Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that usually strikes young adults (patients in their 20s and 30s), though it happens in children and older adults as well.

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. The disease is chronic, which means that it is always present, although the inflammation may come and go. Patients typically will have periods of active symptoms (flares) followed by symptom-free periods (remission). The symptoms negatively impact the quality of life for many patients.

No medicines cure ulcerative colitis, though they can help with the symptoms. Patients must deal with the illness for their entire lifetime unless the colon is removed. However, most patients continue to work and have productive lives.

Schedule An Appointment

At University of Maryland Medical Center, our IBD team includes gastroenterologists who specialize in IBD. Call 410-706-3387 to schedule an appointment at the UM Digestive Health Center.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Bloody diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Visual problems (blurred vision, red eyes or painful vision)
Joint pain or swelling
Skin rashes
Liver problems

Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

Many different tests are used to diagnosis patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients are given a complete history and physical exam. Although blood tests are required, these alone cannot diagnosis ulcerative colitis. A colonoscopy is required to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

Current therapies to treat patients with ulcerative colitis include:

Medications

Aminosalicylates ("5-ASA")
Steroids
Immunosuppressants
Biologic therapy (medications that block specific inflammatory molecules important in ulcerative colitis)

For some of these drugs, treatments are available in pill form, suppositories, enemas, injections under the skin and intravenous infusions.

Although medical treatment can be effective in controlling the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, patients must take medications continuously to prevent the symptoms from returning.

Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Colon removal by our IBD surgery team can cure ulcerative colitis.

A bag is then attached to the belly wall to collect waste, which is called an ostomy. However, many patients may benefit from a later surgical procedure to reverse the ostomy called a restorative proctocolectomy (J pouch). It allows patients to have bowel movements without an ostomy.

There have been many advances in surgery for ulcerative colitis. The most significant are the development of restorative proctocolectomy and the use of minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy).

Changes in Diet

Changing your diet, especially during flares, may ease your symptoms. It will not reduce inflammation, nor will it lower your risk for complications.