Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Columbus, GA

Ulcerative Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment for Patients Throughout West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama

Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a chronic condition where inflammation and ulcer development in the colon and rectum lead to abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, rapid weight loss, and more. Because not much is known about this condition, it is considered incurable—or at least no cure has been discovered yet. However, treatments are available to manage symptoms and minimize complications.

Upwards of 900,000 people in the United States suffer from this condition, and the number of cases is on the rise globally, especially in Westernized cultures like ours in the US.

If you have ulcerative colitis or symptoms related to it, turn to Southeastern Gastroenterology. Our GI doctors and specialists remain up to date on current treatments and solutions, as well as emerging information about this disorder, for the health and wellness of our patients.

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Schedule Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis Today:

706-655-8800

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What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation along the lining of the large intestine, or colon, and the rectum. It also leads to the development of ulcers, or open sores, in the same area.

Not a lot is understood about ulcerative colitis, but experts suggest that it may be linked to complications with the immune system. Experts also believe it could be caused by a germ or microorganism that has not yet been identified.

While ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease with periods of flare-ups and remission like Crohn’s disease, it differs from Crohn’s because it causes all parts of the affected area to become inflamed. With Crohn’s disease, healthy sections of the intestine can exist between inflamed sections. Ulcerative colitis also only affects the large intestine and rectum. In contrast, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.

There are four main classifications for ulcerative colitis based on the location of inflammation in the colon, which include:

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Proctitis

Inflammation in the rectum only.

Proctosigmoiditis

Inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid colon, or the lower part of the colon.

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Left-sided colitis

inflammation from the rectum to the splenic flexure, or the descending colon located on the left side of the abdomen.

Pancolitis (or extensive colitis)

Inflammation throughout the entire colon.

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Ulcerative colitis is a painful condition that requires diagnosis and dedicated management to help reduce flare-ups and minimize their effects.

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Ulcerative Colitis Treatment From Southeastern Gastroenterology

Our gastrointestinal specialists in Columbus, GA, provide dedicated care and treatment to patients with ulcerative colitis and other forms of IBD. With proper monitoring and management, ulcerative colitis patients can extend the time between flare-ups and minimize the pain associated with flare-ups as much as possible. Routine management also allows your GI doctor to monitor additional health issues that may develop as a result of this condition.

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Exam

In the exam portion, you and your GI specialist will talk about your medical history and symptoms, including details like:

  • Family history of ulcerative colitis
  • Personal history of ulcerative colitis symptoms

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to check for signs of inflammation.

Testing

In addition to a physical exam, we may also require tests like:

3D medical illustration of a human colon with cancerous growths and tumors on the inner wall, indicating colorectal cancer on black background.
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Stool culture

You will provide a sample of your stool for testing.

Blood test

We’ll draw blood to screen for other conditions or infections that may be presenting as ulcerative colitis.

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Sigmoidoscopy

Similar to a colonoscopy, a sigmoidoscopy requires the insertion of a tube into the rectum to access the lower part of the large intestine and look for evidence of ulcerative colitis.

Colonoscopy

We will insert a flexible tube, or colonoscope, into the rectum and throughout the entire colon to observe inflammation. This requires sedation.

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Treatment

While ulcerative colitis is an incurable condition, treatment and management are possible. Treatment can involve a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, biologics, and possibly surgery.

Some ulcerative colitis treatment solutions can include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, or ozanimod, to target and reduce inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants and JAK inhibitors to target the immune system and stop its signals that produce inflammation in the large intestines.
  • Biologic therapies to target inflammation-causing proteins in the body.
  • Surgery, such as a colectomy, to remove the colon. This option is a last resort and reserved for severe cases or cases wherein other medical options do not work.
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Management

While there is still not much known about ulcerative colitis, there are a few suggested methods to help optimize your health and reduce flare-ups:

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Eat a well-balanced diet

Eat sufficient amounts of protein and calories with each meal. Avoid bulky foods (foods that are high in fiber or water content and take up a lot of space in the stomach) and milk or dairy products.

Take multivitamins

Follow a multivitamin regimen if prescribed or recommended.

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Schedule an Ulcerative Colitis Disease Evaluation: Call 706-655-8800 Today.

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Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects, and Risk Factors of Ulcerative Colitis

The following are common symptoms, causes, side effects, and risk factors of ulcerative colitis.

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Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Common symptoms or warning signs of ulcerative colitis are typically chronic and include:

  • Stools that are frequently loose or bloody
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement, even after using the restroom
  • Frequent fever
  • Weight loss
  • Rashes

Ulcerative Colitis Causes

Not a lot is known about what causes ulcerative colitis. However, it is believed to be related to things like:

  • Family history
  • Genetics
  • Immune system malfunction
  • Microbiome balance, or gut health
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Infection
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Ulcerative Colitis Side Effects

In addition to typical ulcerative colitis symptoms, this disease can cause side effects that include:

  • Arthritis/joint pain
  • Skin rashes
  • Inflamed eyes
  • Liver disease
  • Anemia
  • Malnutrition
  • Delayed growth in children/failure to thrive

Ulcerative Colitis Risk Factors

You’re more at risk of developing ulcerative colitis if you:

  • Have a family history of ulcerative colitis or IBD
  • Are of European or Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • Smoke
  • Eat a low-quality diet
  • Are exposed to air pollution for a prolonged time
  • Have low levels of vitamin D
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Southeastern Gastroenterology Cares for Your GI Tract and Gut Health

Southeastern Gastroenterology is dedicated entirely to your GI health for the benefit of your overall well-being. We strive to make sure you have a positive experience receiving care from our GI doctors by combining fast appointment scheduling with compassionate and honest communication and cutting-edge solutions. In addition to our ulcerative colitis management and care, we offer healthcare solutions for all other GI conditions you may be experiencing or suffering from.

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