Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease of the large intestine or colon. An estimated 1 million people in the U.S. are living with ulcerative colitis, which may affect both children and adults.
Symptoms of this chronic gastrointestinal disease can range from mild to severe and may include bloody diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, and abdominal pain and cramping. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the treatment for ulcerative includes typically involves medication and, in some cases, surgery.
Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis
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, medications to suppress the immune system, and biologics that target certain proteins.
Anti-inflammatory medications for ulcerative colitis include 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids such as:
- Balsalazide.
- Mesalamine.
- Olsalazine.
- Sulfasalazine.
- Prednisone.
- Budesonide.
Immune suppressant medications include:
- Azathioprine.
- Cyclosporine.
- Mercaptopurine.
- Ozanimod.
- Tofacitinib.
- Upadacitinib.
Biologics that may be prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis include:
- Adalimumab.
- Golimumab.
- Infliximab.
- Ustekinumab.
- Vedolizumab.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to treat for the treatment of more severe cases of ulcerative colitis or may be recommended to patients whose disease is not responding to medical treatment. Surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis may involve removing the entire colon, including the rectum:
- Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis – the most common surgery for ulcerative colitis, this procedure involves removing the colon and rectum and creating an internal pouch so bowel movements can continue to pass through the anus.
- Proctocolectomy with end ileostomy – this surgical procedure involves removing the colon, rectum, and anus and creating a permanent ostomy.
At Cooper, our team of physicians and surgeons are experts in treating ulcerative colitis, offering patients 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 adhering to the treatment plan established with your doctor to manage your ulcerative colitis, it is important to follow some general diet and nutrition guidelines to reduce the possibility 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 will likely recommend periodic laboratory tests to monitor your ulcerative colitis and determine whether any changes to your treatment plan are needed. These routine laboratory tests may include:
- Blood tests to check for any indications of infection, inflammation, or anemia.
- Stool tests to check for any indications of 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.
How to Prevent Ulcerative Colitis Flare-ups
As you work with your doctor to manage the treatment of your ulcerative colitis your disease, it is important to take steps to recognize triggers for your condition and make lifestyle changes that reduce the likelihood or severity of any flare-ups. Click here for some steps to help prevent flare-ups of your ulcerative colitis.
How to Prepare for a Doctor Appointment
We understand you may feel a bit uncomfortable or sometimes overwhelmed seeing a doctor for ulcerative colitis and the symptoms you are experiencing. Rest assured that Cooper’s specialists are experts in gastrointestinal diseases and conditions like ulcerative colitis 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 you are experiencing.
- Make a list of areas of your life that may be causing you stress. These may include your job, health, relationships, recent major life changes, etc.
- Provide your doctor with a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking
- Bring 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.