Ulcerative Colitis in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a part of a more expansive grouping of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The condition causes irritating, swelling and ulcerations inside one's gastrointestinal (GI) tract, usually the colon. Ulcerative colitis is distinct from Crohn's disease (the other type of IBD) because it is limited only to the colon. Crohn's disease, alternately, is typically experienced at the end of the small intestine and at the beginning of one's colon, but can potentially affect any portion of the gastrointestinal system from the anus to the mouth. In addition, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon's inner lining, while Crohn’s disease may impact the whole of the bowel wall.
People who have the challenges of suffering with ulcerative colitis many times deal with uncomfortable gastrointestinal troubles that interfere with their everyday lives. At Arizona Digestive Health, our board-certified gastroenterologists regularly diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis, and create working relationships with individuals to assist in providing relief from its symptoms. If you are seeding help for ulcerative colitis in Phoenix, AZ, we implore you to contact our office as soon as possible.
Are there multiple types of ulcerative colitis?
There exist quite a few varying types of ulcerative colitis, which are usually classified by anatomy:
Ulcerative proctitis: The swelling of the colon is contained within the rectum and is typically the least severe type of ulcerative colitis. A common indication of the presence of ulcerative proctitis is rectal bleeding.
Left-sided colitis: Swelling is more dispersed through more of the colon and could affect areas beyond than the rectum, but is limited to all or part of the sigmoid and descending colon. It usually causes troubling symptoms, some of which could include diarrhea containing blood and unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis: This type of ulcerative colitis is known also as extensive colitis and may involve the entire colon. Symptoms can include extreme diarrhea containing blood, extreme pain in the abdomen, and fatigue.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This is a rare variety of ulcerative colitis which affects the entire colon. Its symptoms might include severe pain and the loss of ability to eat. This condition often requires hospitalization and holds an increased likelihood of surgery.
What is the cause of ulcerative colitis?
The specific cause of ulcerative colitis is still unidentified. However, we know some variables which consistently predict the manifestation of ulcerative colitis and its resulting challenges.
- Genetics: An individual might inherit genetic material from their parents that increase one's chance of developing ulcerative colitis.
- Immune system: It is commonly accepted that viruses or internal bacteria will trigger the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. Any time bacteria or a virus enters your digestive tract, the body initiates your immune system to defend against the virus or bacteria. When this happens, the body releases white blood cells to the colon where they end up attacking non-problematic tissue and cells. Due to this, your colon or large intestine becomes inflamed.
Are there risk factors for ulcerative colitis?
Some of the risk factors related to suffering from ulcerative colitis may include:
- Ethnicity or race: People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and Caucasians are at a higher chance of suffering from ulcerative colitis; still, the condition can affect any ethnicity.
- Family history: If a member of your family has ulcerative colitis, you have an increased likelihood of suffering from this disease.
- Age: Ulcerative colitis typically presents prior to the age of 30.
What are typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Many symptoms related to ulcerative colitis develop slowly and range from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically include:
- Pain or drainage around or near the anus
- Bloody stool
- Bloody diarrhea with pus
- Sudden loss of weight
- Mouth sores
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal pain
- Normal menstrual cycle disruption
- Cramps in the stomach
- Fever
In the event you ever see blood in your stool, please contact your doctor or a specialist in Phoenix, AZ right away. You should see a gastroenterologist if you become aware of any of the aforementioned symptoms or any combination of symptoms on a persistent basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Arizona Digestive Health offer skilled treatment for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these symptoms.
How do you treat ulcerative colitis?
The main objectives of ulcerative colitis treatments at Arizona Digestive Health are to control the inflammation that initiates your symptoms and thereby enter into remission of the condition. Ongoing treatment includes regular cancer screenings, as suffering from ulcerative colitis positions you at an elevated risk for a diagnosis of colon cancer. The primary categories of ulcerative colitis treatments are listed below:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics have been shown to assist in the destruction of bacteria connected with causing the unusual immune system reaction that proceeds to swelling. These are not a primary form of treatment but may be utilized in coordination with additional therapies.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medications utilized to manage ulcerative colitis are corticosteroids and oral 5-aminosalicylates. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of inflammation in your body and can be prescribed along with immune system suppressors. Oral 5-aminosalicylates are also useful in the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Additional medications and supplements could be recommended to help ulcerative colitis difficulties. These could include:
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Iron supplements
- Vitamin B-12 shots
- Anti-diarrheals
Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: This type of therapy addresses our body’s irregular immune response to bacteria and viruses. The immunosuppressant drugs your Phoenix, AZ gastroenterologist might prescribe include:
- Methotrexate
- Natalizumab
- Azathioprine
- Infliximab
- Certolizumab
- Adalimumab
- Ustekinumab
- Tofacitinib
- Vedolizumab
Nutrition and diet: Your gastrointestinal doctor may suggest a special diet to help relieve symptoms and jumpstart remission.
