Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of several inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that occurs when inflammation and ulcers develop in the rectum and innermost lining of the large intestine, also known as the colon.

Depending on where the ulcerative colitis is located within the digestive tract, there are four different classifications of UC, which are as follows:

– Left-sided colitis: with this type of ulcerative colitis, the inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid (lower end of the colon) and descending colon.

– Pancolitis: the entire colon is affected by this type of UC.

– Proctosigmoiditis: both the rectum and sigmoid colon experience inflammation with this type of UC.

– Ulcerative proctitis: inflammation only occurs in the area closest to the anus, namely, the rectum, with this type of UC.

Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed using blood tests, stool samples, colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies or X-ray exams.

While the cause of ulcerative colitis is not altogether clear, most researchers believe it results from an overactive immune response. As a result, there are numerous possible symptoms involved with ulcerative colitis, affecting both the digestive system and other parts of the body. Furthermore, such symptoms typically occur gradually as opposed to suddenly. The most common symptom of UC is bloody diarrhea. Other examples of UC symptoms include the following:

– Abdominal pain and cramping
– Anemia
– Blood, mucus, or pus in the stool
– Decreased appetite
– Delayed or poor growth, when the condition affects children
– Dehydration
– Diarrhea
– Eye inflammation
– Fatigue
– Fever
– Joint pain or swelling
– Malnutrition
– Mouth sores
– Nausea
– Rectal pain or bleeding
– Skin sores or rashes
– Unexplained weight loss
– Urgent need to defecate, sometimes without being able to or with the feeling that your bowels are not completely emptied

If you are dealing with any of the above symptoms, and are concerned that you might have ulcerative colitis, our board-certified gastroenterologist and medical professionals at Diamond Gastroenterology would be happy to evaluate your symptoms and provide you with first-rate ulcerative colitis treatment.

Since ulcerative colitis is understood as an immune disorder, treatment for UC is generally aimed at helping patients regulate their immune systems more effectively while also reducing inflammation and flare-ups to allow your colon the time and space to heal properly. With that in mind, treatment for ulcerative colitis typically includes some combination of medication and dietary or nutritional changes. When such treatments are unsuccessful, a surgical procedure known as a colectomy may be necessary, which involves removing the colon. Some examples of medical treatment for ulcerative colitis include the following:

– Antibiotics: to fight infections and let your colon heal
– Aminosalicylates: to fight inflammation and control symptoms
– Biologics: for individuals with severe ulcerative colitis
– Corticosteroids: to fight inflammation if amino salicylates are ineffective
– Immunomodulators: to help regulate your immune system and stop its attack on your colon
– Loperamide: to slow or stop diarrhea

Dietary changes for ulcerative colitis could include avoiding lactose and dairy, spicy foods, and processed foods while eating a balanced, low-fat diet rich in fiber, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables.

For more information, please call us. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL, Elmwood Park IL, Chicago IL, La Grange IL, Broadview IL, and surrounding areas.