Ulcerative Colitis
24+ years of experience 20,000+ patients treated. Insurance facilities are available for laparoscopic Ulcerative Colitis repair.
What are Ulcerative Colitis ?
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and develop ulcers. It causes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and often leads to significant discomfort. This condition is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that requires ongoing treatment.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis can be classified into several types, depending on the specific area of the colon affected and the severity of the inflammation:
- 1.Ulcerative Proctitis
- 2.Proctosigmoiditi
- 3.Left-sided Colitis
- 4.Pancolitis (or Total Colitis)
- 5.Acute Severe
Left-sided Colitis: Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Symptoms often include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping on the left side, and unintended weight loss.
Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and achieve and maintain remission. Here’s an overview of the main treatments for ulcerative colitis:
Medications
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These medications reduce inflammation in the colon, helping to alleviate symptoms. Common examples include 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids.
Immunosuppressants: Drugs like azathioprine and methotrexate suppress the immune system, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
Biologic Therapies: Biologic drugs, such as Entyvio and infliximab, target specific molecules in the immune system to control inflammation.
Diet and Nutrition
Low-Residue Diet: Minimizing fiber intake can help reduce the frequency and volume of bowel movements, easing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Avoiding Trigger Foods: Certain foods, such as spicy foods, dairy products, and caffeine, can exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided.
Lifestyle Modifications
Stress Management: Stress can worsen the symptoms, so practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can be beneficial.
Regular Exercise: Maintaining an active lifestyle can help improve overall health and may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Surgery
Colectomy: In severe cases of Ulcerative Colitis that do not respond to medication, surgical removal of the colon (colectomy) may be necessary. This procedure can often provide long-term relief from symptoms.
J-Pouch Surgery: After a colectomy, some patients may undergo a procedure to create a J-pouch from the end of the small intestine, which acts as a reservoir for stool. This can allow for more normal bowel function.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular Check-Ups: Patients with Ulcerative Colitis should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Colonoscopies: Periodic colonoscopies may be recommended to assess the extent of inflammation in the colon and monitor for signs of complications such as colon cancer.