Causes of Ulcerative colitis

List of causes of Ulcerative colitis

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Ulcerative colitis) that could possibly cause Ulcerative colitis includes:

• Autoimmune phenomenon
• Genetic susceptibility
• Smoking
• Environmental factors
• Immune-mediated phenomena
• Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people. The stress of living with ulcerative colitis may also contribute to a worsening of symptoms

Ulcerative colitis as a symptom:

Conditions listing Ulcerative colitis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Ulcerative colitis. Our database lists the following as having Ulcerative colitis as a symptom of that condition:

• Behcet's Disease
• Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome
• Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2

What causes Ulcerative colitis?

Causes: Ulcerative colitis: Researchers have not yet determined the cause of ulcerative colitis. One theory is that it is the result of an over-reactive immune response to normal bacteria and other substances in the gastrointestinal tract. Normally the body's immune response is a protective reaction to foreign potentially dangerous substances in the body, such as foreign bacteria. In ulcerative colitis, an over-reactive immune response may result in symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. There may also be a familial connection with ulcerative colitis. About 20% of people with ulcerative colitis have a family member with the disease or with Crohn's disease, another form of inflammatory bowel disease. You may hear from some people that ulcerative colitis is caused by stress or by certain foods. This is not true, although stress and certain food sensitivities may trigger or aggravate symptoms.
Theories about what causes ulcerative colitis abound, but none have been proven. The most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestinal wall.

People with ulcerative colitis have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors do not know whether these abnormalities are a cause or a result of the disease. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by emotional distress or sensitivity to certain foods or food products, but these factors may trigger symptoms in some people. (Source: excerpt from Ulcerative Colitis: NIDDK)

Related information on causes of Ulcerative colitis:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Ulcerative colitis may be found in:

• Hidden causes of Ulcerative colitis

Causes of Ulcerative colitis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Ulcerative colitis.

Bowel sounds, hyperactive: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

❑ Crohn's disease. Hyperactive bowel sounds usually arise insidiously. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain that may be relieved by defecation, anorexia, a low-grade fever, abdominal distention and tenderness and, in many cases, a fixed mass in the right lower quadrant. Perianal and vaginal lesions are common. Muscle wasting, weight loss, and signs of dehydration may occur as Crohn's disease progresses.

❑ Food hypersensitivity. Malabsorption — typically lactose intolerance — may cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea and, possibly, nausea and vomiting, angioedema, and urticaria.

❑ Gastroenteritis. Hyperactive bowel sounds follow sudden nausea and vomiting and accompany “explosive” diarrhea. Abdominal cramping or pain is common, usually after a peristaltic wave. Fever may occur, depending on the causative organism.

❑ GI hemorrhage. Hyperactive bowel sounds provide the most immediate indication of persistent upper GI bleeding. Other findings include hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, abdominal distention, bloody diarrhea, rectal passage of bright red clots and jellylike material or melena, and pain during bleeding. Decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension accompany blood loss.

❑ Mechanical intestinal obstruction. Hyperactive bowel sounds occur simultaneously with cramping abdominal pain every few minutes in patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction, a potentially life-threatening disorder; bowel sounds may later become hypoactive and then disappear. With small-bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting occur earlier and with greater severity than in large-bowel obstruction. With complete bowel obstruction, hyperactive sounds are also accompanied by abdominal distention and constipation, although the part of the bowel distal to the obstruction may continue to empty for up to 3 days.

❑ Ulcerative colitis (acute). Hyperactive bowel sounds arise abruptly in patients with ulcerative colitis and are accompanied by bloody diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and tenesmus. Weight loss, arthralgias, and arthritis may occur.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Ulcerative colitis: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Although the etiology of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it’s thought to be related to abnormal immune response in the GI tract, possibly associated with food or bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Stress was once thought to be a cause of ulcerative colitis, but studies show that although it isn’t a cause, it does increase the severity of the attack.

