Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; IBD - ulcerative colitis
Treatment
The goals of treatment are to:
- Control the
acute attacks - Prevent repeated attacks
- Help the colon heal
Hospitalization is often needed for severe attacks. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. You may be given nutrients through a vein (intravenous line).
DIET AND NUTRITION
Certain types of foods may worsen diarrhea and gas symptoms, especially during times of active disease. Diet suggestions include:
- Eat small amounts of food throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of water (drink small amounts throughout the day).
- Avoid high-fiber foods (bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and popcorn).
- Avoid fatty, greasy or fried foods and sauces (butter, margarine, and heavy cream).
- Limit milk products if you are lactose intolerant. Dairy products are a good source of protein and calcium.
STRESS
You may feel worried, embarrassed, or even sad or depresed about having a bowel accident. Other stressful events in your life, such as moving, or losing a job or a loved one can cause digestive problems.
Ask your doctor or nurse for tips on your to manage your stress.
MEDICATIONS
Medications that may be used to decrease the number of attacks include:
- 5-aminosalicylates such as mesalamine or sulfazine, which can help control moderate symptoms
- Immunomodulators such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine
- Corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone) taken by mouth during a flare-up or as a rectal suppository, foam, or enema
- Infliximab (Remicade) or other biological treatments, if you do not respond to other medications
SURGERY
Surgery to remove the colon will cure ulcerative colitis and removes the threat of colon cancer. Surgery is usually recommended for patients who have:
- Colitis that does not respond to complete medical therapy
- Changes in the lining of the colon that are thought to be precancerous
- Serious complications such as rupture (perforation) of the colon, severe bleeding (hemorrhage), or
toxic megacolon
Most of the time, the entire colon, including the rectum, is removed. Afterwards, patients may need a surgical opening in the abdominal wall (
See also:
Images
Previous Section
Review Date: 12/13/2010
Reviewed By: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser
Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
