Causes
The causes of ulcerative colitis remain unclear. Researchers believe that a virus or bacteria may trigger an inflammatory reaction in the colon under certain circumstances. A lack of beneficial gut bacteria also tend to be one of contributing causes. Having a family member with the disease is one of the main risk factors for ulcerative colitis. Research has been examining some risk factors all the time, and some of them have been identified.
Diagnosis
There is no diagnosis method for ulcerative colitis in children. Doctors must use many different tests to exclude other conditions that have similar symptoms to ulcerative colitis. They will first ask you to do a physical exam, check your medical histories, and ask questions such as the onset of symptoms, duration of symptoms, and more.
Other tests to take include:
- Blood tests of red/ white blood cells.
- A stool sample to examine hidden (occult) blood, parasite, or bacteria.
- An upper or lower endoscopy to detect abnormalities in the digestive tract.
A barium enema to detect abnormalities in the digestive tract.
