Ulcerative colitis is a type of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are two main types of IBD-Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. "Ulcerative colitis is more common than Crohn's disease," says Dr Harmeet Singh Saluja, adding, "It causes inflammation (swelling) and sores (ulcers) in large intestine (colon and rectum) and may affect part or all of the large intestine. It can happen at any age but it is more likely to develop between 15 and 30 or older than 60 years of age. It needs to be diagnosed by a health care provider. While there are no cures for it, there are treatment options."

Getting tested for ulcerative colitis

Doctor's Suggestion

A gastroenterologist can perform tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis.

"First, he or she will take your past health and family health information and do an exam to feel and listen to your belly," says Dr. Harmeet.

Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed by the presence of common symptoms, along with endoscopic and biopsy (small tissue sample) findings showing long-term inflammation in the large intestine.

"Talk to your doctor about which test is best for you," he suggests.

• Blood tests: The doctor will look for anemia caused by bleeding (low iron in blood which may make you feel weak and tired). Blood tests can show signs of inflammation or infection somewhere in the body, like a high white blood cell count or other markers of inflammation.
• Stool tests: Stool tests are done to make sure there aren't any GI health problems such as infections causing symptoms.
• Colonoscopy: In this, the physician or gastroenterologist passes a long thin flexible tube with a camera and light attached at its end to examine the colon (large intestine). If the doctor thinks it is ulcerative colitis, he or she will also do a biopsy during the colonoscopy.

Treatment

• The goals of treatment of ulcerative colitis involve:
  • Control of inflammation or swelling
  • Ease symptoms like diarrhea (loose stools) and bleeding
  • Fix nutrition deficiencies if needed
• Treatment of ulcerative colitis involves medications, surgery, or a combination.
• Medications: The goal of using medications is to start or keep up remission (no symptoms) and to improve quality of life. Many patients need a combination of drugs.
  • Aminosalicylates: Help control inflammation, especially in newly diagnosed patients with mild symptoms.
  • Corticosteroids: Help lessen inflammation quickly. Given to those with moderate to severe symptoms and tapered as symptoms improve. Possible side effects include weight gain, acne, facial hair, mood swings, and bone mass loss.
  • Immunosuppressants: Block the immune reaction that causes inflammation in the GI tract. These can take up to three months to begin working.
• Biologic treatments: These drugs lessen inflammation and quickly bring on remission of ulcerative colitis. They are generally used in patients with moderate to severe UC who do not respond to other treatments. These are expensive and given either as a subcutaneous injection or infusion every 6 to 8 weeks depending on patient needs.
• Surgery for ulcerative colitis: Even with the availability of medicines, surgery may be needed for some patients who do not improve with medical therapy. Surgical options include:
  • Proctocolectomy
  • Ileoanal pouch-anal anastomosis
• Newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis: No matter what you may be feeling upon hearing your diagnosis, it is important to remember that you are not alone.
  • Many places have support groups, both in-person and online.
  • Speak to your healthcare provider about available support.
  • If feeling overwhelmed, relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can be very helpful.