Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Indore

Ulcerative Colitis - Description

Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic IBD that, through inflammation and ulcers, affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum. The inflammation usually starts in the rectum and then may extend continuously in part or all of the colon. It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body's immune system attacks the lining of the intestines, leading to ulceration, bleeding, and problems with digestion. Symptoms often come and go, with periods of flare-ups followed by remission.

Common symptoms include:

Persistent diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus

Abdominal pain and cramping

Urgency of the need to have a bowel movement

Fatigue and weakness

Weight loss in severe cases

These include family history, autoimmune disorders, environmental triggers, and gut microbiome imbalance.

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

UC is classified based on the extent of colon involvement:

1. Ulcerative Proctitis

Inflammation is confined to the rectum.

Usually mild; the predominant symptom is bleeding from the rectum.

2. Proctosigmoiditis

Involves the rectum and sigmoid colon.

Symptoms: bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramping on the left side.

3. Left-Sided Colitis

Extends from the rectum up through the descending colon.

Symptoms: diarrhoea, abdominal pain on the left side, blood in stool, and weight loss.

4. Extensive Colitis/Pancolitis

Inflammation affects the entire colon.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss; complications are possible.

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and maintaining remission.

1. Medications

Aminosalicylates (5-ASA): Sulfasalazine, Mesalamine - for mild to moderate UC.

Corticosteroids: Prednisone, Budesonide - for flare-ups.

Immunomodulators: Azathioprine, 6-Mercaptopurine – reduce immune response.

Biologics: Infliximab, Adalimumab - for moderate to severe UC or patients unresponsive to standard therapy.

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors): Tofacitinib - for certain cases of moderate to severe UC.

2. Surgery

Colectomy (removal of the colon) may be required in:

Severe unresponsive UC

Complications, such as toxic megacolon and perforation

High risk of colon cancer

3. Supportive Therapy

Treat anaemia, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies

Pain management, antidiarrheal medications under supervision

Prevention of Ulcerative Colitis Flares

1. Medication Adherence

Regularly take medications as prescribed to maintain remission.

2. Dietary Management

Identify and avoid trigger foods: spicy, high-fat, and dairy, in some cases.

Eat smaller, frequent meals.

3. Lifestyle Measures

Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or counselling.

Avoid smoking; it can exacerbate UC in some patients.

Exercise regularly to keep your gut healthy.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

Colonoscopy for monitoring disease extension and early detection of cancer.

Blood tests to check for inflammation, anaemia, and nutritional deficiencies.

5. Vaccinations and Infection Prevention Immunosuppressive therapy increases infection risk; vaccines should be up-to-date.