Ulcerative Colitis in Little Rock, AR

The exact reason for the development of ulcerative colitis is still a mystery. However, we know some specific variables which appear to raise the chance of the presentation of ulcerative colitis and its' related challenges.

• Genetics: A person could inherit genetic material from their parents which elevates one's likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis.
• Immune system: It is presumed that internal bacteria or viruses could initiate the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. Anytime a virus or bacteria becomes present in your digestive tract, your body activates your immune system to defend against the virus or bacteria. When this happens, the body directs white blood cells to the colon, in which case those cells then attack non-problematic cells and tissue. The end result of this is that your colon, or large intestine, finds itself inflamed.

What are the risk factors for ulcerative colitis?

A portion of the complicating factors associated with having ulcerative colitis include:

• Family history: If a family member lives with ulcerative colitis, you have an increased risk of suffering from the disease.
• Ethnicity or race: People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and Caucasians appear to be at an elevated likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis, but the condition may impact any race.
• Age: Ulcerative colitis often develops prior to 30 years of age.

What are some common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Most symptoms related to ulcerative colitis develop slowly and range from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis commonly include:

• Pain in the rectum

• Stomach cramps

• Blood in the stool

• Bloody Diarrhea with pus

• Fever

• Pain or drainage near or around the anus

• Pain in the abdomen

• Sores in the mouth

• Loss of normal menstrual cycle

• Constipation

• Sudden weight loss

If you ever see blood in your stool, we urge you to contact your physician or a specialist in Little Rock, AR without delay. A gastroenterologist should be seen anytime you become aware of any of the aforementioned symptoms or a combination of symptoms on a regular basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at GastroArkansas offer skilled care for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these concerns.

The ultimate intentions of ulcerative colitis treatments at GastroArkansas are to manage the swelling that instigates the symptoms and subsequently enter into remission of the condition. Ongoing treatment includes screening for cancer, as having ulcerative colitis positions you at an elevated risk for a diagnosis of colon cancer. The main divisions of ulcerative colitis treatments are listed below:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may help eliminate bacteria connected with causing the abnormal immune system response that leads to inflammation. This is not a primary form of treatment but might be used in collaboration with other 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 may be administered in conjunction with immune system suppressants. Oral 5-aminosalicylates can also work to reduce swelling in the body.

Additional supplements and medications might be recommended to help ulcerative colitis difficulties. These could include:

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

Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These therapies address our body’s unusual immune response to bacteria and viruses. The immunosuppressant meds your Little Rock, AR gastroenterologist might prescribe include:

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

Diet and Nutrition: Your GI provider may recommend a special food plan to help relieve symptoms and aid in inducing remission.

Surgery: In serious situations, surgical intervention might be required to remove a piece of, or the entirety of, the rectum or colon.