Your Child Has Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It affects your child’s large intestine (colon) and rectum. The rectum is where stool is stored before leaving the body. Ulcerative colitis can cause swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and sores in these parts part of the digestive tract. The cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood. But it's related to a problem in the immune system. Sometimes the condition runs in families.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
Diarrhea.
Blood and pus in the stool, or rectal bleeding.
Feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Sudden feeling that a bowel movement must happen right away.
Belly pain and cramping.
Tiredness.
Weight loss.
Fever.
Other symptoms can include joint pain and skin rashes.
How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
The doctor will start by examining your child and asking some questions. The doctor may want to do certain tests, such as:
Stool tests.
Blood tests.
CT scan or MRI. These are imaging tests that take detailed pictures from outside the body.
Lower GI (gastrointestinal) series. This is a type of X-ray test that takes pictures of the colon and rectum.
Colonoscopy and sometimes endoscopy. In these tests, a flexible tube with a camera is used to view the inside of your child’s digestive tract. This also lets the doctor take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) if needed.
Wireless capsule endoscopy. In this test, your child swallows a tiny camera that takes pictures of the inside of the intestine. The camera comes out in the stool with a bowel movement.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
There are treatments that can help your child feel better and manage symptoms. These include:
Medicines that control swelling and bleeding. These medicines may be given by mouth, into the rectum, as an injection, or through an IV as an infusion.
Surgery to remove the affected intestine. This may cure the condition. The doctor will talk to you about this if it's a choice for your child.
Following up with the doctor
When symptoms are under control, the doctor will want to see your child 2 to 3 times a year. Tests may be done, including:
Bone scans. These are painless tests that check the health of your child’s bones.
Eye exams.
Blood tests.
It's important to make sure your child is up-to-date on all vaccines.
Handling flare-ups
Flare-ups are times when your child feels symptoms. These tips can help you and your child deal with flare-ups:
Give your child more time to get ready in the morning. During a flare-up, your child may need longer bathroom time. Stress and pressure can make symptoms worse. Make sure your child doesn’t feel rushed.
Talk with your child’s teachers and school officials about your child’s condition. Ask them to let your child use the bathroom as needed. This can help prevent accidents. Children with ulcerative colitis may miss school more often during flare-ups. Work with your child’s teachers to help your child keep up with schoolwork. Your child should qualify for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Your doctor can help you by writing a letter to the school.
Let your child be active. Having ulcerative colitis doesn’t mean your child can’t play sports or be active. During flare-ups, your child might not feel well enough to be active. Let your child decide how much activity feels okay during flare-ups. Encourage your child to be active when they are feeling good.
Encourage good nutrition. A healthy diet provides good nutrition for growth. Talk to your child about making healthy food choices when away from home.
Make sure your child takes all of their medicines. This can help reduce the number of flare-ups.
Look into ulcerative colitis support groups and resources. If your child is feeling alone or different from peers, a support group can help.
To learn more
To learn more about living well with ulcerative colitis, visit: