Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Treatments, Remedies, And Care

Below, you’ll find must-know information about ulcerative colitis (UC).

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Also known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, this health condition affects any age group.

Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune disorder. (1)  The immune system targets healthy tissue, damaging it by mistake.

The immune system releases white blood cells into the bloodstream to combat infections. Hence it adds a protective layer by getting rid of the problem. With the onset of ulcerative colitis, the good bacteria in the colon are attacked. This results in inflammation in affected areas.

Aside from immune factors, genetics, and environmental factors also play an important role in the development of ulcerative colitis.

The condition often runs in families. Specific genes have been identified and associated with the risk of developing the disease. (2)

Furthermore, high consumption of refined sugar or saturated fat may also increase the risk of developing the condition. Stress has also been shown to trigger symptoms in some people with this particular type of health condition.

While ulcerative colitis is not a serious disease it can be for some folks. If it’s ignored, let alone, untreated, it can get worse and threaten the life of the individual.

Ulcerative colitis can also lead to complications such as colon cancer, blood clots, and severe inflammation in other parts of the body, such as the eyes and joints.

Knowing the various ulcerative colitis symptoms can help prevent the condition from getting worse.

Treatment And Care

Ulcerative colitis can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Treating the disease can help reduce or eliminate these symptoms, improving quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis can also cause a number of complications, some of which can be serious and even life-threatening. These complications can include intestinal strictures, perforations, and colon cancer. Early treatment of the disease can help reduce the risk of these complications.

Furthermore, treating ulcerative colitis can also help improve long-term outcomes by reducing the likelihood of needing surgery, hospitalization, or other medical interventions.

Hence, treatment is critical once the individual is diagnosed with the disease. Below are ulcerative colitis treatments worth knowing.

14. Anti-Diarrheal Medications

Anti-diarrheal medications can help manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis, but they do not treat the underlying inflammation of the disease.

Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide work by slowing down the movement of the intestinal muscles, which can help reduce the frequency and urgency of diarrhea. They can also help thicken stool, making it easier to pass.

13. Pain Relievers

Pain relievers, such as Tylenol can help manage pain and discomfort associated with ulcerative colitis. However, there are some pain relievers that can aggravate symptoms and intensify the severity of the illness.

These medications can help reduce inflammation in the intestine, which may in turn alleviate pain and discomfort. It is important to discuss pain management strategies with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment for ulcerative colitis.

12. Antispasmodics

In the treatment of ulcerative colitis, antispasmodics can be used to help relieve abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort associated with the disease. These medications work by relaxing these muscles and reducing cramping and pain.

Examples of antispasmodics that may be used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis include dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin). These medications are typically prescribed as needed for symptom relief, and they are generally well tolerated.

11. Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis by addressing iron deficiency anemia, which is a common complication of this condition.

Iron supplements can help to replenish iron stores in the body and increase the production of hemoglobin, thereby improving symptoms of anemia. This can lead to increased energy levels and improved overall health and well-being.

10. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that work by suppressing the immune system’s response to inflammation. They can be given orally, topically, or intravenously.

Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, while topical corticosteroids, such as rectal suppositories or enemas, are used to treat inflammation in the rectum.

Corticosteroids can provide quick relief from symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including abdominal pain and diarrhea. They can also help to reduce inflammation in the colon and promote the healing of the damaged tissue.

9. 5-Aminosalicylates

5-aminosalicylates, also known as 5-ASAs, are a group of medications that are derived from salicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. They are typically given orally or rectally, and they work by reducing inflammation in the colon and rectum.

Oral 5-ASAs, such as mesalamine, sulfasalazine, and olsalazine, are used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Rectal 5-ASAs, such as suppositories or enemas, are used to treat inflammation in the rectum.

These medications can provide quick relief from symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including abdominal pain and diarrhea. They can also help to reduce inflammation in the colon and promote the healing of the damaged tissue.

8. Azathioprine

Azathioprine works by inhibiting the production of white blood cells, including those that cause inflammation in the colon. It is typically used in combination with other medications, such as corticosteroids, to induce remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Once remission is achieved, azathioprine may be used as a maintenance therapy to prevent flare-ups.

7. Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that can help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis by suppressing the immune system’s response to inflammation.

It is effective in reducing inflammation and irritation in the intestines, thereby decreasing the need for long-term use of steroids. In certain cases, this medication can be used as a standalone treatment.

6. Medications Known As “Small Molecule”

A small molecule or targeted synthetic small molecules refer to medications that specifically target certain components of the immune system that contribute to inflammation in the intestine and other organs, thereby reducing inflammation.

At present, there are three targeted synthetic small molecules that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

5. Infliximab

Infliximab is a type of medication known as a biologic drug that can help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets a specific protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which plays a key role in the inflammatory response in the colon.

It has shown effectiveness in individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, as well as those with severe illness who did not respond to other medications.

4. Vedolizumab

Vedolizumab functions by inhibiting the infiltration of white blood cells into the gut lining. It solely targets the gut area, unlike anti-TNF drugs that affect the entire body and may result in fewer adverse effects.

Vedolizumab is administered via intravenous infusion and is typically given every 8 weeks. It may take several weeks to see a response and some people may require additional medications to manage their symptoms.

3. Ustekinumab

Ustekinumab is a medication that can be helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It can reduce inflammation, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

Ustekinumab can be effective in treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults who have not responded well to other treatments. It is usually administered as an infusion in a hospital or clinic setting by a specialist.

2. Surgery

Surgery can be an effective treatment option for ulcerative colitis when other medical treatments have failed. The two main surgical options are total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and colectomy with ileostomy.

Total proctocolectomy with IPAA involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum, which are replaced with a pouch made from the end of the small intestine.

Colectomy with ileostomy involves the removal of the colon and rectum, with the small intestine then being brought out through the abdominal wall to create an opening called an ileostomy. Waste products then pass out of the body through the ileostomy into a bag worn on the outside of the body.

1. Microbiome Approach

The microbiome approach to treating ulcerative colitis focuses on modifying the composition and function of the gut microbiota to restore balance and reduce inflammation. Alterations in the gut microbiome are thought to play a significant role in the disease.

Results of studies suggest that combining probiotics and prebiotics as a treatment strategy can help manage symptoms and promote remission of ulcerative colitis.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. They are often used to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Certain strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus have been found to be beneficial in some studies, potentially by enhancing the gut barrier function and reducing inflammation.

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon. Essentially, they serve as food for probiotics and other beneficial bacteria, helping them to thrive.

Learn More About Microbiome Approach To Treating Ulcerative Colitis.

These are ulcerative colitis treatments, remedies, and care worth knowing about.