How is ulcerative colitis treated?
Currently, there is no cure for ulcerative colitis. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms, remedy the nutritional deficiencies, and reduce the number of recurrences, or flare-ups. Medication and surgery are used to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Medications to treat ulcerative colitis include steroids to reduce the inflammation. These are often combined with drugs that suppress the immune response. Immunomodulators are given if aminosalicylates and corticosteroids have failed or have not achieved optimal response.
Medications for ulcerative colitis
Medications used to treat ulcerative colitis include:
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Aminosalicylates, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol)
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Antidiarrheals
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Corticosteroids (steroids)
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Immunomodulators that suppress the body’s immune response, such as azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
Surgery for ulcerative colitis
Surgery is performed in more advanced cases of ulcerative colitis or in patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled by medication. Many people with ulcerative colitis will require colon removal at some point because of damage or to prevent cancer. This procedure, known as proctocolectomy, is typically followed by other procedures including:
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Ileostomy, or creation of an opening in the abdomen called a stoma, which is connected to the ileum of the small intestine. Waste is channeled through the stoma into a colostomy bag, worn over the opening and emptied as needed.
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Ileoanal anastomosis, which removes the colon and the inside of the rectum but preserves the anus, which is then surgically attached to the ileum. This allows feces to pass out of the body through the anus, avoiding the need for an external waste bag.
Complementary treatments
Some complementary treatments may help some people in their efforts to deal with ulcerative colitis. These treatments, sometimes referred to as alternative therapies, are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. Complementary treatments are not meant to substitute for full medical care.
Complementary treatments may include:
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Acupuncture
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Massage therapy
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Yoga
What are the potential complications of ulcerative colitis?
Complications of untreated or poorly controlled ulcerative colitis can be serious. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of ulcerative colitis include:
Gastrointestinal complications of ulcerative colitis include:
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Colon cancer
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Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to long-term diarrhea
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Fissures (tears in the rectum)
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Intestinal blockage
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Skin ulcerations around the anus and colon
Other complications of ulcerative colitis include:
References:
Ulcerative colitis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colitis/index.htm. Accessed May 7, 2011.
Ulcerative colitis. PubMed Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001296/. Accessed May 7, 2011.
INTRODUCTION
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine, or colon. It occurs when inflammation in the colon produces redness, bleeding and pus, which, in turn, causes such symptoms as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Inflammation impairs the ability of the colon to hold its contents, resulting in freque...
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis primarily affect the digestive tract and include appetite loss, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Persistent diarrhea can cause malnutrition, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances; younger individuals may be small or experience delayed growth. A small percentage of those affected may have symptoms in other body areas or organs....
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CAUSES
What causes ulcerative colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. It is known to run in families and is more prevalent in certain groups, such as people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. It is thought to have an autoimmune component, in which the immune system, which normally protects us from harmful invaders, interprets foods and other substances as “foreign” and launches an immune response. This reaction results in the release of antibodies and white blood cells into the intestines, which leads to inflammatory symptoms and ulcerations....
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