Colitis Treatment | Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis …

The primary goal in treating ulcerative colitis is to help patients regulate their immune system better. While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis and flare ups may recur, a combination of treatment options can help you stay in control of your disease and lead a full and rewarding life.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis and other IBD varieties is multifaceted and includes the use of medication, alterations in diet and nutrition, and sometimes surgical procedures to repair or remove affected portions of your GI tract.

Medication for ulcerative colitis can suppress the inflammation of the colon and allow for tissues to heal. Symptoms including diarrhea, bleeding, and abdominal pain can also be reduced and controlled with effective medication.

In addition to controlling and suppressing symptoms (inducing remission), medication can also be used to decrease the frequency of symptom flare ups (maintaining remission). With proper treatment over time, periods of remission can be extended and periods of symptom flare ups can be reduced. Several types of medication are being used to treat ulcerative colitis today.

Search for you ulcerative colitis medication to learn more.

In some circumstances, a health care provider may recommend adding an additional therapy that will work in combination with the initial therapy to increase its effectiveness. For example, combination therapy could include the addition of a biologic to an immunomodulator. As with all therapy, there are risks and benefits of combination therapy. Combining therapies can increase the effectiveness of IBD treatment, but there may also be an increased risk of additional side effects and toxicity. Your health care provider will identify the treatment option that is most effective for your individual health care needs.

Read more about Ulcerative Colitis Medication.

While ulcerative colitis is not caused by the foods you eat, you may find that once you have the disease, particular foods can aggravate the symptoms. Its important to maintain a healthy and soothing diet that helps reduce your symptoms, replace lost nutrients, and promote healing.

For people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it is essential to maintain good nutrition because the disease often reduces your appetite while increases your bodys energy needs. Additionally, common symptoms like diarrhea can reduce your bodys ability to absorb protein, fat, carbohydrates, as well as water, vitamins, and minerals.

Many people with ulcerative colitis find that soft, bland foods cause less discomfort than spicy or high-fiber foods. While your diet can remain flexible and should include a variety of foods from all food groups, your doctor will likely recommend restricting your intake of dairy foods if you are found to be lactose-intolerant. Watch this webcast to learn more about nutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases

In one-quarter to one-third of patients with ulcerative colitis, medical therapy is not completely successful or complications arise. Under these circumstances, surgery may be considered. This operation involves the removal of the colon (colectomy).

Depending on a number of factors, including the extent of the disease and the patient's age and overall health, one of two surgical approaches may be recommended. The first involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum, with the creation of an ileostomy or external stoma (an opening on the abdomen through which wastes are emptied into a pouch, which is attached to the skin with adhesive).

Today, many people are able to take advantage of new surgical techniques, which have been developed to offer another option. This procedure also calls for removal of the colon, but it avoids an ileostomy. By creating an internal pouch from the small bowel and attaching it to the anal sphincter muscle, the surgeon can preserve bowel integrity and eliminate the need for the patient to wear an external ostomy appliance.

If you're confused about all the medications and therapies out there, you are not alone! IBD is extremely complex, which is why we've teamed up with Emmi Solutions to break the information down into simpler terms through interactive animated videos.

Each video explains the pros, cons, and tradeoffs of various treatments. Armed with this information, you'll be better equipped to discuss the options with your doctor and make the right decision. Watch the videos.

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Colitis Treatment | Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis ...