Ulcerative Colitis

Living with the unpredictability of ulcerative colitis (UC) can be physically draining and emotionally challenging. At North Shore Gastroenterology, our dedicated team of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specialists understands the impact this chronic condition has on your daily life.

An anatomical model of a human colon is shown in a cross-section, with a medical professional using a metal pointer to highlight specific areas of pathology

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system and deeper layers of the bowel wall, UC specifically affects the innermost lining of the colon and rectum.

The inflammation usually starts in the rectum and can spread continuously through part, or all, of the colon. This inflammation causes the lining of the colon to bleed, produce pus, and develop small open sores.

While there is currently no known cure, modern treatments are highly effective at managing symptoms and allowing many patients to live symptom-free lives.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but researchers believe it is the result of a complex interaction between your immune system, genetics, and environmental factors.

The leading theory is that the immune system mistakes harmless bacteria or food in the colon for a threat and launches an attack, causing chronic inflammation.

Contrary to old myths, stress and diet do not cause ulcerative colitis, though they can certainly aggravate symptoms or trigger flare-ups.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs in the colon. For most people, symptoms are not constant. They tend to come and go in cycles known as "flare-ups" followed by periods of remission.

Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain and cramping.
  • Rectal pain and bleeding.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight loss.
  • Fever.
  • Tenesmus: A feeling that you need to pass stool even though your bowels are empty.

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial because UC symptoms can mimic other bowel disorders like Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Your evaluation may include:

To rule out infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

To check for anemia or signs of infection and inflammation.

This is the most definitive test. A thin, flexible tube with a camera allows examination of the entire colon. During the procedure, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken to confirm the diagnosis under a microscope.

Similar to a colonoscopy, but it examines only the rectum and the lower part of the colon.

Treating Ulcerative Colitis

The goal of treatment is not just to relieve symptoms, but to heal the lining of the colon and achieve sustained remission. Treatment plans are highly personalized based on the severity of your disease.

Medical Therapies:

Often, the first step for mild to moderate UC, these anti-inflammatory drugs work to reduce inflammation in the lining of the intestine.

Used for short-term control of active flare-ups to rapidly reduce inflammation. They are generally not for long-term use due to side effects.

These medications suppress the immune system response to reduce inflammation.

Advanced therapies that target specific proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation. These are often used for moderate to severe disease.

These are newer oral medications that work by blocking specific enzymes involved in the inflammation process.

Managing Ulcerative Colitis in Westlake or Brooklyn, Ohio

Navigating a chronic condition like ulcerative colitis requires a partnership grounded in trust and expertise. The board certified gastroenterologists at North Shore Gastroenterology are here to support you with the vigilant monitoring and advanced care you need to take control of your digestive health.

Contact us today at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a visit.