Ulcerative colitis treatment starts with a definitive analysis and a determination of the severity of disease. Once this initial diagnosis was made, the immediate objective of treatment is to decrease the debilitating physical symptoms associated with it. Since there isn’t any cure for ulcerative colitis, the long-term objective of treatment is to stop future onset of illness, or relapse.

Take note

Both ulcerative colitis, and a related disease called Crohn’s Disease, are characterized by an abnormal immune system reaction within the intestines. In patients with ulcerative colitis, the location of the reaction is limited to the large intestine, or colon. The resulting inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal walls may cause abdominal distress, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, the principal symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Because of the fact that other health conditions may exist which exhibit similar symptoms, care for ulcerative colitis starts with a confirmation of the initial diagnosis. Including taking stool samples to rule out the presence of parasites or an current disease within the colon, and performing blood tests to detect elevated white blood cell counts (high white blood cell counts show that the reason for inflammation is because of the activation of the body’s immune response).

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A visual evaluation, either directly with a sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope, or indirectly by means of a barium enema, will help to make the last confirmation that colitis is actually the culprit. These visualization techniques are a vital step in ulcerative colitis treatment since they permit the physician to gauge the seriousness of the disease, and therefore to work out the best path to decrease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Medications play a huge part in both the first therapy and long-term maintenance for ulcerative colitis. These medicines fall into two major categories: immunomodulators, which change the proteins created by the immune system that cause inflammation, and anti inflammatory drugs, which act to decrease the inflammation directly. Although these drugs do not cure ulcerative colitis, they could cause remission of its symptoms and lengthen the time between relapses.

Alternatives

As such they give an ulcerative colitis treatment alternative that many sufferers take advantage of. Very rarely, ulcerative colitis is treated surgically. Although surgery is the only true cure for the illness, it’s inherently insecure and therefore often reserved only for cases where protracted inflammation of the colon has led to life-threatening complications. Although research hasn’t yet shown any correlation between the first onset of ulcerative colitis, a low-carb, bland diet may alleviate some of the symptoms during periods of disease activity.

Similarly, a healthy, balanced diet may help to prolong periods of disease remission. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis mentioned previously, ensure you visit your physician right away for a comprehensive examination. Should you have this disorder, your doctor can allow you to decide the best ulcerative colitis treatment for your individual case.