Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon wall, causing the formation of ulcers and damage to the inner layer of the large intestine. This disease manifests with various and often severe symptoms, including continuous diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and colon bleeding. These symptoms pose challenges for patients, requiring early diagnosis and proper treatment. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of ulcerative colitis, shedding light on its causes, potential risk factors, and modern methods for diagnosis and treatment.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that leads to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. These symptoms result from inflammation of the large intestine and the occurrence of ulcers.
While the cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unclear, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease typically experience immune system issues.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can range from mild to severe, occurring once or recurring. Possible symptoms include:
- Continuous diarrhea, often exceeding 10 times a day
- Bloody stools
- Rectal bleeding
- Mucus discharge from the rectum
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Swelling and pain in the hips and knees
- Redness and pain in the eyes
- Skin rash
- Mouth ulcers or sores
Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis
Doctors typically rely on X-rays and colonoscopy. In these tests, a thin tube is inserted into the rectum and moved upwards into the colon. The tube is equipped with a camera, allowing the doctor to examine the colon from the inside. The tube also contains additional tools, enabling the doctor to take tissue samples for microscopic examination. Tests may also include blood tests, stool tests, X-rays, or imaging tests.
Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:
- Oral medications: One common medication is mesalamine.
- Rectal medications: These reduce swelling in mild cases and typically take effect within one to two weeks.
- Steroids: They help reduce inflammation.
- Immune system-targeted medications: These can protect the colon and include biologic medications such as adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab, and tofacitinib.
Symptoms usually improve a few weeks after starting treatment. If symptoms do not improve, your doctor may use a different medication or administer intravenous steroid medications.
In many cases, symptoms follow a recurring pattern, disappearing and reappearing. Many people need to take medication for their entire lives to control the disease.
Is Surgery Beneficial in Treating Ulcerative Colitis?
When medications are ineffective, surgery can be helpful. There are two types of surgery:
- Total colectomy with ileostomy: Individuals undergoing this surgery lose their ability to have natural bowel movements. Instead, stool exits through an opening in the abdomen.
- Total colectomy with ileoanal anastomosis: After this surgery, the doctor reconnects the small intestine to the rectum. Individuals who undergo this surgery can have natural bowel movements.
Dietary Considerations in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment:
Some people notice that certain foods worsen their symptoms. Avoiding these foods for a while can help determine if there’s an improvement.
For example, some individuals feel better when avoiding dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
If you’re avoiding certain foods, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements to ensure you get the necessary nutrients.
Pregnancy and Ulcerative Colitis:
In most cases, It does not affect a woman’s ability to conceive. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before attempting to conceive. Your doctor can ensure that all necessary tests are conducted before and during pregnancy.
Proper treatment of ulcerative colitis during pregnancy is crucial. Your doctor may consider changing your medications because some used in treatment may not be safe for the fetus. Additionally, your doctor may recommend a higher dose of folic acid than what non-ulcerative colitis women typically need.
When to Contact the Doctor:
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention, including:
- Signs of infection, such as a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher and chills.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
- Increasing or continuous bloody stools.
- Difficulty coping with ulcerative colitis.
Best Doctor for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al-Boraie is considered the best doctor for ulcerative colitis treatment. He is a liver and digestive system consultant, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al-Boraie currently serves as a lecturer in internal medicine, liver, and digestive system at Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Medicine in Cairo. He actively participates in local and international scientific conferences and has numerous published research papers in prestigious medical journals. If you wish to consult Dr. Mohamed Al-Boraie regarding ulcerative colitis and the latest diagnostic and treatment methods, schedule an appointment now.