LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Colitis: Inflammations
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The underlying cause of ulcerative colitis is still not known - though the disease is associated with dysfunction of the immune system. In the disease the body's own T-cells attack the lining of the bowel - and hence cause it to be inflamed. This bodies immune system then takes this inflammation to be a further sign of infection - increasing the immune response - in a vicious cycle. This situation is what people would term a flare-up.
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Ulcerative colitis may cause a range of other problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, osteoporosis, skin rash, anemia and kidney stones. Ulcerative colitis probably is related to a disorder in the immune system, the body’s natural defense against infection. These complications are believed to be caused by the immune system triggering inflammation in other parts of the body, and they typically disappear when the ulcerative colitis is treated.
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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (ongoing) disease of the colon, or large intestine. The disease is manifested by inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa (innermost lining). Tiny open sores or ulcers, form on the surface of the lining where they bleed and produce pus and mucus. Inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, so symptoms typically include diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain.
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The diagnosis of collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis is made after tissue samples taken during colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are examined under a microscope. Collagenous colitis is characterized by a larger-than-normal band of protein called collagen inside the lining of the colon. The thickness of the band varies, so multiple tissue samples from different areas of the colon may need to be examined. In lymphocytic colitis, tissue samples show inflammation with white blood cells known as lymphocytes between the cells that line the colon, and in contrast to collagenous colitis, there is no abnormality of the collagen.
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Treatment of colitis may include the administration of antibiotics and general anti-inflammatory medications such as Mesalamine or its derivatives, steroids, or one of a number of other drugs that ameliorate inflammation. Surgery is sometimes needed, especially in cases of fulminant colitis. Surgery usually entails removing the colon and bowel and creating a "pouch" with portions of the small intestine.
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Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine, or colon. It usually affects the lower section (sigmoid colon) and the rectum. But it can affect the entire colon. In general, the more of the colon that’s affected, the worse the symptoms will be.
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