Ulcerative colitis, often called UC for short, is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and the formation of sores in it. These sores are called ulcers. Usually, this digestive disease does not affect the entire colon, but remains concentrated in the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon) and the rectum. If the condition affects all of it, then the symptoms will be more severe.
The precise causes of ulcerative colitis are not known. So far, researchers have discovered that people with this digestive disease have immune system abnormalities. That is why they suspect that the condition may be caused by abnormal functioning of the immune system. Its major job is to destroy pathogens like bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause disease. However, in people with UC, it may attack bacteria that naturally live in the colon and are not harmful to it. As a result, the lining of this part of the gastrointestinal tract may become inflamed and ulcers may form. It is worth highlighting that even though this is a strong hypothesis, it has not been empirically proven yet.
Despite the fact that the exact causes of ulcerative colitis have not been discovered, some risk factors have been identified. It seems that this digestive disease runs in families. Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) that suffers from any inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to develop UC. Findings show that race may be a risk factor too. Individuals with Jewish and Caucasian descent seem to be more likely to get this digestive disease.
It has been found that ulcerative colitis usually occurs in individuals who are between 15 and 30 years of age. Those aged 60 to 80 are less likely to develop this condition. Your gender does not put you at greater risk. This digestive disease is equally common in both men and women.
In recent studies, isotretionin has been linked to ulcerative colitis. This medication is typically used for the treatment of severe cystic acne which is likely to lead to permanent scarring. More research is necessary to confirm that isotretionin increases the risk of this digestive disease.
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