Important diseases
Ulcerative colitis is also a disease from the group of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CED). Ulcerative colitis is particularly characterized by affection of the large intestine, but can also sometimes affect the small intestine. This is known as “grown-in” inflammation of the small intestine (“backwash ileitis”).
This disease is also autoimmunologically triggered and manifests itself with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (diarrhea). This chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CED) can theoretically affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from the oral cavity to the anus. However, the disease preferentially affects the lower small intestine (terminal ileum) and often appears with symptoms such as cramping abdominal pain and mucous diarrhea (diarrhea).
However, the characteristic feature of this autoimmune disease is the sectional (segmental) attack of the intestinal mucosa. The so-called duodenal ulcer refers to an ulcer in the duodenum. The two main causes of this very common disease are the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and painkillers such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs).
A dangerous complication of ulcer disease occurs when the ulcer reaches a larger vessel, causing a life-threatening bleeding (gastrointestinal bleeding). This disease is commonly known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or native sprue.This is an intolerance of the small intestinal mucosa to the gluten protein found in many types of grain. Those affected complain of diarrhoea and weight loss. The therapy for this disease is a life-long gluten-free diet.
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