Moderate Ulcerative colitis
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum. It causes inflammation in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, leading to ulcers, itching, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Moderate Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate ulcerative colitis is characterized by three or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Fatigue/weakness
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia
Diagnosis of Moderate Ulcerative Colitis
To diagnose moderate ulcerative colitis, your doctor may perform:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Stool cultures
- Lab tests
- Endoscopic exams such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and capsule endoscopy
- Imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
- Immunologic tests to rule out other IBDs
Treatment of Moderate Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment for moderate ulcerative colitis usually begins with medications such as:
- Aminosalicylates
- Corticosteroids
- Immune system suppressors such as azathioprine and cyclosporine
- Biologic therapies such as infliximab, golimumab, and adalimumab
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the colon and rectum if medications are not successful in controlling the inflammation.