Ulcerative colitis treatment is a reality for more than 1.6 million Americans who've been diagnosed with this condition. This form of inflammatory bowel disease is most often treated with medication, surgery and specific dieting strategies. Here, we'll review the three most common ulcerative colitis medications most often prescribed for long-term treatment plans. These medications help to reduce the inflammation that defines IBD, although each has a different way of doing so. With treatment, many colitis patients can live more comfortable, active lifestyles without suffering from their symptoms. Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with this disease? If so, read on to learn more about ulcerative colitis and these three important treatment options.
The top three medications for ulcerative colitis are anti-inflammatories, immune system suppressors and antidiarrheal medications. Many patients take a combination of these three types of drugs at some point during their treatments.
Several anti-inflammatories are used to alleviate the symptoms of UC. These include sulfasalazine, mesalamine and balsalazide.
The two most commonly prescribed immune system suppressors for ulcerative colitis are azathioprine and mercaptopurine. Both medications can cause serious side effects, so patients who use these medications must keep in touch with their doctors.
People who suffer from colitis often suffer from chronic diarrhea as a result of the inflammation in their digestive tracts. Over-the-counter Imodium may be sufficient for some patients, while doctors can also prescribe diphenoxylate for patients with more severe of persistent symptoms.
Ulcerative colitis is believed to be the result of an overactive or malfunctioning immune system. By suppressing the immune system, inflammation in the colon can subside and provide some relief from symptoms.
Doctors might also prescribe pain relievers, anti-depressants, antibotics and other medications for people with ulcerative colitis.
Getting properly treated for ulcerative colitis will reduce the chances of needing surgery. However, roughly half of all people who've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis will eventually need surgery to have all or part of their colon removed. Surgery might be done to relieve severe, chronic symptoms, or it might happen under emergency circumstances to prevent a life-threatening condition known as toxic megacolon.
People who've been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis are advised to eat mostly lean, bland foods that are low in fiber. These foods are the least likely to contribute to unpleasant symptoms. Taking medications that reduce inflammation in the digestive tract help the body to absorb more nutrients and prevent problems such as diarrhea and malnutrition.