Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) condition that comes and goes, causing mild to severe symptoms. At Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach, California, Tahmina Haq, MD, provides expert care for ulcerative colitis, creating individualized plans that provide long-term relief. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and swelling in the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and includes your colon and rectum. The inflammation may affect all or just a part of the large intestine.

Researchers are still investigating the cause of ulcerative colitis, but they theorize it may occur from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that affect immune system function. 

What does ulcerative colitis feel like?

Ulcerative colitis symptoms vary and may not feel the same for everyone. However, most people with the IBD experience a change in bowel habits, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Bowel urgency
• Increase in bowel movements

You may also have abdominal pain. The severity of the symptoms may depend on the severity of the inflammation. 

Ulcerative colitis may also affect other parts of the body, causing joint pain, ulcers in the mouth, or a rash.

People with ulcerative colitis may also experience periods where they have no symptoms. 

What tests do I need to diagnose ulcerative colitis?

There’s no single test that can diagnose ulcerative colitis. The gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute performs an in-depth evaluation to determine what type of testing you need.

They review your medical and family history and your symptoms, and perform a physical exam. They may also run bloodwork, a urinalysis, and a stool test.

Your gastroenterologist may then recommend a colonoscopy to examine your large intestine and take a sample of any abnormal tissue. She makes a diagnosis based on your symptoms and your colonoscopy and biopsy results.

What treatments help manage ulcerative colitis?

The gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute customizes your ulcerative colitis treatment plan based on the severity of your disease and related complications. 

Treatments that help manage ulcerative colitis include:

Medication

Your gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute prescribes medications that help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation. 

Surgery

Though medications offer relief for many people with ulcerative colitis, sometimes surgery is the best option for long-term relief. During surgery, your gastroenterologist removes the inflamed portion of the large intestine. 

The goal of your ulcerative colitis treatment plan is to minimize symptoms and improve quality of life. 

Call Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute or book an appointment online for expert ulcerative colitis care.