Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative colitis treatment often consists of lifestyle changes and medication. When lifestyle modifications and drugs have not been effective, surgery may be necessary. Surgery for ulcerative colitis involves removing the colon and rectum. Some of the different types of surgeries that may be used to treat ulcerative colitis include a proctocolectomy with standard ileostomy, an ileoanal anastomosis, and a proctocolectomy with continent ileostomy.

 

An Overview of Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Options

For someone with ulcerative colitis, treatment goals are focused on:
 
  • Controlling inflammation
  • Allowing the digestive tract to heal and then preventing flare-ups
  • Relieving ulcerative colitis symptoms
  • Maintaining quality of life
  • Delaying the need for surgery.
     
Depending on how serious your condition is, your doctor may recommend one or several different treatments. Some possible treatments for ulcerative colitis include:
 
  • Medications
  • Dietary changes
  • Other lifestyle changes
  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Surgery.
     
Your healthcare provider will consider a number of factors before deciding on which specific treatment or treatments make the most sense for your particular situation. Some of the factors that he or she will consider include:
 
  • The severity of symptoms
  • Complications you may be experiencing (see Ulcerative Colitis Complications)
  • Other ulcerative colitis treatments you have tried in the past.
     
While ulcerative colitis can seriously affect your life, and may require special care at times, it's rarely life-threatening. The treatments that are now available for ulcerative colitis can help reduce your symptoms and allow you to live an active life.
 
(Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD