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The basic treatment aims to reduce the frequency of flare-ups and their severity, in order to keep lesions to a minimum. In general, treatment takes the form of derivatives of 5-ASA, which is also used during flare-ups. The dose is lower, however. The advantage of this treatment for ulcerative colitis is that it reduces the risk of the illness developing into cancer. If this treatment is not effective or is poorly tolerated by the patient, the same treatments as for Crohn’s disease are used.
For the treatment of mild or moderate flare-ups, aminosalicylates (5-ASA) and corticosteroids are administered, either orally or rectally. If the ulcerative colitis flare-up is more severe, intravenous corticosteroids or anti-TNFα will likely be chosen.
Given the frequent diarrhea seen in this illness, a diet low in fiber (vegetable and animal) and greasy foods is necessary in order to reduce the volume of bowel movements.
ULCERATIVE COLITIS - SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Where medication is no longer effective or in the case of complications (major hemorrhaging, perforation, toxic megacolon, cancer etc.), lesions appear in the inflamed areas.
Surgical treatment for ulcerative colitis also serves to remove all or most of the lesions produced in the colon, which alleviates the symptoms experienced.
For further information:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ulcerative-colitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Last updated: 9/22/18
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