Best Doctors for Ulcerative Colitis in Hyderabad

Types/Stages of Ulcerative Colitis

UC varies in severity and can be classified into four stages:

• Mild UC: Characterised by mild symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. Management typically involves dietary changes and medication.

• Moderate UC: This stage presents more severe symptoms such as frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramping, and weight loss necessitating medication and lifestyle modifications.

• Severe UC: This involves fulminant ulcerative colitis which is a rare but critical condition requiring urgent medical intervention.

• Fulminant UC: This severe type of UC can lead to life-threatening complications like toxic megacolon or colon cancer.

  Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

UC manifests through a range of symptoms including:

• Persistent diarrhoea often accompanied by blood or pus

• Abdominal pain and discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Reduced appetite

• Fatigue or tiredness

• Anaemia, leading to feelings of weakness or tiredness

• Elevated temperature and dehydration

  Tests to Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis

Early diagnosis of UC is essential for effective treatment and management. Some common diagnostic tests include:

• Blood Tests: To check for anaemia or signs of infection.

• Stool Test: Often used to rule out other disorders like bacterial infections.

• Colonoscopy: A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to inspect the colon for abnormalities.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the colon is tested in the laboratory.

• Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRI may be used to get detailed images of the colon.

  Treatment or Surgery Options for Ulcerative Colitis at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad

Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad provide diverse treatment options for patients with UC, ranging from medication to surgery. Some common treatments are:

• Medications: Including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics that reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

• JAK inhibitors and Ozanimod: These are new classes of medications used when other treatments fail to control moderate to severe UC.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. Options include colectomy (removal of the colon) followed by creating an ileostomy or an ileoanal pouch for waste management.

• Ileoanal pouch (J-Pouch) Surgery: The creation of an internal pouch connected to the anus allows for normal bowel movements after colectomy.