Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis
Ulcerative colitis is not always simple to diagnose. A thorough physical examination and a series of tests may be required to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
Steps for Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis
01 Your doctor will ask you to narrate the complaints in detail and will inquire about any of your family members having similar complaints and other relevant information to rule out other disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. A thorough history will provide the doctor with some clues to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
02 The next step is a thorough physical examination to detect signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis (e.g., abdominal tenderness, weight loss).
03 Next, your doctor may order tests helpful to diagnose ulcerative colitis, such as stool tests or blood tests. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the colon or rectum. Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum. Blood tests may also reveal a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body.
04 As the doctor cannot see inside of colon or rectum, he may perform a procedure called endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure, which enables the physician to view (=scopy) inside (=endo) of an organ. The procedure involves putting a flexible tube with a light and a camera into the anus to see the inside of the colon and rectum. When a doctor views the sigmoid colon the procedure is called sigmoidoscopy. Colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon using a lighted, flexible tube. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the colon wall. During the procedure, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon to view with a microscope.
For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will probably be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the procedure. The physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh-LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it along the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change position occasionally to help the physician move the scope.
Colonoscopy is usually completed within half an hour to an hour. You will need to remain at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off.
05 An X-ray provides your doctor with a picture of your intestines. The x-ray procedure done for diagnosing ulcerative colitis is called a barium enema, an x-ray of the colon. As the colon is soft tissue meaning it is not hard like a bone it does not create a shadow on the x-ray plate. Hence first the colon is filled with barium, a chalky white solution. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, allowing the doctor a clear view of the colon, including any ulcers or other abnormalities that might be there. In addition, a barium enema is sometimes necessary to see how far the inflammation has spread.
Monitoring ulcerative colitis
Having your condition monitored by medical professionals is an important part of living better with ulcerative colitis. The reasons for monitoring include:
01 Keeping your condition under control
02 Checking for changes, even if you are in remission
03 Evaluating the effects of medications
How ulcerative colitis is monitored
Ulcerative colitis is monitored using many of the same techniques used to diagnose ulcerative colitis, including colonoscopies and biopsies. Your doctor may also conduct blood tests to monitor your condition and medications.
Concerns about Cancer
Many patients are concerned about their risk of developing colon cancer. People with long-standing ulcerative colitis (i.e., about 10 years) do have a somewhat higher risk of developing colon cancer than the general population. While not every person with ulcerative colitis will develop colon cancer, early intervention may help prevent its progression. Hence it is advisable to undergo colonoscopy every year or biyearly to detect cancer in the very initial stage.