Ulcerative Colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, usually starting in the rectum and moving up into the colon. The inflammation causes diarrhea and other symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, and symptoms may come and go. In some cases, symptoms may disappear for months or years and then flare up again.

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but it can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Ulcerative colitis is most often diagnosed in older children and young adults but can occur at any age.

What are the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis in children can vary from child to child. While the most common symptom is bloody diarrhea, children may have many other symptoms, including:

• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia
• Joint pain
• Skin lesions
• Inflammation of the eyes
• Rashes
• Liver problems

What causes ulcerative colitis?

Experts are not sure what causes ulcerative colitis. They believe both genetic and environmental factors are involved.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Your child's treatment will depend on their symptoms, age, and overall health. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating ulcerative colitis and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child's specific symptoms.

Medicines: Most children with ulcerative colitis will take medicines to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. These may include:

• biologic medications given as an injection or through an IV (such as infliximab and adalimumab)
• short courses of steroids to help decrease inflammationn
• anti-inflammatory medications called mesalamines or 5-amino salicylates (given as pills, enemas, or suppositories)

Nutrition therapy: A nutritionist can work with your child to create an eating plan to help ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Surgery: In some cases, your child may need surgery to remove the colon. This may be an option if your child has very severe symptoms that do not respond to medicine or that stop responding to medicine.