How Ulcerative Colitis Is Treated – verywellhealth.com

If you've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, your treatment plan will take into consideration your specific symptoms and how long you have had the disease. A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, from antidiarrheals to antibiotics to anti-inflammatories, may be considered along with lifestyle modifications. Probiotics may also be recommended to help restore healthy gut bacteria.In more severe cases, surgical procedures to remove diseased parts of the colon can provide relief and reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

Finding what works best for you may take some trial and error on the part of you and your doctor. Sometimes a treatment that was working stops providing relief, and your regimen may need to be changed. Since there is no way for a healthcare provider to measure a treatment's efficacy, it's important to inform yours about how you're feeling.

Many different classes of medications are used to treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis, alone or in combination. Some may be taken regularly, while other fast-acting drugs are given on a short-term basis to treat an active flare-up. Some of them can have serious side effects, so it's important to communicate with your doctor andweigh the risks and benefits of continued treatment.

Anti-Inflammatories Anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first step in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.They include:

Immune System Suppressors

These medications control inflammation by suppressing the immune system response. They are often given in combination. This class includes:

Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection in the colon is suspected, but people with ulcerative colitis are sometimes counseled against the use of antibiotics when they are not clearly needed, as they can cause diarrhea.

Some researchers think there may be a connection between antibiotic use and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one form of which is ulcerative colitis. This theory is yet unproven, with only a few studies and anecdotal evidence to support it.

Certain OTC medications may be used to relievesome symptoms of ulcerative colitis, though they are used in conjunction with prescription drugs because they do not address the underlying causes of the disease.

Always talk to your doctor before purchasing OTC medications. Here are some that may be recommended:

About 30 percent of people with ulcerative colitis will require surgery to get relief from symptoms, dangerous medication side effects, or to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Emergency surgery is sometimes required if there is a sudden perforation of the colon or massive bleeding.The surgery, called a colectomy, involves removal of the large intestine (colon).

There are various types of colectomy surgery, with these two being the most common in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.You and your surgeon will discuss which option is best for you, based your specific symptoms and overall health status, as well as lifestyle and personal preferences.

In this procedureofficially known as proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA)the large intestine and most of the rectum are removed, and a small reservoir (called a J-pouch) is created out of the small intestine and attached to the remaining portion of the rectum just above the anus.

Because the muscles of the anus (anal sphincter) are not removed, this procedure allows people to remain in control of their bowels.

When the J-pouch is done for ulcerative colitis, it is considered a treatment, not a cure, because certain manifestations of IBD that can occur outside of the intestines are still possible. Furthermore, because intestinal tissue remains, the procedure does not eliminate the risk of colon cancer.

This surgery involves complete removal of the large intestine, rectum, and anus, and permanently cures ulcerative colitis and eliminates the risk of colon cancer. However, because the rectum and anus are removed, you must have a permanent ileostomy.

In an ileostomy, a surgeon brings the end of the lowest portion of the small intestine (ileum) out through an opening in the abdominal wall (stoma). People who have an ileostomy must always wear a plastic bag (ileostomy bag) over the opening to collect the stool that comes out.

While some of these remedies are believed to be effective in alleviating symptoms, none have undergone extensive clinical research. Furthermore, their role in prevention of disease progression is unknown.

Here are three that have begun to attract the attention of medical researchers:

ProbioticsProbiotics are believed to be beneficial in managing ulcerative colitis and other chronic digestive disorders. Probiotics containso-called "friendly" bacteria are often able to control more harmful bacteria while reducing inflammation and improving the protective mucus lining of the gut. They are considered safe with no significant side effects and can be found in supplement form as well as in some yogurts, kombucha, and kefir.

Aloe Vera GelPure aloe vera gelfrom inside the leaf of the aloe planthas been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect in people with ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera juice, however, may have a laxative effect and is therefore not a good choice if you have diarrhea.

BoswelliaBoswellia is a medicinal herb derived from a tree native to India. The active ingredient isfound in the resin of the bark and is believed to have robust anti-inflammatory effects. In it extract from, Boswellia is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is said to do so without the stomach irritation often seen with conventional pain relievers.

Keep in mind that supplements and other forms of alternative therapies have not been stringently tested for safety in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, or individuals with medical conditions. Always tell your healthcare provider about any supplements, herbs, or homeopathic remedies you are taking or that you may want to try.

Changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups. You may be able to find some relief from ulcerative colitis by taking some of the followingmeasures:

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How Ulcerative Colitis Is Treated - verywellhealth.com