Ulcerative Colitis in Illinois

The exact reason for the development of ulcerative colitis is still a mystery. However, there are certain factors that consistently predict the manifestation of ulcerative colitis and its challenges.

• Genetics: One may inherit genetic material from their parent or parents that elevates their chance of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
• Immune system: It is commonly accepted that viruses or internal bacteria may initiate the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. Anytime bacteria or a virus enters your digestive tract, the body calls upon your immune system to defend against the virus or bacteria. When this takes place, the body releases white blood cells to the colon in which case they end up attacking healthy cells and tissue. Due to this your colon or large intestine becomes inflamed.

Are there risk factors for ulcerative colitis?

A portion of the complicating factors related to suffering from ulcerative colitis may include:

• Age: Ulcerative colitis typically develops before 30 years of age.
• Race or ethnicity: People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and Caucasians are at an elevated chance of developing ulcerative colitis, but it can affect any race.
• Family history: If a member of your family lives with ulcerative colitis, you have an elevated likelihood of suffering from this disease.

What are some common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Many symptoms frequently experienced with ulcerative colitis come to appear slowly, and range from subtle to overwhelming. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis often include:

• Fever
• Bloody stool
• Rectal pain
• Bloody diarrhea with pus
• Drainage or pain near or around the anus
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of normal menstrual cycle
• Cramps in the stomach
• Pain in the abdomen

In the event you ever see bloody stool, you should reach out to your gastroenterology specialist in Illinois. You should see a gastroenterologist anytime you experience any of the above symptoms or any combination of symptoms on a regular basis. Our providers at GI Alliance of Illinois can provide skilled treatment for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these concerns.

The main intentions of ulcerative colitis treatments at GI Alliance of Illinois are to control the inflammation that instigates your symptoms and subsequently enter into remission of the disease. It's important that you continue to receive cancer screenings after this diagnosis, as having ulcerative colitis puts you at greater risk for developing colon cancer. The primary categories of ulcerative colitis treatments are as follows:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may assist in the destruction of bacteria connected with causing the excessive immune system response of swelling. These are not a mainstay of treatment but may be utilized in collaboration with additional treatments.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medications used to treat ulcerative colitis are oral 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of inflammation in your body and may be recommended in conjunction with immune system suppressants. Oral 5-aminosalicylates are also useful in the reduction of swelling in the body.

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

• Vitamin D and calcium supplementation
• Iron supplementation
• Vitamin B-12 shots
• Anti-diarrheals

Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: This type of therapy addresses the body’s unusual immune response to viruses and bacteria. The immunosuppressant meds your Illinois provider might prescribe include:

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

Diet and Nutrition: Your gastrointestinal practitioner may suggest a specific food plan to help relieve symptoms and induce remission.

Surgery: In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to take out a piece of, or the entirety of, the colon or rectum.