Finding the right ulcerative colitis treatment can be a tricky task.
And your medical team can help you learn how to best treat and live with your ulcerative colitis.
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis treatment ranges from medications to what you eat.
Thankfully, ulcerative colitis treatment can help.
see to it you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
Most people with ulcerative colitis are diagnosed with a mild-to-moderate form of the disease.
In fact, the American Gastroenterological Association calls the 5-ASA category the mainstay of therapy for mild-moderate UC1.
This is the standard first line of treatment and the most common starting point.
However, this will only address rectal inflammation.
If the disease has spread beyond the rectum, enemas or oral mesalamine may be necessary.
Another treatment for ulcerative colitis is corticosteroids, which are also considered anti-inflammatory medication.
It also might be used to prevent your body from rejecting the biologic.
However, there are risks.
Your doctor will likely monitor you closely for adverse effects, such as increased risk of infections.
Some people are pleasantly surprised by how much better they feel after surgery, notes Dr. Cohen.
They say they cant believe they didnt do it sooner, he says.
But he adds, they may have to make some adjustments afterward.
It will still be different from what they were like before being diagnosed with colitis, he tells SELF.
However, surgery is less of a choice for some people than for others.
The most common ulcerative colitis surgery is a proctocolectomy, which removes your colon and rectum.
you could embrace certain lifestyle changes that can help improve your overall health.
(Alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on the body and may also worsen diarrhea.
According to theMayo Clinic, carbonated drinks, on the other hand, can cause gas.)
You might also reconsider your usual approach to dealing with other aches and pains too.
Acetaminophen may be a safer option, according to theCrohns & Colitis Foundation.
Other tips:
Home remedies
You might be tempted to try various supposed ulcerative colitis home remedies.
But Dr. Pasha emphasizes that you should not abandon your prescribed treatment as you try various other strategies.
Home remedies should be used along with, and not replace, ulcerative colitis medications, she says.
Flare-ups can occur at any time, even if youre on treatments, says Dr.
Overall, management of ulcerative colitis in children is similar to management in adults, according to Dr. Pasha.
However, nutrition and growth issues are usually closely monitored.
But it really is essential to do what you might to get this condition under control.
It can lead to serious infection, even sepsis, and your colon could even rupture.
If you develop toxic megacolon, you may need steroids to address the inflammation and antibiotics for any infections.
If medical treatment doesnt improve the situation, you may need surgery to remove part orall of the colon.
Lastly, ulcerative colitis can also raise your risk for developing colon cancer.
You may worry about pain, possible complications, and coping with potentially embarrassing accidents.
You may struggle to get used to new dietary changes or new bathroom habits.
As a result, having ulcerative colitis can take quite a toll on your mood and your mental health.
But youre not alone.
A support group can be a lifeline when youre feeling all alone and anxious.
Find a local support group through the Crohns & Colitis Foundation or ask your doctor for resources.
Or you might prefer a virtual support group, like theUlcerative Colitis Support Group on Facebook.
Just to recap
it’s possible for you to live avery full life with ulcerative colitis.