Ulcerative colitis occurs primarily in young adults, especially in women. It’s also more prevalent among those of Jewish ancestry, indicating a possible familial tendency. The incidence of the disease is unknown; however, some studies indicate as many as 10 to 15 out of 100,000 persons have the disease. Onset of symptoms seems to peak between ages 15 and 30; another peak occurs between ages 50 and 70.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Bowel sounds, hyperactive: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Crohn’s disease

Hyperactive bowel sounds usually arise insidiously in Crohn’s disease. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain that may be relieved by defecation, anorexia, low-grade fever, abdominal distention and tenderness and, in many cases, a fixed mass in the right lower quadrant. Perianal and vaginal lesions are common. Muscle wasting, weight loss, and signs of dehydration may occur as Crohn’s disease progresses.

Food hypersensitivity

Malabsorption—typically lactose intolerance—may cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea and, possibly, nausea and vomiting, angioedema, and urticaria.

Gastroenteritis

Hyperactive bowel sounds follow sudden nausea and vomiting and accompany “explosive” diarrhea. Abdominal cramping or pain is common, often after a peristaltic wave. Fever may occur, depending on the causative organism.

GI hemorrhage

Hyperactive bowel sounds provide the most immediate indication of persistent upper GI bleeding. Other findings include hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, abdominal distention, bloody diarrhea, rectal passage of bright red clots and jellylike material or melena, and pain during bleeding. Decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension accompany blood loss.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction

Hyperactive bowel sounds occur simultaneously with cramping abdominal pain every few minutes in patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction—a potentially life-threatening disorder. Bowel sounds may later become hypoactive and then disappear. Nausea and vomiting occur earlier and with greater severity in small-bowel obstruction than in large-bowel obstruction. In complete bowel obstruction, hyperactive sounds are also accompanied by abdominal distention and constipation, although the part of the bowel distal to the obstruction may continue to empty for up to 3 days.

Ulcerative colitis (acute)

Hyperactive bowel sounds arise abruptly in patients with ulcerative colitis and are accompanied by bloody diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and tenesmus. Weight loss, arthralgia, and arthritis may occur.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

Upper GI

❑ Peptic ulcer disease

❑ Gastritis

❑ Mallory-Weiss tear

❑ Esophageal varices

❑ Esophagitis

❑ Epistaxis

❑ Esophageal cancer

❑ Gastric cancer

Lower GI

❑ Infectious diarrhea

❑ Diverticular bleeding

❑ Hemorrhoids

❑ Anal fissure

❑ Inflammatory bowel disease

❑ Angiodysplasia

❑ Colon cancer

❑ Mesenteric ischemia

❑ Aortoenteric fistula

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007

Intestinal obstruction: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Adhesions and strangulated hernias usually cause small-bowel obstructions; carcinomas usually cause large-bowel obstructions. A mechanical intestinal obstruction results from a foreign body (fruit pits, gallstones, or worms) or compression of the bowel wall due to stenosis, intussusception, volvulus of the sigmoid or cecum, tumors, or atresia.

A nonmechanical obstruction results from a physiologic disturbance, such as paralytic ileus (see Paralytic ileus), electrolyte imbalance, toxicity (uremia or generalized infection), a neurogenic abnormality (spinal cord lesions), or thrombosis or embolism of mesenteric vessels.

The three forms of intestinal obstruction are:

❑ simple — blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing with no other complications

❑ strangulated — blood supply to part or all of the obstructed section is cut off in addition to blockage of the lumen

❑ close looped — both ends of a bowel section are occluded, isolating it from the rest of the intestine.

In all three forms, the physiologic effects are similar. When intestinal obstruction occurs, fluid, air, and gas collect near the site. Peristalsis increases temporarily as the bowel tries to force its contents through the obstruction, injuring intestinal mucosa and causing distention at and above the site of the obstruction. This distention blocks the flow of venous blood and halts normal absorptive processes. As a result, the bowel begins to secrete water, sodium, and potassium into the fluid pooled in the lumen. This results in distention and enormous amounts of fluid in the gut.

