Although there is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis, treatment methods can help individuals control symptoms and maintain quality of life. Living with ulcerative colitis can be challenging. Fortunately, there are treatment options for relief.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea (often with blood or mucus), urgency to have bowel movements, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. The disease typically follows a relapsing and remitting course, with periods of flare-ups and remission. There’s so much to know about this condition and how to live with it, and it can be so beneficial to research more online.
Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis
For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, anti-inflammatory medications are often the initial step. Medications known as immunosuppressants work by reducing the activity of the immune system while biologics work by targeting proteins that stimulate inflammation in the immune system to reduce inflammation in the intestine. The most commonly used anti-inflammatory medications used are 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids.1
When medical treatment for ulcerative colitis proves to be incomplete or complications arise in patients, surgery may be a viable option. There are two common surgical approaches, which you can learn more about with some additional research.
Stelara, also known as ustekinumab, is a new option that has been granted FDA approval for the effective treatment of ulcerative colitis symptoms in adults.2 This medication works by targeting specific proteins in the body that are involved in the immune response, which can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. In clinical trials, Stelara has been shown to induce and maintain remission in a significant number of patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Find Relief Today
If you’re seeking relief from symptoms, it’s advisable to dive into research. The internet is a vast resource of information that can provide valuable insights into various strategies, treatments, and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate your symptoms.
Exploring reputable medical websites, patient forums, and research articles can empower you with knowledge, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health, alongside your physician. Researching can lead you to discover new perspectives, potential remedies, and supportive communities that may ultimately contribute to finding relief from your symptoms.