Ulcerative Colitis What to Expect

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

What to expect

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary from person to person. Some people may only have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms that require medication or surgery.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include:

* Abdominal pain

* Diarrhea

* Rectal bleeding

* Tenesmus (a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, even when there is no stool)

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

* Fever

* Anemia

Diagnosis

Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms, a physical examination, and the results of various tests, such as:

* Colonoscopy

* Sigmoidoscopy

* Biopsy

* Blood tests

* Stool tests

Treatment

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are a variety of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments may include:

* Medications

* Surgery

* Lifestyle changes

Medications

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat ulcerative colitis, including:

* Aminosalicylates

* Corticosteroids

* Immunomodulators

* Biologics

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary for people with severe ulcerative colitis that does not respond to medication. Surgery may involve removing the affected part of the large intestine.

Lifestyle changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting regular exercise

* Managing stress

* Avoiding smoking

* Limiting alcohol intake

Outlook

The outlook for people with ulcerative colitis is generally good. Most people are able to manage their symptoms with medication and lifestyle changes. However, some people may develop complications, such as:

* Colon cancer

* Perforation of the colon

* Toxic megacolon

* Sepsis

If you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and improve the overall outcome.