Ulcerative colitis treatment can involve drugs or surgery

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produce pus and mucous. The combination of inflammation and ulceration can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Loose and more urgent bowel movements

• Persistent diarrhoea

• Bloody stool or rectal bleeding

• Crampy abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Low energy and fatigue.

Although considerable progress in research has been made, it is still not known what causes ulcerative colitis and there is no cure for the disease. 

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis do tend to come and go with fairly long periods in between flare-ups in which patients may experience no distress at all. 

These periods of remission can span months or even years, although symptoms do eventually return. The unpredictable course of ulcerative colitis makes it difficult for physicians to evaluate whether a particular course of treatment has been effective or not.

The goal of medical treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers the signs and symptoms and usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.

Anti-inflammatory drugs help decrease inflammation. They include aminosalicylates and steroids, although steroids have numerous side effects and are not meant for long-term use.

Immunosuppressant medicine may also be used as it helps control the immune system and decrease inflammation. 

In worse case scenarios, patients might require surgery in which part or all of the colon is removed. 

In addition to controlling inflammation, some medications may help relieve signs and symptoms. Depending on the severity of the ulcerative colitis, the doctor may also recommend:

• Antibiotics to prevent or control infection

• Anti-diarrhoeals for severe diarrhoea. Anti-diarrheal medications need to be used with great caution, however, because they increase the risk of toxic megacolon.

• Pain relievers for mild pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin should not be used as they are likely to make your symptoms worse

• Iron supplements to help if anemia has developed from chronic intestinal bleeding. Patients can also help manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis through lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, drinking plenty of liquids, exercising and managing stress.  Ulcerative colitis doesn’t just have a physical effect on patients — it takes an emotional toll as well. 

If signs and symptoms are severe, the patient’s life may revolve around a constant need to run to the toilet. In some cases, sufferers may barely be able to leave the house, and when they do, they might worry about an accident, and this anxiety likely makes the symptoms even worse. 

Isolation, embarrassment and anxiety can severely alter normal life and sometimes lead to depression. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis because there is treatment available to help you live as normally as possible.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.