Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the colon and large intestine and results in sores and ulcers in their lining. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) that tends to affect the innermost lining of your large intestine. Symptoms of this condition are usually gradual and develop over time. Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a severely debilitating condition and may prove to be hazardous in the long run. It has been estimated that in India the incidence of Ulcerative colitis is quite high and affects around 12 lakh people annually. UC has no proper cure but can be managed greatly with lifestyle modifications and proper management. Some of the common symptoms, treatment and causes of UC are
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary depending upon the severity of inflammation. However, some of the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Defecation urgency
• Rectal pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
Types of ulcerative colitis
The type of ulcerative colitis is defined as per its location. Following are the types of ulcerative colitis are
Ulcerative proctitis
In this type of ulcerative colitis, the inflammation is bound to the area close to the rectum and is marked by rectal bleeding.
Proctosigmoiditis
Inflammation is confined to the rectum and sigmoid colon and is marked by abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea.
Left-sided colitis
Inflammation is not just confined to the rectum and sigmoid colon but extends to descending colon.
Pancolitis
Pancolitis affects the entire colon and is marked by bloody diarrhoea that is quite severe and is accompanied by abdominal pain, fatigue, pain and weight loss.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis
It is a rare form of ulcerative colitis accompanied with profuse diarrhoea, bleeding, inability to eat and affects entire colon and rectum.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of colitis remains to be unknown, however, hereditary is known to play a major role in the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. Some of the risk factors that could contribute to ulcerative colitis are
• Age
• Family history
• Race and ethnicity
Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
Blood tests
Blood tests can figure out any underlying signs of infection and anaemia.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
In this diagnostic measure, a thin and flexible lighted tube is used for examining sigmoid and rectum. This test is quite useful for a severely inflamed colon.
X-ray
In case of severe symptoms an X-ray could be done to find out the complications such as the perforated colon
CT scan
A CT scan can give you the idea of how much of the colon and rectum are inflamed.
Treatment of ulcerative colitis
Though ulcerative colitis is not completely curable however with the help of certain medications and surgery, it can be managed. However, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits associated with the use of these medications. Following are the treatment options for the management of ulcerative colitis
Anti-inflammatory drugs
These often form the first line treatment of ulcerative colitis. Some of the common anti-inflammatory medications used are
5-amino salicylates
These medications are taken either by mouth or as an enema depending upon the affected area of the colon. Some examples of 5-aminosalicylates are Sulfasalazine and Mesalamine.
Corticosteroids
These type of medications are employed for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and includes medicines like Prednisone and Hydrocortisone.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants help in controlling the inflammation by suppressing one’s own immune system. Some of the commonly used immunosuppressants are
Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine
These are amongst the commonly prescribed immunosuppressants for people suffering from this condition.
Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is for the short-term use for people who do not respond well to other medications.
Infliximab, Adalimumab and Golimumab
These medications, also known as tumor necrotic factor(TNF) inhibitors, function by neutralizing a protein responsible for our immunity. These medications are for people who are suffering from severe ulcerative colitis and have stopped showing any response to other medications.
Antibiotics
For controlling the infection associated with ulcerative colitis, the doctor may prescribe the course of antibiotics.
Analgesics
For pain, which is mild in nature your doctor might recommend. However certain analgesics such as ibuprofen and diclofenac should be strictly avoided if one is suffering from ulcerative colitis.
Iron supplements
In case of chronic intestinal bleeding, you may suffer from anaemia and may require iron supplements.
Surgery
Surgery is often the last resort for ulcerative colitis where the colon and rectum are removed for avoiding any further complications. This involves a procedure called ileal pouch and anal anastomosis,in this procedure the surgeon builds a pouch from your intestine to the opening of the anal canal so that you can defecate normally.
Book an AppointmentWhat Our Patients Say
Good and experienced doctor in respect of Gastritis, endoscopy, etc. He doesn't give medicine unnecessarily.
Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is a very humble and experienced gastroenterologist. He is a very knowledgeable person and handles his patients with very politeness other than this the clinic’s atmosphere is very clean and hygienic. There is also a doctor for dentistry & this clinic also has its own small pharmacy. Had great time there.
Dr. is very friendly and listens to the problems and treat carefully and satisfactory, waiting time is very less.
I met Dr. Rupali for my child's dental treatment. Never felt like a first visit. Dr. was very cheerful and experienced. Made my child very comfortable during the treatment, Recommended..
We visited him for an issue related to Gastrology, he identified the issue correctly and advised us the corrective action. He only prescribe medicine which is required. A doctor's positive attitude gives confidence to patient for faster recovery .I would really recommend him for Gastrology related medical advice and treatment.
I visited Samadhan Dental Clinic based on the wonderful reviews on the internet. I got extensive work done here i.e two extractions, orthodontic treatment and veneers. It took 1 year 6 months to bring back my smile. Well, it was totally worth the wait. I never had such confidence in my smile before. I had full confidence in the abilities of Dr Rupal Aggarwal. Her team is fantastic and friendly. The entire experience was top class quality. I won't hesitate a bit in recommending Samadhan Clinic for any sort of dental problem. Thank you so much!
Dear Madam(Dr Rupal), pls accept my best compliments for the wonderful dental treatment that I received at your clinic, Let me tell you I searched a lot of dentists and showed my teeth to at least five here in Delhi, but you are the only one whom I felt is to go ahead with. Your approach was very positive unlike other dentists in Dwarka area Today after my treatment is over, I am beyond expectations and truly devoted to you to become dentist for rest of my life, no matter where I am in Delhi. Thanks a million times.
Went to Dr Rupal Aggarwal's clinic for my tooth implant and I got the best treatment. She explained me the procedure in detail and the results were wonderful . i got back my smile as well as confidence. She along with her team ensure that you get the best treatment and care. i have no qualms in accepting that now I do not have to worry about my dental problems anymore. She has the perfect 'Samadhan' for all my dental problems.
Dr Rupal Agarwal is very good n calm doctor, she is always smile in front of patient, she have good knowledge off rct, i will recommend her to my all friends n family members,infact infuture a have any problem in my teeth then i will surly come to samadhan clinic.
I have never meet such decsent doctor in my life. Extremely soft spoken, guides properly, non money minded. First time in my life i have seen a doctor who is refusing fees to his patient because taking fees for other problems is out of his ethics. Really a gentleman. God bless him.
Dr. Shri Ram ji is really a very good doctor, he treated my father, and he recovered very quickly with the help of his treatment. Recommend him the best Gastro & Hepatologist doctor in Delhi(Dwarka)