Ulcerative colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease whereby the lining of the large intestine and the rectum is affected with chronic inflammation and soreness.

This disease has a varying clinical picture with milder and more severe stages.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, but is believed to be hereditary in some families, developing in people who have a genetic tendency towards it.

The disease may occur for the first time at any time during childhood, or as late as adulthood.

Treatment / What you should do

If you suspect that your child may have ulcerative colitis, you should consult your doctor so that further tests can be conducted.

The doctor may often suggest that your child be placed under hospital care if he shares your suspicions.

At the hospital, the following tests will be taken: a blood test, a barium enema, an X-ray examination of the large intestine and a visual inspection of the intestine, most commonly in the form of colonoscopy, i.e. an examination of the large intestine (colon) with a flexible scope. In children, this examination is performed under general anesthetic.

If the results of the tests and examinations confirm the diagnosis, the child will be given anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medication, either administered topically through the intestine by means of an enema or in the form of pills.

You are advised to consider placing your child in hospital for intravenous medication if an acute flare-up occurs.

If the medication fails to keep the disease in check, you are advised to consider surgical removal of the entire large intestine.