Ulcerative Colitis in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is part of a larger group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition creates uncomfortable swelling and ulcerations within your intestinal tract, most often the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis differs from Crohn's disease (another type of IBD) because it is limited only to one's colon. Crohn's disease, conversely, is most commonly found at the end of the small intestine and at the beginning of one's colon but has been known to affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the anus to the mouth. Additionally, ulcerative colitis impacts only the colon's inner lining, whereas Crohn’s disease may affect the whole of the intestinal wall.
Patients who have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis often deal with uncomfortable GI symptoms that create problems in their day-to-day lives. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates , our board-certified gastroenterologists routinely identify and treat ulcerative colitis, and collaborate with patients to assist with alleviating symptoms. If you are seeking help for ulcerative colitis in Lubbock, TX, we implore you to reach out to one of our locations to request a consultation.
Are there different forms of ulcerative colitis?
There are several unique forms of ulcerative colitis. These forms are often organized by anatomy:
Ulcerative proctitis: The inflammation of your colon is contained within your rectum and is usually the least severe form of ulcerative colitis. A tell-tale indication of the presence of ulcerative proctitis is bleeding from the rectum.
Left-sided colitis: Inflammation is more widespread throughout the colon and can affect areas beyond the rectum, but is confined to all or part of the sigmoid and descending colon. It often causes distressing symptoms, like diarrhea containing blood and unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis: This condition is also known as extensive colitis and can affect the entirety of the colon. Symptoms could include severe diarrhea containing blood, severe pain in the abdomen, and fatigue.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This is a more uncommon type of ulcerative colitis, which affects the whole of the colon. Its symptoms could include serious pain and the inability to consume food. The condition often leads to hospitalization and is known to have a much higher chance of surgery.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still a mystery. However, there are certain factors that seem to increase an individual's chances of developing ulcerative colitis and its resulting symptoms.
- Genetics: A person can inherit genetic material from one's parent or parents, which can elevate the risk of developing ulcerative colitis.
- Immune system: It is likely that viruses or internal bacteria can initiate the development of ulcerative colitis. Anytime a virus or bacteria becomes present in your digestive tract, your body activates your immune system to defend against the bacteria or virus. When this happens, your body directs white blood cells to the colon and they end up attacking healthy cells and tissue. Because of this, your colon or large intestine becomes inflamed.
Risk factors for ulcerative colitis
Some of the risk factors associated with having ulcerative colitis may include:
- Race or ethnicity: Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent appear to be at a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Nonetheless, ulcerative colitis can affect anyone.
- Age: Ulcerative colitis often develops before 30 years of age.
- Family history: If a family member lives with ulcerative colitis, you may have an increased chance of suffering from this disease.
What are the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Most symptoms related to ulcerative colitis manifest gradually and can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically include:
- Rectal pain
- Sudden loss of weight
- Fever
- Normal menstrual cycle disruption
- Blood in the stool
- Pain or drainage around or near the anus
- Diarrhea with pus or blood
- Cramps in the stomach
- Constipation
- Pain in the abdomen
- Mouth sores
If you ever notice a bloody stool, please reach out to your provider or a specialist in Lubbock, TX right away. A gastroenterologist should be seen anytime you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms or a combination of symptoms on a recurring basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates can provide specialized care for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these symptoms.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
The main goal of ulcerative colitis treatments at your nearest Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location is to manage the swelling that initiates the symptoms and thereby enter into remission of the condition. Ongoing treatment includes screening for cancer because suffering from ulcerative colitis puts you at a higher risk for developing colon cancer. The primary types of ulcerative colitis treatments are listed below:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may help eliminate bacteria connected with causing the excessive immune system reaction that leads to swelling. This is not a primary course of treatment but may be utilized in conjunction 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 swelling in your body and may be accompanied by immune system suppressors. Oral 5-aminosalicylates can also work to reduce swelling in the body.
Additional medications and supplements could be suggested to help with ulcerative colitis symptoms. These may include:
- Vitamin D and calcium supplementation
- Shots of vitamin B-12
- Anti-diarrheals
- Iron supplements
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: This type of treatment addresses the body’s unusual immune response to viruses and bacteria. The immunosuppressant medications your Lubbock, TX gastroenterologist could prescribe include:
- Natalizumab
- Infliximab
- Vedolizumab
- Ustekinumab
- Tofacitinib
- Adalimumab
- Azathioprine
- Certolizumab
- Methotrexate
Nutrition and diet: Your gastrointestinal provider may suggest a special nutrition plan to help reduce symptoms and jump start remission.
Surgery: In serious situations, surgery may be needed to excise a piece of, or the whole, rectum or colon.
Ulcerative Colitis FAQs
Can ulcerative colitis be cured?
Currently, no cure has been identified for ulcerative colitis. Medication may be prescribed to manage ulcerative colitis and its symptoms. While they cannot resolve the condition, medication therapies can help you reach and remain in disease remission.
Was my ulcerative colitis caused by the food I eat?
A link between food consumption and a direct cause of this GI disorder has not yet been determined. However, certain dietary factors have been associated with a heightened risk of experiencing the condition. These include foods high in refined carbs, fats, and sugar and diets low in fruits, veggies, and fiber.
Who can diagnose ulcerative colitis?
Your GI issues will likely result in a visit to your primary care practitioner (PCP). However, if your PCP suspects you may have ulcerative colitis, they will probably refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist, like those at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates. It can be helpful to consult a provider who is a digestive system expert.
Will anything help me reach and stay in remission from ulcerative colitis?
In the event you’ve entered remission for ulcerative colitis, you probably will do anything to remain there. Things to remember during remission are:
- Your stress level: Stress may cause symptoms to return. A good night's sleep, regular exercise, and working on managing your stress could reduce your chances of further symptoms.
- Medications: For fever or pain, you may need to take acetaminophen like Tylenol® instead of Motrin® or Advil® (NSAIDs), as acetaminophen is less likely to trigger UC symptoms. Talk with your physician for further information.
- Change in Medication: If you notice any of your medications seem to cause or increase your symptoms, get in touch with our GI team. We could possibly swap it out for a medication less likely to lead to a flare-up.
Take control of your ulcerative colitis symptoms
Ulcerative colitis can take a toll on your overall comfort and digestive health. With specialized care, however, you can manage the condition and improve your quality of life. Regardless of if you are in the midst of the beginning symptoms or managing ulcerative colitis regression after remission, the GI provider at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location near you can offer you individualized treatment options to help you enter into remission. To consult a specialist who offers treatment for ulcerative colitis in Lubbock, TX, contact our team today.
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