Digestive System

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis may involve laboratory tests and one or more procedures that allow the doctor to visualize the intestine. It is important that if inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, a correct diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease be made. While the two diseases have many similarities, they are distinct, and many of the […]

In individuals with ulcerative colitis, a distinct portion of the colon is diseased. Disease starts at the rectum and moves “up” the colon to involve more of the organ. Doctors categorize ulcerative colitis by the amount of colon involved. Regardless of how little or how much of the colon is involved, symptoms can vary from

People who live with ulcerative colitis are burdened by many questions, especially when they are having their first crisis and being diagnosed. These questions focus on issues of pain, symptoms, possible complications and disability The answers to many questions are not apparent and often take a long time to determine. But most people who live with

Medical management of ulcerative colitis begins with an attempt to reduce the symptoms and bring on a remission. After this is accomplished, the goal is to maintain remission for as long as possible. Treatment options include: Medication Surgery Alternative treatments Medications Most of the medications used to treat ulcerative colitis are generally safe for long-term

Living with a chronic disease has often been called the equivalent of having another full-time job. For some, it may be a constant struggle of management: managing medication, appointments with health-care providers, and one’s own physical and mental energy. People with ulcerative colitis must carry out their daily lives in ways that help to maintain

On a daily basis, scientists are gaining a better understanding the genetic aspects of ulcerative colitis, as well how the immune system malfunctions and the relationships between infections and long-term inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. New medications are in human trials and promise to provide greater relief with fewer side effects. And surgical techniques

Here are some frequently asked questions related to ulcerative colitis. Q: Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease? A: There is certainly a malfunction in the immune system that takes place in ulcerative colitis. However, immunosuppressive medications used to keep individuals from rejecting transplanted organs have shown less effectiveness in treating ulcerative colitis than in treating Crohn’s