An obstruction in the upper intestine results in metabolic alkalosis from dehydration and loss of gastric hydrochloric acid; a lower obstruction causes slower dehydration and loss of intestinal alkaline fluids, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Ultimately, an intestinal obstruction may lead to ischemia, necrosis, and death.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Ulcerative colitis: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Although the etiology of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it’s thought to be related to an autoimmune response. Stress is no longer thought to be a cause. However, it may precipitate or increase the severity of the attack.

Ulcerative colitis occurs primarily in young adults, especially women; it’s also more prevalent among the Jewish population and individuals in higher socioeconomic groups. Onset of symptoms seems to peak in the 15- to 30-year-old age-group, with another peak occurring in the 50- to 70-year-old age-group.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Bowel sounds, hyperactive: Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

See Hyperactive bowel sounds: Causes and associated findings.

Crohn’s disease

Hyperactive bowel sounds usually arise insidiously. Associated signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease include diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain that may be relieved by defecation, anorexia, low-grade fever, abdominal distention and tenderness and, in many cases, a fixed mass in the right lower quadrant. Perianal and vaginal lesions are common. Muscle wasting, weight loss, and signs of dehydration may occur as the disease progresses.

Food hypersensitivity

Malabsorption — typically lactose intolerance — may cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Associated signs and symptoms of food hypersensitivity include diarrhea and, possibly, nausea and vomiting, angioedema, and urticaria.

Gastroenteritis

Hyperactive bowel sounds follow sudden nausea and vomiting and accompany “explosive” diarrhea. Abdominal cramping or pain is common, typically after a peristaltic wave. Fever may occur, depending on the causative organism.

GI hemorrhage

Hyperactive bowel sounds provide the most immediate indication of persistent upper GI bleeding. Other findings include hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, abdominal distention, bloody diarrhea, rectal passage of bright red clots and jellylike material or melena, and pain during bleeding. Decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension accompany blood loss.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction

Hyperactive bowel sounds occur simultaneously with cramping abdominal pain every few minutes in patients with intestinal obstruction, a potentially life-threatening disorder. Bowel sounds may later become hypoactive and then disappear. With small-bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting occur earlier and with greater severity than in large-bowel obstruction. With complete bowel obstruction, hyperactive sounds are also accompanied by abdominal distention and constipation, although the part of the bowel distal to the obstruction may continue to empty for up to 3 days.

Ulcerative colitis (acute)

Hyperactive bowel sounds arise abruptly in patients with ulcerative colitis and are accompanied by bloody diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and tenesmus. Weight loss, arthralgia, and arthritis may occur.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Bowel sounds, hyperactive: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Crohn’s disease

Hyperactive bowel sounds usually arise insidiously in those with Crohn’s disease. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain that may be relieved by defecation, anorexia, low-grade fever, abdominal distention and tenderness and, in many cases, a fixed mass in the right lower quadrant. Muscle wasting, weight loss, and signs of dehydration may occur as Crohn’s disease progresses.

Gastroenteritis

With gastroenteritis, hyperactive bowel sounds follow sudden nausea and vomiting and accompany “explosive” diarrhea. Abdominal cramping or pain is common, typically after a peristaltic wave. Fever may occur, depending on the causative organism.

GI hemorrhage

Hyperactive bowel sounds provide the most immediate indication of persistent upper GI bleeding. Other findings include hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, abdominal distention, bloody diarrhea, rectal passage of bright red clots and jellylike material or melena, and pain during bleeding. Decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension accompany blood loss.

Malabsorption

Malabsorption — typically lactose intolerance — may cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea and, possibly, nausea and vomiting, angioedema, and urticaria.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction

Mechanical intestinal obstruction — a potentially life-threatening disorder — causes hyperactive bowel sounds to occur simultaneously with cramping abdominal pain every few minutes; bowel sounds may later become hypoactive and then disappear. With small-bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting occur earlier and with greater severity than in large-bowel obstruction. With complete bowel obstruction, hyperactive sounds are also accompanied by abdominal distention and constipation, although the part of the bowel distal to the obstruction may continue to empty for up to 3 days.

