Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Knoxville

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Before seeking treatment, it’s important to understand ulcerative colitis and its differences compared to other inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis creates inflammation and ulcers inside the digestive tract. Because the disease develops over time, the symptoms tend to get stronger and more apparent as the days pass. The innermost lining of the colon and rectum will be affected, thus creating potentially life-threatening issues if not treated in time.
Diet and stress have been long thought to be a primary cause of the disease, but an exact cause is unknown. In most cases, a family history of ulcerative colitis will contribute to susceptibility.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Because the symptoms deal heavily with the large intestine, they will be apparent quickly. The severity of the symptoms, however, will depend on the inflammation and where it occurs. Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Rectal pain and bleeding
  • Diarrhea (potentially with blood or pus)
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis

Because ulcerative colitis can often blend in with other inflammatory bowel diseases, your physician will run a series of tests to rule out any other potential issues. After all other possibilities are ruled out, your doctor may perform any or multiple of the following procedures to firmly diagnose:

  • Colonoscopy
  • X-Ray or CT Scan
  • Stool Sample
  • Blood Test

The most common procedure used for diagnosis is the colonoscopy as it allows doctors to view the entire colon and obtain tissue samples.

Various Types of Colectomies

If a substantial part of the colon, or the entire colon needs to be removed, then it is known as a colectomy. Instances in which only a portion of the colon is removed is referred to as a partial colectomy, or a segmental resection. Patients who need all of the colon to be extracted will undergo a total colectomy.

Most cases of colon cancer will involve a partial colectomy since a total colectomy is more commonly used to treat more chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. After the necessary tissue has been removed, your surgeon will attach the remaining ends of the colon to one another before completing the surgery.

Whenever a colectomy is performed it is also customary to resect nearby lymph nodes as well in order to test them for any signs of cancer that may have spread outward to other areas of the body.

Treatment Options

After your doctor has diagnosed you with ulcerative colitis, there are a number of treatment options available. While there is no cure, the treatment options will help relieve side effects and help you resume a normal life. Treatments may include:

Antibiotics and Pain Relievers

While you will typically need further treatment options, antibiotics, ,anti-diarrheal medications, and pain relievers may help control infection and pain overall. In addition, the side effects such as diarrhea and constipation may be calmed or controlled using these medications.

Corticosteroids and other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

While these will commonly be reserved for moderate to severe colitis that has not responded to other treatment, they will help with the inflammation of your colon and rectum.

Surgery

While this is the last step in treatment of ulcerative colitis, it’s typically the only method that will effectively eliminate the issue. The most common surgery offered is a removal of your entire colon and rectum, or a proctocolectomy.

Prevention

Preventing or limitation of symptoms surrounding ulcerative colitis may require lifestyle changes, but can be successful. If you are experiencing possible side effects, try the following steps:

  • Limit fiber, dairy products, and spicy foods.
  • Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake.
  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Increase hydration with water and other electrolyte-heavy beverages.
  • Develop consistent exercise patterns.

If you are concerned about or experiencing issues related to ulcerative colitis, it’s important to seek the advice of a medical professional.