Diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine characterised by inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining. The diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis is managed by a gastroenterologist or a doctor specialising in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific condition. In general, the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis involves the following steps:

Diagnosis:

• Medical consultation and history: Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and medical history to determine if there are any risk factors or concomitant medical conditions.
• Physical Examination: Your doctor may perform a physical examination to identify possible signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
• Laboratory tests: These may include blood tests to evaluate inflammation, anemia or other abnormalities and stool tests to rule out infection and evaluate the presence of blood in the stool.
• Colonoscopy: This is a procedure in which the doctor examines the inside of the large intestine using a flexible tube fitted with a video camera (colonoscope). It can take biopsies for laboratory examination and identify ulcerations characteristic of ulcerative colitis.

Treatment:
Drug treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory: Drugs such as sulfasalazine, mesalazine and corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation.
• Immunosuppressants: These are used to suppress the body’s immune response and may include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and tacrolimus.
• Biologics: These drugs are designed to block certain chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation. Examples include infliximab, adalimumab and vedolizumab.
• Antidiarrhoeals and pain suppressants: These may be prescribed to treat symptoms such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
• Nutritional therapy: Sometimes dietary changes or nutritional supplements can help manage symptoms.
• Surgery: In severe cases or in case of complications such as intestinal perforation or massive bleeding, surgery may be needed to remove affected portions of the large intestine.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and report any new symptoms or changes in your health.

Regular monitoring and symptom management can also help maintain your quality of life.