Ulcerative Colitis
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition caused by the interplay of many factors, including an overexaggerated immune response to gut bacteria and genetics, which leads to inflammation of the colon and rectum. The age of onset, extent and severity of disease can vary greatly from patient to patient.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgency, bloody stools and weight loss. As with many autoimmune conditions, ulcerative colitis may also manifest with many symptoms outside of the gut. These symptoms may include joint pain and stiffness, vision changes, eye pain, rashes and liver test abnormalities noted on blood work.
How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
A careful history and physical exam are important parts to the diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. Often blood tests, and stool tests are used to exclude other conditions which may present similarly, including infections. Colonoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. This is helpful in determining the extent of disease, and distinguishing ulcerative colitis from a related condition, called Crohn’s disease.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is tailored to each patient, with the goal of choosing therapy that best matches each individual’s disease pattern and severity. Treatment often involves oral or intravenous medications that act on different pathways to help calm inflammation. Surgery may also play a role in the management of Ulcerative Colitis, if inflammation does not respond well to medical therapy. Equal effort is also spent on health maintenance-ensuring adequate nutrition, maintaining bone health and cancer prevention.
Our experienced team of physicians and advanced practice providers at Associates in Gastroenterology can help you with your concerns, questions and management of all aspects of gastrointestinal and liver disease. We would love to be your gastroenterology practice. Please schedule an appointment either by calling us (719-635-7321) or by clicking here.
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Locations
North Location
6031 E Woodmen Rd #100
Colorado Springs, CO, 80923
Central Location
2940 N. Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO, 80909
Endoscopy Centers of Colorado Springs – Audubon Medical Campus
2940 North Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO, 80909
Endoscopy Centers of Colorado Springs – St Francis Medical Campus
6031 E Woodmen Rd #100
Colorado Springs, CO, 80923