Ulcerative Colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that occurs when the lining of your colon (large intestine), rectum, or both become inflamed. Often starting in the rectum and spreading to the colon, this inflammation leads to ulcers on the lining of your large intestine and causes rapid and frequent bowel movements.

Your immune system’s normal role is to fight bacteria and other germs that enter your body. When you have ulcerative colitis, the white blood cells that usually protect you from viruses like the common cold instead attack the lining of your colon by incorrectly identifying food and good gut bacteria as intruders.

There isn’t a known cause of UC, though doctors suspect genetics and environment may be possible risk factors. Food and stress don’t cause UC to develop, though they can trigger symptom flares.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms

Most patients living with ulcerative colitis experience mild to moderate symptoms. Some people experience continual symptoms, while others experience symptoms that come and go over periods of weeks or even years.

Common symptoms include:

• diarrhea, often with blood or pus
• weight loss
• abdominal pain and cramping
• rectal pain
• fatigue
• fever
• anemia

Several symptoms of ulcerative colitis mimic other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. Your provider will often order several tests to rule out other conditions before diagnosing ulcerative colitis.

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis

Though UC affects patients of all ages, it is often diagnosed when the patient is between 15 and 30 years old.

Tests commonly used to diagnose UC may include blood and stool testing, CT scan, endoscopy, biopsy, and colonoscopy.

If you are experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, please visit your provider to obtain a proper diagnosis. Though there is no cure for UC, medications can help reduce inflammation and get you on the path to living more comfortably.

How infusion therapy can help treat ulcerative colitis

Some patients with ulcerative colitis or other types of inflammatory bowel diseases receive infusions containing medication regularly, while others may receive infusions to replenish nutrients like iron or manage dehydration.

Infusion treatment directly administers medication via an infusion pump, which allows for rapid distribution into the patient’s system. Some patients may feel relief from symptoms by the end of their appointment.

The team at FlexCare Infusion Centers is committed to providing prescribed infusion therapy to our patients in a comfortable environment and convenient locations.

Get started with infusion therapy

If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, your provider can easily send us a referral if infusion therapy is part of your treatment plan. If you have any questions, you can also contact us directly. We look forward to helping you soon.