How can the extent of the disease be divided? Ulcerative colitis progresses from the rectum and moves proximally. Distal disease refers to inflammation limited to the rectum (proctitis) or the rectum and sigmoid colon. Here we are talking about proctosigmioditis. If the disease is more extensive it includes the left side of the colon and may cover the splenic flexure. This occurs in 40% of patients. Extended colitis occurs up to the hepatic flexure. Pan colitis affects the entire colon and can affect up to 20% of patients. Some patients with pan colitis have involvement of the terminal ileum, caused by an incompetent ileocecal valve. Fig 1: Image summarizing the extent of ulcerative colitis 15 Describe the management of ulcerative colitis? Patients with ulcerative colitis are usually referred to a gastroenterologist. This is a specialist who manages patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Doctors will need to assess the severity of the condition. Questions he will likely ask include: How often do you pass stool? Does the stool contain blood? Do you have nonspecific symptoms such as high fever, tachycardia and shortness of breath? The patient should be examined and investigated to exclude differential disease. If the symptoms are mild, they may not require specific treatment as the symptoms may resolve on their own. Some foods can cause diarrhea and bloating. They should receive advice on lifestyle and diet. They should be advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat small amounts of food throughout the day. Patients should avoid high-fiber foods such as bran, beans, and nuts. They can also limit their intake of dairy products if they are lactose intolerant. Finally they should avoid... half of the paper... can be used to slow bone loss.8 You can start with vitamin D and calcium, as both of these substances have a beneficial effect on bones. reinforcing effects.10 What is the prognosis for patients with ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition with significant relapses and remissions and increased mortality. A Norwegian study showed that after 10 years the colectomy rate was 9.8%.19 The IBSEN study showed that 83% of people initially had disease recurrence. Although 50% were asymptomatic after five years.19 This study also showed that 20% of people with left-sided proctitis or colitis progressed to extensive colitis.19Conclusion Ulcerative colitis is a fairly common disease with significant symptoms that influence the patient's quality of life. life. With proper treatment it can be managed successfully. Surgery is curative.