Chronic Colitis

More commonly, the inflammation remains at a less intense level, tending to
smoulder on. Medical treatment often successfully controls the activity of the
disease. In some cases however, it gradually becomes apparent that treatment is
not working, at which point surgery may be considered. This decision can usually
be taken in the outpatient department.

General ill health
While the diarrhoea may not be very bad, the inflammation causes weakness
and tiredness. The patient may feel ‘one degree under’ and often has a low blood
count (anaemia). These symptoms may prevent the patient from doing his or her
work properly and from leading a normal life in general. In children chronic colitis
can result in poor growth and delayed sexual development. Chronic colitis can
flare up into an acute attack.

Severe symptoms
Life may become very difficult just because of the need to always rush to the
lavatory. General health may be perfectly satisfactory but having to go to the
toilet every few hours during the daytime and at night can be severely disruptive.

Involvement of other organs
Sometimes in extensive ulcerative colitis other organs can develop problems.
These include the joints, skin, eyes and liver. Joint disturbances (arthritis) are the
most common and there are two types. The first (ankylosing spondylitis)
unfortunately does not go away when the bowel inflammation is dealt with. The
second, on the other hand, is related to the activity of the colitis. Thus it will settle
as the bowel inflammation responds to treatment. Sometimes

Tweet