Ulcerative colitis is a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine, or colon, and may affect both children and adults.
The symptoms of this disease can range from mild to severe and may include bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, and abdominal pain and cramping.
Treatment for ulcerative depends on the severity of symptoms. While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the disease may be well managed through medications that target the immune system or surgery to remove the entire colon, including the rectum.
Medication
Medications to treat ulcerative colitis may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressants, and biologic therapies that target certain proteins.
- Anti-inflammatory medications may include:
- Balsalazide
- Mesalamine
- Olsalazine
- Sulfasalazine
- Prednisone
- Budesonide
Immune suppressant medications may include:
- Azathioprine
- Cyclosporine
- Mercaptopurine
- Ozanimod
- Tofacitinib
- Upadacitinib
Biologic therapies may include:
- Adalimumab
- Golimumab
- Infliximab
- Ustekinumab
- Vedolizumab
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended to treat people with severe ulcerative colitis or those who do not respond to medication. Surgical treatment may involve removing the colon and rectum. The types of surgery include:
- Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis – removes the colon and rectum and creating an internal pouch so bowel movements can still pass through the anus
- Proctocolectomy with end ileostomy –removes the colon, rectum, and anus and creating a permanent ostomy (waste exits through an opening in the abdomen to an external pouch).
At Cooper, our team of expert physicians and offer access to specialized laboratory testing, state-of-the-art imaging, medication management, and minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical interventions.
Clinical Trials
Many clinical trials on ulcerative colitis test investigational drugs – medications that are still being tested for safety, effectiveness, and tolerance and not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other clinical trials may focus on how stress and diet and can affect the disease or perhaps the potential genetics associated with the condition ulcerative colitis.
Diet and Nutrition
In addition to following your treatment plan, these diet and nutrition guidelines may help reduce the risk of a flare-up of your disease:
- Avoid greasy foods
- Avoid or limit sugary, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages
- Eat several smaller and lighter meals throughout the day instead of three large ones
- Limit dairy products
- Drink plenty of water
Lab Tests
Your doctor may recommend regular lab tests to monitor your ulcerative colitis and adjust your treatment as needed. These routine laboratory tests may include:
- Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, or anemia
- Stool tests to check for infection or inflammation
These tests may help confirm your ulcerative colitis diagnosis, especially if your initial treatment plan did not help to manage your conditions. The tests may also help ensure that any symptoms you may be experiencing are related to your ulcerative colitis and not to another disease or condition.
Preventing Flare-ups
As you work with your doctor to manage your condition, it’s important to recognize triggers and make lifestyle changes that may reduce the likelihood or severity of any flare-ups. Click here for some steps to help prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
Preparing for Your Appointment
We understand it may feel uncomfortable or overwhelming to see a doctor for ulcerative colitis. Rest assured that Cooper’s specialists are experts in gastrointestinal conditions and are committed to providing you with the personalized care you deserve to lead your fullest life possible.
Here are some tips to help prepare for your next doctor’s appointment:
- Follow all instructions or dietary restrictions required before your appointment. Please call us if you have any questions about how best to prepare for your appointment.
- Keep track of any symptoms.
- Make a list of any current stressors in your life such as your job, health, relationships, recent major life changes, etc.
- Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking
- Consider bringing a family member or friend with you to your appointment. It is helpful to have another person with you in case you miss or forget important information.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment for one of Cooper’s ulcerative colitis experts, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).