10 Facts You Need To Know About Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment

The treatment of ulcerative colitis is based on the severity and progression of the disease. The common components of treatment include medicine and diet changes. If an individual’s condition is considered severe, they may require more medication and potentially surgery. The goals of treatment for UC are controlling the inflammation, remission, and maintaining remission. Part of the treatment involves treating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as anemia, malnutrition, and inflammation outside the colon. Those that are in remission or showing no signs of the disease may not have to take medication. However, a physician may still require the use of medicine to maintain remission. At the present moment, there is no medical cure for ulcerative colitis.

Categories Of Medications For Ulcerative Colitis

There are several categories of medications for ulcerative colitis. Antibiotics including ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and others can be used to treat infections or other complications of UC. Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) reduce the inflammation in the large intestine and are taken to manage the remission of the disease. Corticosteroids (steroids) work by suppressing the immune system and decreasing inflammation in the inner lining of the digestive system. most times, steroids are not prescribed for prolonged use but instead for short-term control of symptoms and active disease. Immunomodulators (immune modifiers) also suppress the immune system to prevent inflammation. Biologics (biologic therapies) target a distinct pathway and suppresses the body’s immune response.