Ulcerative Colitis in New Orleans, LA

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Ulcerative colitis is a part of a larger group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The condition causes uncomfortable swelling and ulcerations inside one's gastrointestinal (GI) system, most often the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is different from Crohn's disease (the other form of IBD), as it is limited to the colon. Crohn's disease, on the other hand, is usually found near the end of the small bowel and at the beginning of the colon but can impact any part of the intestinal system at any point between the mouth and the anus. Also, ulcerative colitis involves only the inner lining of the colon, while Crohn’s disease can affect the entirety of the bowel wall.

Those who have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis many times are forced to bear uncomfortable gastrointestinal manifestations that create problems in their daily lives. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our board-certified gastrointestinal specialists regularly diagnose and provide treatment for ulcerative colitis, and they work closely with patients to assist in providing a reprieve from the symptoms it causes. If you need help with ulcerative colitis in New Orleans, LA, we implore you to contact a location near you as soon as possible.

There are several different types of ulcerative colitis, which are typically organized by anatomy:

Ulcerative proctitis: The inflammation of one's colon is contained within one's rectum and is commonly the least severe variety of ulcerative colitis. An often recognized sign of the presence of ulcerative proctitis is bleeding from the rectum.

Left-sided colitis: Inflammation is more widespread through the colon and might involve areas beyond the rectum but is limited to all or a portion of the sigmoid and descending colon. It commonly causes concerning symptoms, some of which could include diarrhea containing blood and an unintended loss of weight.

Pancolitis: This type of ulcerative colitis is known also as extensive colitis and may impact the entire colon. Symptoms may include serious bloody diarrhea, extreme abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This is a rare form of ulcerative colitis that affects the whole of the colon. Its symptoms could include extreme pain and the inability to consume food. This condition often requires hospitalization and holds an increased likelihood of surgery.

The specific cause of ulcerative colitis continues to be unidentified. However, we have identified some variables which seem to increase the chances of ulcerative colitis and its related symptoms.

  • Genetics: An individual might inherit genes from their parent or parents which heighten one's risk of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
  • Immune system: It is presumed that internal bacteria or viruses will initiate the onset of ulcerative colitis. Anytime bacteria or a virus enters the digestive tract, the body enlists your immune system to engage the virus or bacteria. When this takes place, your body releases white blood cells to the colon in which case they end up attacking healthy cells and tissue. As a result your colon, or large intestine, becomes inflamed.

Some of the risk factors related to having ulcerative colitis may include:

  • Family history: If a family member lives with ulcerative colitis, you may have a higher chance of suffering from this disease.
  • Race or ethnicity: People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and Caucasians are at an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis, however, the condition may affect any ethnicity.
  • Age: Ulcerative colitis typically develops before the age of 30.

What are some common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Many symptoms common to ulcerative colitis appear slowly and range from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis often include:

  • Normal menstrual cycle disruption
  • Constipation
  • Pain in the rectum
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Cramps in the stomach
  • Blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea with pus or blood
  • Fever
  • Mouth sores
  • Sudden loss of weight
  • Drainage or pain near or around the anus

Should you ever notice bloody stool, we implore you to contact your provider or another specialist in New Orleans, LA immediately. You should see a gastroenterologist anytime you become aware of any of the above-listed symptoms or a combination of symptoms on a persistent basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are here to offer you specialized care for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these problems.

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, the ultimate goals of ulcerative colitis treatments are to manage the inflammation that causes the symptoms and subsequently enter into remission of the disease. Subsequent treatment includes regular cancer screenings since having ulcerative colitis puts you at higher risk for a diagnosis of colon cancer. The main types of ulcerative colitis treatments are:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help eliminate bacteria known to cause excessive immune system responses that lead to swelling. These are not a primary form of treatment but may be utilized in coordination with additional therapies.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medicines used to manage ulcerative colitis are corticosteroids and oral 5-aminosalicylates. Corticosteroids help decrease swelling in your body and can be given in conjunction with immune system suppressants. Oral 5-aminosalicylates are also useful in the reduction of swelling in your body.

Additional medications and supplements could be recommended to control and manage ulcerative colitis symptoms. These could include:

  • Anti-diarrheals
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements
  • Iron supplementation
  • Vitamin B-12 shots

Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These therapies address our body’s unusual immune reaction to viruses and bacteria. The immunosuppressant medications your New Orleans, LA gastroenterologist might prescribe include:

  • Azathioprine
  • Adalimumab
  • Ustekinumab
  • Vedolizumab
  • Natalizumab
  • Tofacitinib
  • Methotrexate
  • Infliximab
  • Certolizumab

Nutrition and diet: Your gastrointestinal specialist may recommend a special nutrition plan to help relieve symptoms and aid in inducing remission.

Surgery: In severe circumstances, surgery could be required to take out a portion, or the entirety, of the colon or rectum.

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Can ulcerative colitis be cured?

Currently, no cure has been identified for ulcerative colitis. Medication can help control ulcerative colitis and associated symptoms, but it cannot resolve it. Medication may be able to aid you in reaching and remaining in remission.

Is ulcerative colitis caused by the food I eat?

A link between food and an immediate cause of this GI disorder has not been identified. Certain diets have been linked to a greater risk of developing ulcerative colitis. This includes foods high in sugar, fats, and refined carbs and those low in fruits, veggies, and fiber.

Who is able to diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis?

It’s probable that your GI issues will result in a visit to your primary doctor. However, if your PCP suspects ulcerative colitis, they will most likely suggest you see a GI provider, like those at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our team is here to help you understand and manage your condition.

Will anything help me reach and stay in remission?

In the event you’ve obtained remission, you probably will do anything to stay there. Things to remember while you’re in remission are:

  • Stress: Stress can lead to symptoms coming back. Good sleep, regular exercise, and working on how to manage your stress could minimize your chances of symptom recurrence.
  • Medications: For fever or pain, you may consider using acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) instead of Motrin® or Advil® (NSAIDs) because acetaminophen usually won’t trigger symptoms. Consult your physician to learn more.
  • Medication change: If your current medications seem to trigger your symptoms, please inform our gastroenterologists. We may be able to swap out your medication for a medication less likely to result in a flare-up.

Ulcerative colitis can affect your overall comfort and digestive health. With specialized care, however, you can control the situation and improve your quality of life. Whether you are experiencing your very first symptoms or are controlling ulcerative colitis issues post-remission, the gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide you with individualized treatment choices to assist you in finding a reprieve. To consult a provider who offers care for ulcerative colitis in New Orleans, LA, contact a location in your community today.

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