctors would describe ulcerative colitis by its effects, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine. Patients that have ulcerative colitis experience inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the larger intestine, which as a chronic condition, can lead to symptoms of rectal bleeding, diarrhea and abdominal pain. As you read on, it will be helpful to understand the possible causes of ulcerative colitis so you can better prepare to deal with the complications, as well as seek treatment at the appropriate times.

Genetic Causes

Environmental and genetic factors are highly likely to be involved in the development of ulcerative colitis. Many recent studies have found variations in genetic material possibly linked to the condition. However, the main role of these variations hasn’t been completely understood. Specialists argue that in patients with genetic alterations linked to ulcerative colitis, their body’s immune system clashes with elements in the body that otherwise healthy patients would not notice. A protein produced by the immune system, known as anti-tumor necrosis, might be one of the possible causes of inflammation resulting from ulcerative colitis. The hypothesis in this situation would point to differences in the response of the immune system.

Compounding Causes

Although nobody knows the exact trigger of ulcerative colitis, we have a growing consensus on what does not trigger it. Many specialists no longer believe that stress is the primary cause, even though stress has been known to aggravate the symptoms. Some scientists believe that a bacterium or virus might be a trigger of ulcerative colitis. And other research shows signs that in patients with ulcerative colitis the digestive system does not prepare itself with the same processes of a healthy individual to handle normal bacteria. Regardless, the ulcerative colitis patient must adapt his or her way of life as to avoid compounding causes completely.

Environmental Causes

Foreign substances, called antigens, can be found within the environment and have varying concentrations depending on where you live. Ulcerative colitis may react with these antigens to produce compounded inflammation, but, it may also be that the antigens are what cause inflammation in the first place. In order to know whether your ulcerative colitis is being affected by antigens in your environment, you might want to consider discussing your living conditions with your doctor so he can make the appropriate recommendations.

Speak with Your Doctor to Receive the Help you Need

Ulcerative colitis may be a confusing, distressing and complicated illness. If you think you have ulcerative colitis, it might be worth it to speak with your Los Angeles colorectal physician about your symptoms.  And if you aren’t ready to make an appointment, you could always keep track of what you are eating and how you are feeling afterward, you can continue reading and keep a log of the symptoms you are experiencing that identify with medical conditions listed on our website. When you feel comfortable with your own research, make an appointment to receive the appropriate diagnosis and medical recommendations from your doctor.