Ulcerative colitis is anautoimmune,inflammatory, chronicdiseaseof the large intestine which, together with Crohn's disease, forms part of what are known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Ulcerative colitis affects different parts of the large intestine, especially the colon, and presents different characteristics depending on the area affected by inflammation, although it commonly involves the immune system attacking the colon mucosa, leading tochronic intestinal inflammation(colitis) that damages (ulcerates) the intestine. This disease progresses with symptomatic flare-ups and periods of remission, but it does not disappear unless proper treatment is given.
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by having a strong genetic component among their causes. In the case of ulcerative colitis, up to 200 genes have been identified that may be related to the disease.
On the other hand, there are environmental factors that trigger the disease: alteration of intestinal bacteria and increased intestinal permeability that disrupt intestinal immunity, causing an exaggerated immune response that leads to gastrointestinal damage.
However, we cannot say that there is a single triggering cause. The body's autoimmune reaction is behind ulcerative colitis, but what causes this reaction? We can talk about risk factors that contribute to the onset of the disease.
– In general, ulcerative colitis appears before the age of thirty. However, it cannot be ruled out that the disease may manifest itself at any age throughout life.
– This disease is more common in Western Europe.
– Family history of the disease
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary, depending on the severity of the inflammation and where it occurs, and may also be intermittent. Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location.
Biological medicine treatments are always based on regulating the immune system, deactivating the causes that have triggered the autoimmune process and, if necessary, treating the symptoms with anti-inflammatory enzymes. If necessary, a vaccine of regulatory T lymphocytes would be injected.
Increasingly, regenerative medicine can contribute to the regeneration of injured areas and restore them to their pre-illness state. Techniques that promote tissue regeneration are being applied with increasing regularity.
At Biosalud, we develop personalized treatment protocols.