Surgery: In extreme situations, surgical intervention might be needed to take out a portion of, or the complete, rectum or colon.
Ulcerative Colitis FAQs
Can my ulcerative colitis improve?
Presently, there is no cure for this condition. Medication can, however, be used to manage ulcerative colitis and its symptoms. While it will not resolve the condition, medication therapy can aid you in reaching and remaining in disease remission.
Does diet cause ulcerative colitis?
A connection between diet as a direct cause of this GI disorder has not been detected. However, certain dietary factors may be related to a higher risk of getting the condition. This includes eating foods high in refined carbs, fats, and sugar and those low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
Who can diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis?
Your symptoms will possibly cause you to visit your family doctor. If your doctor suspects ulcerative colitis, they will most likely refer you to a gastroenterologist, like those at Arizona Digestive Health. When digestive issues like ulcerative colitis arise, it is helpful to consult a physician who focuses on the GI system.
Will anything help me stay in remission?
If you have obtained remission for ulcerative colitis, you will likely do anything you can to remain symptom-free. Factors to remember while you are in remission include:
- Stress: Stress can cause your symptoms to come back. Quality sleep, regular exercise, and stress management might reduce your chance of recurring symptoms.
- Change in Medication: If your current medication seems to trigger GI issues, please get in touch with our team. We could potentially swap it out for something less likely to cause a flare-up.
- Medications: If you have pain or fever, you might consider taking acetaminophen such as Tylenol® instead of an NSAID like Motrin® or Advil®, as acetaminophen is less likely to ignite your symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
Find help for ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis can take a toll on your overall enjoyment of life and digestive well-being. With specialized care, however, you can control the situation and improve your quality of life. Regardless of whether or not you are suffering from the very first symptoms or managing ulcerative colitis issues post-remission, the GI providers at Arizona Digestive Health can offer you individualized treatment options to assist you in finding a reprieve. To connect with a provider who offers treatment for ulcerative colitis in Phoenix, AZ, please contact our practice as soon as possible.
Reviews
The whole staff was very friendly and made you feel comfortable.Dr. Volcano answered all my questions and explained everything so I understood . I am very relaxed knowing I will be in good hands.
Dr Trivedi put my ulcerative colitis in a complete remission!! I’m also a physician and recommend anyone with IBD see him
I saw Dr. Stein today as a new patient with Ulcerative Colitis. He was very kind, supportive, and answered every single one of my questions without running out of the room. I feel very positive about his care and actually feel somewhat hopeful about getting my condition under control for the first time.
I was referred to Dr. Umar for a 2nd opinion, as I wanted another perspective regarding my ulcerative colitis treatment. Dr. Umar quickly got my UC under control and ensured that his staff touched bases with me regularly to keep my UC in remission. His instructions are always clear, and the team around him that assists his patients are top notch. I even referred my wife to him and she is also very pleased!
This was my second colonoscopy with Dr. Mokhashi. While he is a great doctor, I was a bit disappointed at my last visit. After I had woken from anesthesia, I was met with the nurse who stayed with me while I got ready to leave. What I am not happy about, is they had me leave the “room” I was in and sit in a chair located in the hall. I had to wait for Dr. Mokhashi to come out and discuss my results. I felt this was not the place to discuss my results. Out in the open where everyone around could hear. I felt I could not have the private discussion I wanted with the Dr. due to not having the privacy. I was also very upset about being told my prep was poor. I did everything I was told to do. It made me feel like I had failed. Now I have to go back in a year for another colonoscopy due to not being “cleaned” out enough. I do not feel I was treated as well as I was the first time. They were awesome then. I feel the personal care was not up to par. I still have questions that I was not able to ask being sat in a hall.
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