Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects millions worldwide, disrupting daily life and requiring careful management. If you’re living with ulcerative colitis, it’s important that you understand the lifestyle changes that need to be made and how the condition can affect your life. Ulcerative colitis should not go untreated and should be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Dealing With Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and the rectum. While the exact cause remains unknown, it's believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Symptoms can vary in severity and may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.
Managing ulcerative colitis often involves a multifaceted approach tailored to your specific needs. Treatment aims to help reduce inflammation, control symptoms and achieve remission. Common treatments can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Immunosuppressants
- Dietary modifications
- Managing stress levels
- Exercising regularly
In severe cases, you may require surgery to remove the damaged colon and find relief from constant pain. It’s important to remember that you may need to try several treatments and several variations of the same treatments together.
When living with ulcerative colitis, it’s important to understand what triggers your pain and may make functionality more difficult. It’s important to avoid these triggers to avoid further damage to the colon. You should also know when to seek out help from your gastroenterologist and find additional treatments.
Contact Our Gastroenterologist Today
Living with ulcerative colitis can be difficult and it’s important to talk to your gastroenterologist to learn how to manage your condition and live a healthy life. Contact Dr. Kadish and Dr. Zinberg at South Island Gastroenterology Associates in Lawrence, NY, at (516) 341-0990 to learn more about ulcerative colitis and how to live with it.