Ulcerative colitis is one of the diseases that fall under the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Using medication to treat the inflammation is the most common treatment for this condition. In severe cases, surgery is used. With either option, a person can regain a more normal life.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition affecting the large and small intestines in the human body. The inner walls of the colon become inflamed or ulcerated in a person suffering from this condition and common symptoms displayed could include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, gas, hard stools and abdominal pain. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are conditions that fall under IBS. They are however two different disorders and affect different parts of the intestines.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have common symptoms which makes it impossible to differentiate one from the other without proper medical evaluation. While the former affects only the inner lining of the colon, the latter affects all the layers. In addition, Crohn's disease can also affect the small intestine and other organs in the digestive tract while ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine.
To deal with irritable bowel syndrome, the first stage in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is to diagnose it. Then depending on the severity of the disorder, a decision can be taken as to whether surgery or medication will be used to treat the condition. Usually surgery is done only as a last resort.
Ulcerative colitis does not have a cure. Treatment for this disorder is aimed at treating the inflammation to bring about remission in the patient. With the right medication, it is possible to keep this disorder under control by ensuring continued remission and minimizing side effects of the medication. With the right treatment, a person could regain and lead a more normal life. Common medications used are anti-inflammatory drugs and immunomodulators.
Since surgery for ulcerative colitis involves removal of the large intestine, it is an option only if there is no other alternative available. Earlier a person suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome would have the rectum and the colon removed. A small ileostomy or pouch would then be created using the small intestine and the abdominal wall, which would act as receptor for the stool. Earlier this pouch had to be emptied periodically using a tube. However, now a new technique has been developed that involves attaching the small intestine above the anus after removal of the large intestine so that stool can be passed directly from the small intestine through the anus using the normal route.
Therefore using either medication or surgery, patients suffering from ulcerative colitis can take control of their condition and lead a more normal life.
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