Colitis is a digestive disease characterised by the inflammation of the colon, or the large intestine. It has two primary types: ulcerative colitis and pseudomembranous colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is also a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that causes ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum. It can be divided into four major types: ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, pancolitis, and left-sided colitis.
In this article, we will try and understand what left-sided ulcerative colitis is, how to identify it, and ways to treat and manage the condition.
What Is Left-Sided Ulcerative Colitis?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Amit Miglani, Director and HOD – Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, describes left-sided colitis, also known as distal ulcerative colitis, as a condition that can cause pain in the lower left abdomen.
He says, "This kind of ulcerative colitis only affects the distal colon, which is the last section of the colon."
In general, ulcerative colitis has an incidence of 9–20 cases per 100,000 persons per year, according to StatPearls Publishing. The research further notes that its prevalence is 156-291 cases per 100,000 persons per year.
Dr Miglani emphasises the need to accurately diagnose left-sided colitis as a crucial initial step in treatment.
To detect the condition, physicians frequently do a colonoscopy, which entails taking images of the colon's inside using a camera, he shares, explaining that the pictures captured by the endoscope assist the doctor in detecting indicators of inflammation, such as redness, water retention, and other anomalies.
Symptoms Of Left-Sided Colitis
Some of the common symptoms of left-sided ulcerative colitis include:
- Pain and cramping on the left side of the abdomen
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- The constant need to have a bowel movement
- Small amounts of stool
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Rectal spasms
According to Medical News Today, left-sided colitis is a chronic condition, which means that the patient may continue experiencing symptoms throughout their life. While there is no cure for the condition, it can be managed through medications and certain lifestyle changes.
What Are The Complications?
In rare but severe cases, left-sided colitis can lead to complications, such as toxic megacolon and anaemia, rarely cancer of the colon, notes Dr Miglani.
Toxic megacolon causes the colon to widen as inflammation increases and raises the chance of colon rupture. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, fever, and dehydration.
The doctor shares that health experts often treat the disease with medicines and intravenous (IV) fluids. They may occasionally recommend surgery.
Also Read: Suffering From Ulcerative colitis? Here Are Its Symptoms And Treatment Methods
Treatment Options And Lifestyle Choices
“The objective of treatment is to bring you into remission if you're having a flare-up or to help you stay in remission if you don't have symptoms currently,” says Dr Miglani.
He adds, “Medication and surgery are among the available treatment options. Medications include aminosalicylates, biologics, corticosteroids, and JAK inhibitors, among others.”
It is important to note that most patients with ulcerative colitis can manage their symptoms with the help of proper lifestyle choices and healthy dietary habits.
Often, patients are advised to eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated. This prevents dehydration and ensures you get all of the nutrients you require, according to the doctor.
While stress does not cause the condition, however, when effectively managed, it can lessen its frequency, he adds.
The following advice might be useful:
- Exercise has been shown to lower stress and improve mood; your doctor or care team may provide advice on a safe exercise program.
- Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are effective methods to teach oneself how to relax.
- Talking to other people who have ulcerative colitis might be helpful.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]