Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition that affects the colon and the rectum. It causes both the colon and the rectum to become inflamed, which leads to extreme pain in patients. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of ulcerative colitis, but often it happens as a result of a weak immune system. When your body is unable to defend itself from infections, the infection can spread to places like the colon and the rectum, which is when ulcerative colitis can occur.
While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, thankfully, there are effective treatments available. In this article, we will go over some of the treatments that are currently available and discuss a little bit about how to spot the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Keep on reading to find out more.
Treatments:
Corticosteroids
Thanks to cellular pathology services from places like Source BioScience, there are now a number of different types of treatments that can be used to ease some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Cellular pathology can be used to discover treatments like corticosteroids, which are used for ulcerative colitis patients. Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation, which is very effective when someone is experiencing a colitis flare-up.
Immunosuppressants
Another treatment for ulcerative colitis is immunosuppressants. These are used when someone is having a mild flare-up, and they work by turning down the immune system, which in turn, reduces inflammation. Although this is an effective treatment, it can take a while for the drugs to start working, which is why it is not a favoured treatment by everyone.
Surgery
If your ulcerative colitis becomes unbearable and you are experiencing severe flare-ups on a regular basis, then surgery could be the right option for you. The surgery for ulcerative colitis involves removing the colon, and you will permanently have to use a colostomy bag.
Symptoms:
Prolonged Stomach Pain
Experiencing prolonged stomach pain is another symptom of ulcerative colitis, and this pain can get worse during a flare-up. Your stomach may feel sore and bloated, and you may feel an extreme amount of discomfort. It is best to just put on your comfiest clothes and try and relax the best you can.
Issues With Bowels
One of the biggest symptoms of ulcerative colitis is issues with your bowels. You may find that you struggle with going to the bathroom, or you may need to go to the bathroom more frequently. When you do go, it can be painful, and you may also pass blood. You may also find that you suffer from bowel problems after eating certain foods, so it would be best to cut them out of your diet.
Painful And Swollen Joints
During a flare-up, one of the most common symptoms you can experience is painful and swollen joints. You may find that you struggle with even the simplest of tasks, like walking upstairs or even just sitting comfortably. This symptom is usually one that only occurs during a flare-up, but it can also be a continuous pain for months on end.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is always best to seek medical advice. They can help you find the right treatment to help you and what steps to take.
