Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the innermost lining of the large intestine or colon. It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside Crohn’s disease. Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is often confused with IBD, ulcerative colitis involves physical changes in the bowel.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

• Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation limited to the rectum.
• Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation affecting the rectum and sigmoid colon.
• Left-sided Colitis: Inflammation extending from the rectum up the left side of the colon.
• Pancolitis: Inflammation affecting the entire colon.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and stomach cramps
• Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss and malnutrition in severe cases
• Urgency to defecate
• Fatigue and fever

Causes The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system mistakenly attacks the colon’s lining, causing inflammation and tissue damage.

Diagnosis Diagnosis typically involves:

• Colonoscopy: A gastroenterologist examines the colon and takes tissue biopsies.
• Pathology: A specialist confirms the diagnosis and distinguishes it from other conditions like Crohn’s disease, infectious colitis, and ischemic colitis.

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle and Diet: Avoid processed foods and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen). Opt for a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safer pain relief option.
• Medications:
  • Mild Cases: Treated with oral or rectal mesalamine.
  • Moderate to Severe Cases: Treated with biologic agents such as infliximab, adalimumab (targeting TNF), vedolizumab (targeting integrins), tofacitinib (a Janus kinase inhibitor), and ustekinumab (an anti-interleukin).

Risk Factors

• Family history of ulcerative colitis
• Ethnicity (more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent)
• Age (usually diagnosed before age 30)
• Environmental factors such as diet and stress

Why Choose Redding Gastro Care?

At Redding Gastro Care, Dr. Paramvir Singh and his team specialize in diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis. As a leading stomach specialist and gastroenterologist in Redding, CA, Dr. Singh offers personalized care to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact Redding Gastro Care today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paramvir Singh.

Phone: +1-5302431166
Address: 2632 Edith Avenue, Suite B, Redding, CA 96001

Take the first step towards better health with Redding Gastro Care.`