Ulcerative Colitis Ribbon Represents Shared Struggle | Awareness Symbol

Showing Support with the Ulcerative Colitis Ribbon

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea. March is National Colitis Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness and understanding of this challenging chronic illness.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is one of two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other is Crohn's disease. Both cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but each has key differences.

In ulcerative colitis, inflammation occurs only in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed cells in the intestinal lining. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus.

Doctors don't know exactly what triggers ulcerative colitis but contributing factors likely include:

• Immune system dysfunction
• Genetics
• Environmental influences
• Gut bacteria imbalance

Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally. It often first appears between ages 15 to 30, although it can start at any age.

Symptoms and Complications

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Diarrhea - frequent, loose, bloody stools
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Rectal bleeding and urgent bowel movements
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Fever and night sweats

Symptoms vary in severity over time with periods of remission and relapse known as flares. Serious potential complications include:

• Bowel perforation
• Severe bleeding
• Increased colon cancer risk
• Toxic megacolon
• Liver disease

Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn's Disease

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's have similar symptoms and are considered inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there are some key differences in how and where they occur:

• Location - UC only affects the colon and rectum while Crohn's can impact any part of the GI tract
• Inflammation - UC inflammation occurs on mucosal lining surface only while Crohn's goes deeper into layers of the intestinal wall
• Complications - Higher colon cancer risk with UC; Crohn's has more fistulas and small bowel obstructions

Diagnosis

Since ulcerative colitis shares symptoms with other digestive issues, doctors rely on a combination of tests to make an accurate diagnosis. These may include:

• Stool tests - Checks for blood, white blood cells, infectious organisms
• Blood tests - Assesses inflammation markers, anemia, etc.
• Endoscopy - Views colon lining damage with a scope inserted in rectum
• Biopsies - Samples tissue to confirm chronic inflammation patterns unique to ulcerative colitis
• CT scan - Uses cross-sectional X-rays to check extent of colitis and rule out other causes

Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Although not yet curable, doctors aim to induce and maintain remission in ulcerative colitis through medications and sometimes surgery. Treatment approaches include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs - Corticosteroids and medications like mesalamine reduce swelling and pain
• Immune system suppressors - Azathioprine, cyclosporine inhibit the overactive immune response causing inflammation
• Biologic therapies - Infliximab, adalimumab block pro-inflammatory proteins
• Antibiotics and probiotics - May rebalance gut microbiome
• Surgery - Colectomy to remove colon for severe, unresponsive cases

Finding the right treatment plan takes time due to the trial-and-error nature of ulcerative colitis management. The goal is always to control inflammation long-term and improve quality of life.

The Ulcerative Colitis Awareness Ribbon

The official ulcerative colitis awareness ribbon features a single, curled purple ribbon. The purple color represents the bruising that appears on a colon affected by ulcerative colitis.

People wear the ribbon pinned to clothing or displayed on bags, keychains, bracelets, etc. It serves as a conversation starter to share information and personal experiences about living with colitis. The symbol offers hope to those newly diagnosed and brings the community together in solidarity.

History

The exact origin of the purple ribbon is unclear but it emerged in the early 2000s alongside greater activism and fundraising among colitis patient advocacy groups. Some key points in the ribbon's history include:

• 2001 - The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America registers the purple ribbon design as an awareness symbol
• 2010 - Petition declares March as National Colitis Awareness Month to promote education
• 2012 - U.S House of Representatives formally recognizes purple ribbon and March observance

Today, the signature purple ribbon reminds people across the globe they don't suffer alone and have champions fighting for a better quality of life despite ulcerative colitis' daily challenges.

How the Symbol Helps Raise Awareness

The ulcerative colitis awareness ribbon boosts visibility for this "invisible illness" in many ways:

• Promotes deeper public understanding of IBD/colitis symptoms and complications
• Reduces stigma around bloody diarrhea, accidents, and embarrassing flares
• Highlights need for better, affordable treatment options and patient protections for those with pre-existing conditions
• Represents solidarity and hope for the newly diagnosed
• Motivates fundraising to accelerate research

Wearing the ribbon provokes questions from friends, coworkers, and strangers - opportunities to educate more people. Hashtag campaigns like #GetYourPurpleOn also flood social media with facts and real patient perspectives.

How to Participate

You don't need to personally suffer from ulcerative colitis or another IBD to show your support. Anyone can participate by:

• Wearing purple clothing and ribbons in March
• Displaying the purple ribbon image on social media profiles
• Sharing key facts and disease impacts with others
• Making a donation to reputable patient advocacy groups like the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
• Reaching out to loved ones suffering in silence to offer emotional support

Speak up on behalf of this community, defend rights, and embolden those newly diagnosed to share their voice!

United for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Advocacy

The purple ribbon unites all those touched by colitis and related inflammatory bowel diseases. It empowers patients to share their story with courage after too long suffering silently. Increased awareness, education, and funding will one day make manageable a currently incurable and unpredictable condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.