During these diagnostic tests, your healthcare provider will look for inflammation in the colon.
They will also look at how much of the colon is affected.
The process of receiving a diagnosis for this condition can be overwhelming.
© Verywell, 2018
So, it is helpful to understandulcerative colitisdiagnostic procedures before you go through them.
Verywell, 2018
How Do Doctors Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis?
Diagnosing ulcerative colitis may take several steps.
When the signs and symptoms seem to point towards this condition, a person is usually referred to agastroenterologist.
A gastroenterologist is a specialized healthcare provider who treats digestive system disorders.
Conditions that cause similar symptoms will be ruled out during the diagnostic process.
Usually, ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.
In these procedures, the healthcare provider can see inside the colon and take samples of tissue for testing.
Evaluation and Review of Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis is an immune-mediated condition that causes inflammation.
It primarily affects thelarge intestineand therectum, causing ulcers in the intestinal lining, which may bleed.
It can also cause other complications outside of thedigestive system.
It is one form of a group of conditions calledinflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The term “colitis” simply refers to the inflammation of the colon’s lining.
When you first see a provider, you will provide a detailed medical history and get a physical exam.
You will also go over the symptoms that caused your concern.
Instead, these tests can rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to ulcerative colitis.
Blood Tests
The workup for ulcerative colitis may involve many different blood tests.
Because ulcerative colitis affects people differently, other blood tests may be done.
A stool sample is collected and sent for testing for an infection or other signs of IBD.
During diagnosis, a stool test might be used to rule out an infection.
Some infections can cause symptoms that are similar to ulcerative colitis.
Afecal calprotectintestmay also be done.
Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopicprocedures are used to look inside the digestive system.
There are several different types.
Colonoscopy
Acolonoscopyis used to see the inside of the large intestine.
Because ulcerative colitis affects this part of the digestive system, this test can give important information.
A colonoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end.
The results of these tests can help in making the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
This test may be done in the healthcare providers office without a prep or anesthesia.
The test will be done as quickly as possible.
People may feel discomfort if its not done using sedation.
Talk over any concerns about the procedure, including discomfort or pain, with your healthcare provider beforehand.
The risk of cancer increases after having the disease for more than eight years.
Biopsy
Biopsies that are taken from the colon can help in diagnosing ulcerative colitis.
They may also be used to rule out other diseases and conditions.
The pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope and with other methods.
Imaging Procedures
Other tests might be used during the diagnosis process.
X-Ray
An X-ray may be used while looking for a diagnosis.
It can not be used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
However, it is a quick, easily available test that can rule out other reasons for the symptoms.
In this test, X-rays are used to create an image of the structures inside the abdomen.
This test can show if there are abnormalities or problems with the upper digestive system.
Contrast solution may be given with an intravenous (IV) line or in a drink.
It helps the structures of the abdomen show up better on the X-ray film.
CT Enterography
A computed tomographyenterographycan be used to see the walls of the intestine.
This test uses radiation, but it is less than that of a traditional X-ray.
In ulcerative colitis, the wall of the large intestine may become thickened.
A thickened wall might be seen on a CT enterography.
MR Enterography
Amagnetic resonance (MR) enterographyis a test that doesnt involve radiation.
It may be used to create an image of the organs in the abdomen.
This test isnt used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
However, it can give better images and more information than an X-ray or a CT enterography.
Summary
Diagnosing ulcerative colitis will involve several different types of tests or procedures.
Ulcerative colitis is usually diagnosed with a colonoscopy where biopsies are taken.
Because ulcerative colitis affects everyone differently, in some cases, diagnosis may take some time.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.CT Enterography.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.MR enterography.
