Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Specialist Q&A

Ulcerative colitis, or UC for short, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes the formation of ulcers and inflammation in certain parts of the body involved in bowel movements. These ulcers typically occur inside the lining of the large intestine and the rectum. Ulcerative colitis remains one of the most widespread types of IBD and has many different IBD-related symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis can also cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common of which include diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal pain, cramping, frequent bowel movements, pus in stool, sudden urges to defecate, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Other potential symptoms include fever, dehydration, joint discomfort, and joint pain.

Ulcerative colitis causes many symptoms which can directly cause feelings of pain or discomfort. Pain from ulcerative colitis is usually observed in many parts of the body and often manifests as cramping in the abdominal region and rectal pain but may also show up as lower back, knee, hip, ankle, leg, and foot pain. The pain from the abdomen may vary in location depending on where the ulcers develop within the colon. Many people with UC will also experience diarrhea, which may vary in frequency and severity. Diarrhea can also cause pain, discomfort, and bloody stool. Rectal bleeding is when blood, typically only a small amount, is passed through bowel movements along with stool. This can be very painful and dangerous if serious. Some people might also feel a constant or persistent urge to defecate, which can happen even if the bowels are empty and even when defecation is difficult. Additional feelings of fever, fatigue, splashing inside the gut, anxiety, and depression might occur too.

While the exact cause is difficult to pinpoint, many experts agree that ulcerative colitis is the result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some popular theories are based on the immune system, ethnic background, and genetics. Some experts believe that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system is mistakenly attacking the healthy tissue in the body, resulting in the sores and inflammation of UC. Ethnic background may also have a role to play in it too since Caucasians, especially those descending from Ashkenazi Jews, have increased rates of having ulcerative colitis. Genetics and family history may be the best predictors for ulcerative colitis because some studies show that people with a specific gene may be more susceptible to developing the condition. Ulcerative colitis affects people of many different ages, yet it is most commonly found in age groups 15-30 and 50-70. Having a healthy microbiome, which is the digestion-aiding collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the gut, may also play a role in the risk of ulcerative colitis. While certain foods may contribute to increases in symptoms, they cannot directly make someone get ulcerative colitis.

Although there is no permanent cure for ulcerative colitis currently, there exist a few different treatment options that can help alleviate some symptoms. These treatment options tend to target the inflammatory aspects and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis during periods of intense symptoms called flare-ups. They may also aid in preventing symptoms from returning once they are gone.

Medication can be in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs but also antidiarrheals, pain relieving medication, iron supplements, and antispasmodics. Anti-inflammatory drugs are the popular choice for addressing UC and they can be immunosuppressants, aminosalicylates (ASAs), or corticosteroids. ASAs tend to be the first choice for treating ulcerative colitis on the more mild to moderate side, and they may be consumed orally or taken as a suppository. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, on the other hand, maybe more effective when treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Surgery may be recommended for individuals with severe ulcerative colitis when medication proves to be non-beneficial. Surgery may involve the removal of damaged tissue or, when necessary, the entire colon and rectum. This may involve a procedure called ileoanal anastomosis surgery where the small intestine and anus are connected by a pouch.

Other strategies for dealing with ulcerative colitis may be breathing and relaxation exercises, however these may only be effective for mild ulcerative colitis. You can also talk to a medical professional about your UC for more personalized information on how to treat or cope with ulcerative colitis in your day-to-day life.

Empower your journey to better digestive health with the specialized care from Digestive Disease Care (DDC). Our board-certified gastroenterologists are here to provide effective treatments and compassionate support for Ulcerative Colitis. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards improved well-being and a healthier life. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.