Ulcerative colitis (acute)

Hyperactive bowel sounds arise abruptly in patients with acute ulcerative colitis. The hallmark of this disorder is recurrent bloody diarrhea (usually containing pus and mucus) accompanied by anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and tenesmus. Weight loss, arthralgia, and arthritis may occur.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Principal Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

1. Uppergastrointestinal bleeding
   1. Nose
   2. Mouth and pharynx
   3. Esophagus
      1. Esophagitis
         1. Gastroesophageal reflux
         2. Caustic ingestion
         3. Infection
      2. Foreign body
      3. Varices
      4. Duplication
   4. Gastroesophageal junction
      1. Mallory-Weisstear
   5. Stomach
      1. Gastritis
      2. Ulcer
      3. Duplication
      4. Vascular malformation
      5. Neoplasm
   6. Duodenum
      1. Ulcer
      2. Foreign body
      3. Varices
      4. Duplication
      5. Vascular malformation
      6. Hemobilia
   7. Other
      1. Swallowed blood
      2. Coagulopathy
         1. Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn(vitamin K deficiency)
         2. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
      3. Drugs
2. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
   1. Intestine
      1. Cow milk/soyprotein sensitivity
      2. Necrotizing enterocolitis
      3. Infectious colitis
      4. Henoch-Schönlein purpura
      5. Intussusception
      6. Congenital aganglionic megacolon (Hirschsprungdisease)
      7. Meckel diverticulum
      8. Volvulus with malrotation
      9. Inflammatory bowel disease
      10. Intestinal polyps
          1. Solitaryjuvenile polyps/juvenile intestinal polyposis
          2. Adenomatous polyposis of the colon
          3. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
          4. Benign lymphoid hyperplasia
          5. Duplication
          6. Vascular malformation
          7. Neoplasm
   2. Rectum and anus
      1. Anal fissure
      2. Trauma
      3. Sexual abuse
      4. Hemorrhoids
      5. Other
   3. Swallowed blood
   4. Coagulopathy
   5. Drugs
3. Factitious bleeding

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006

Bowel sounds, hyperactive: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Crohn's disease.Hyperactive bowel sounds usually arise insidiously. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain that may be relieved by defecation, anorexia, a low-grade fever, abdominal distention and tenderness and, in many cases, a fixed mass in the right lower quadrant. Perianal and vaginal lesions are common. Muscle wasting, weight loss, and signs of dehydration may occur as Crohn's disease progresses.

Food hypersensitivity.Malabsorption—typically lactose intolerance—may cause hyperactive bowel sounds. Associated signs and symptoms include diarrhea and, possibly, nausea and vomiting, angioedema, and urticaria.

Gastroenteritis.Hyperactive bowel sounds follow sudden nausea and vomiting and accompany “explosive” diarrhea. Abdominal cramping or pain is common, usually after a peristaltic wave. Fever may occur, depending on the causative organism.

GI hemorrhage.Hyperactive bowel sounds provide the most immediate indication of persistent upper GI bleeding. Other findings include hematemesis, coffee-ground vomitus, abdominal distention, bloody diarrhea, rectal passage of bright red clots and jellylike material or melena, and pain during bleeding. Decreased urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension accompany significant blood loss.

Mechanical intestinal obstruction.Hyperactive bowel sounds occur simultaneously with cramping abdominal pain every few minutes in patients with mechanical intestinal obstruction, a potentially life-threatening disorder; bowel sounds may later become hypoactive and then disappear. With small-bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting occur earlier and with greater severity than in large-bowel obstruction. With complete bowel obstruction, hyperactive sounds are also accompanied by abdominal distention and constipation, although the part of the bowel distal to the obstruction may continue to empty for up to 3 days.

Ulcerative colitis (acute).Hyperactive bowel sounds arise abruptly in patients with acute ulcerative colitis and are accompanied by bloody diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, and tenesmus. Weight loss, arthralgias, and arthritis may occur.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

 » Next page: Symptoms of Ulcerative colitis

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