Ulcerative Colitis

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is a lifelong condition with periods of remission and flare-ups.

Our team of gastroenterology specialists provides comprehensive, personalized care for those with Ulcerative Colitis. We use the latest diagnostics, treatments, and research to improve quality of life.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Common symptoms include:

Belly pain
Bloody diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Rectal bleeding
Loss of body fluids and nutrients
Loss of blood (anemia) caused by severe bleeding

Because Ulcerative Colitis can impact different parts of the digestive tract, some people experience symptoms outside the GI tract, such as joint pain, liver disorders, kidney stones, osteoporosis, skin rashes and sores, and eye inflammation.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Your provider will use advanced diagnostic techniques to diagnose Ulcerative Colitis, including:

Blood tests to check for inflammation and anemia
Stool tests to rule out infections
Endoscopy to visualize the GI tract
Colonoscopy to visualize the GI tract
Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans to identify areas of inflammation
Biopsies performed during endoscopy or colonoscopy

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Ulcerative Colitis. Our experts understand that living with Crohn’s disease can be challenging. We offer support resources and treatment to help you manage your condition.

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis focuses on reducing inflammation, managing symptoms, and maintaining remission.

Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Medications such as anti-inflammatories, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, and biologics.
Eliminating trigger foods in your diet. These vary but can include foods with high fiber, high lactose, artificial sweeteners, and high fat. Alcohol and caffeine can also trigger inflammation.
Adding foods such as fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet to help decrease inflammation.

Some patients may require surgery to remove part of their GI tract. Our surgeons are highly experienced at using minimally invasive approaches, helping our patients recover more quickly.

If an ostomy—an external bag for collecting waste—is needed, our experienced nurses work with patients to help them live healthy and vigorous lives.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center is the only center in the region specializing in treating IBD and is actively involved in research to determine better treatment approaches. Other area hospitals and gastroenterologists often depend on our physicians to handle their most complex and challenging cases.

Our involvement with clinical trials allows patients access to advanced treatments that are not yet widely available. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes gastroenterologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals, works with each patient to create a tailored treatment plan. We also offer support resources to help you manage your condition.

UR Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology treats all major diseases of the GI tract, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. We regularly serve as a valuable second (and even third and fourth) opinion resource for patients referred from far and wide.