The Most Common Ulcerative Colitis Treatments
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can be very debilitating. There are many ways to treat this condition but treatments typically involve either drug therapy or surgery (via Mayo Clinic). Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually tried first in the treatment process. There are two main anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis: 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Immune system suppressors also reduce inflammation and include drugs like azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), and tofacitinib (Xeljanz). Other medications include anti-diarrheal medications, pain relievers, antispasmodics, and iron supplements.
Surgery is typically only considered when other treatments have failed and the person has a very severe case of ulcerative colitis. Surgery involves removing the entire colon and rectum, which can help to relieve symptoms. If you're living with ulcerative colitis, it's important to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that's right for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating this condition and what works for one person may not work for another. But with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a full and healthy life.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis specifically affects the inner lining of the large intestine, or the colon (via Cleveland Clinic). The colon is the last part of the digestive tract, where wastes are stored before they are eliminated from the body.
Ulcerative colitis usually develops over time, but it can sometimes happen suddenly. It is not a common condition. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The most common symptom of ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms may include stomach pain, cramping, fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. Ulcerative colitis can be a very debilitating disease, but it is also treatable. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but there are many different treatments that can help to control the symptoms and allow people with the condition to lead normal, healthy lives.