Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine, or colon, become inflamed and develops sores. This disease can involve the entire colon, but often only affects the lower section and the rectum. The severity of the symptoms varies depending on the amount of the colon that is affected. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is based on how severe the condition is.

Accutane, also known as Isotretinoin, is a medication that is used to treat acne.  Accutane has many reported side effects.   It has been linked to bowel problems, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis , and Crohn’s disease.  In June 2009, the manufacturer of Accutane announced that it notified the FDA of its intent to discontinue the manufacture and distribution of Accutane in the United States.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis covers four areas, depending on the severity of the case:

· Easing the common symptoms like diarrhea
· Stopping the sudden attacks as quickly as possible
· Treating any complications that occur such as infections or anemia
· Averting completely or putting off subsequent attacks.

Mild symptoms may respond well to over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicines as well as dietary changes. Doctors also may prescribe medication like corticosteroids or aminosalicylates for a few weeks in order to treat these symptoms and get the disease under control. Once the symptoms are under control, many people continue the aminosalicylates, a drug made specifically to treat ulcerative colitis, to make sure the symptoms remain in remission. Symptoms that are more severe are treated with stronger doses of the corticosteroids in order to stop the inflammation of intestines that has occurred.

Dietary changes may be necessary when suffering from ulcerative colitis because this condition can prevent body from absorbing all of the necessary nutrients from food and dietary supplements. Additionally, the body loses nutrients through long bouts of diarrhea. This can lead to anemia and low levels of vitamins such as folic acid and Vitamin B12.

For people with persistent cases of ulcerative colitis that result in anemia or fever, treatment will extend beyond medications  that control the diarrhea. This includes methods to replace the electrolytes the body loses due to frequent diarrhea.

Occasionally, surgery is required if these traditional treatments are unsuccessful. This can occur when there is bleeding or the intestine is perforated. Complete removal of the colon will cure ulcerative colitis.

If you think you may have ulcerative colitis, you should consult with your physician immediately.

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