300905 Study Guide - Final Guide: Ulcerative Colitis, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Colic Flexures

• School: UWS
• Department: University of Western Sydney
• Course: 300905
• Professor: anonymous

Document Summary

The clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis depends on the extent of the disease process. People with ulcerative colitis usually present with diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus, of gradual onset that persists for an extended period (weeks). They may also have weight loss and blood on rectal examination. The inflammation caused by the disease along with the chronic bleeding from the gi tract leads to increased rates of anaemia. The disease may be accompanied by different degrees of abdominal pain, from mild discomfort to painful bowel movements or painful abdominal cramping with bowel movements. Ulcerative colitis is normally continuous from the rectum up the colon. Rectal pain is uncommon: moderate disease correlates with more than four stools daily, but with minimal signs of toxicity. People in this category may have inflammation extending beyond just the mucosal layer, causing impaired colonic motility and leading to toxic megacolon. If the serous membrane is involved, a colonic perforation may ensue.