Ulcerative colitis

Alternative names:

nonspecific ulcerative colitis

Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to control the acute attacks, prevent recurrent attacks, and promote healing of the colon. Hospitalization is often required for severe attacks. Corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation. Sulfasalazine may decrease the frequency of attacks. Surgery may be indicated in refractory disease

Expectations (prognosis):

The course of the disease varies with remissions and exacerbations over a period of years, or the disorder can present as a fulminant disease. A permanent and complete cure is unusual. The risk of cancer increases in each decade after the diagnosis.

Complications:

• perforation of the colon
• carcinoma
• massive colonic hemorrhage
• inflammation of the joints
• ankylosing spondylitis
• lesions in the eye
• mouth ulcers
• liver disease
• impaired growth and sexual development in children
• pyoderma gangrenosum

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain or other symptoms of ulcerative colitis are present.

Call your health care provider if ulcerative colitis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.