Verified By Apollo Hospitals September 17, 2024
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. While ulcerative colitis can be managed if detected at the right time, it can also sometimes cause life-threatening complications.
Ulcerative colitis is not usually detected immediately and it takes some time for symptoms to surface, depending on what part of the colon is most inflamed.
Most noticeable symptoms include:
If you have some/any/all of the above symptoms, immediate medical attention is highly advisable.
Like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is also dependent on the following factors:
Once your doctor has ruled out all other possibilities and concluded you have ulcerative colitis, he may run the following tests/procedures to confirm the same:
Treatment would be as per your diagnosis and the effects that ulcerative colitis has had on your body, and depending on this, the doctor will prescribe what kind of treatment is required.
The treatment of ulcerative colitis is similar to that of Crohn’s disease – through medication or surgery.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids may be given.
Immune system suppressors such as azathioprine, cyclosporine, vedolizumab and/or infliximab may be given.
In addition to these, iron supplements, pain relievers, anti-diarrhoeal drugs and antibiotics may also be given.
If medication proves futile, doctors may recommend a proctocolectomy which is the surgical removal of the colon.