Ulcerative Colitis is very similar to Crohn’s Disease and is often treated in the same way but the symptoms are usually more acute with severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhoea, usually with blood and mucus in the stools.

Ulcerative Colitis is inflammation and ulceration but varies from Crohn’s Disease in that it is contained in the large bowel and does not affect any other part of the digestive system.

Diagnosis is not easy in children as some of the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis mimic other less serious disorders but when diagnosed all children with Ulcerative Colitis should be treated by a Paediatric Gastroenterologist or other specialist with extensive IBD experience.

Some of the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis such as severe pain or bloody stools can be very frightening to a child and support and understanding from parents, carers, family and friends is very important. CICRA publishes several leaflets to help families including a Parents Guide, a Teachers Guide and a glossary of medical terms used by doctors. These can be obtained by becoming a member of CICRA (membership is free although donations are very welcome) Click on the Help & Support button and go to ‘Publications’ for details.

Note

Allergic Colitis is an inflammatory disorder of the colon which occurs mainly in pre-school children. It is caused by an allergic reaction to food; most usually cow’s milk, egg, soya and/or wheat. It is nearly always associated with other conditions such as asthma, eczema and hayfever but may also occur in other children who have minor immunodificiency states. Symptoms consist mainly of loose stools with flecks of blood often associated with abdominal pain