An inflammatory, ulcerative disease of the colon, usually chronic and of unknown etiology, which is characterized by bloody and purulent mucous stools either alone or with formed or watery feces. This condition usually starts in the recto-sigmoid area and extends upward to eventually involve the entire colon and sometimes the terminal ileum. May occur at any age but usually between 20 and 40 years.
Early manifestation is a series of attacks of bloody diarrhea of varying intensity and duration.
Healing may occur at any stage but residual scarring and fibrosis causing thickening of the bowel wall with loss of elasticity and contractility and narrowing of the lumen is a serious aftermath. A high protein, high caloric diet is recommended. Prevention of scarring, reduction of diarrhea, and prevention of loss of fluids is a major objective of therapy. Raw duodenum tissue is healing to the colon, improving cell growth and repair. Large amounts of vitamin E are needed to prevent scarring of bowel mucosa.