Ulcerative Colitis in Baton Rouge, LA

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What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a part of a more expansive grouping of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The condition causes painful inflammation and ulcerations within the intestinal tract, most often the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis differs from Crohn's disease (the alternate type of IBD) as it is limited only to the colon. Crohn's disease, conversely, usually occurs near the end of the small bowel and at the beginning of the colon but can potentially involve any part of the GI tract all the way from the mouth to the anus. Also, ulcerative colitis only involves the colon's inner lining, while Crohn’s disease can impact the entirety of the intestinal wall.

Those who live with ulcerative colitis are commonly forced to bear uncomfortable gastrointestinal manifestations that interfere with their everyday lives. At Gastroenterology Associates, our board-certified gastrointestinal specialists routinely diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis and collaborate with people to assist in relieving its symptoms. To get help for ulcerative colitis in Baton Rouge, LA, please request a consultation at one of our several locations as soon as possible.

Are there different kinds of ulcerative colitis?

There are quite a few types of ulcerative colitis, which are typically organized by location. They include:

Ulcerative proctitis: The swelling of a person's colon is confined to the rectum and tends to be the mildest type of ulcerative colitis. A tell-tale sign of ulcerative proctitis is bleeding from the rectum.

Left-sided colitis: Swelling is more dispersed throughout the colon and can involve areas beyond the rectum but is confined to all or a portion of the sigmoid and descending colon. It often causes serious symptoms, including diarrhea containing blood and unintended weight loss.

Pancolitis: This type of ulcerative colitis is also known as extensive colitis and could impact the whole of the colon. Symptoms could include severe bloody diarrhea, extreme abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This is a rare type of ulcerative colitis that affects the entirety of the colon. Its symptoms may include severe pain and the loss of the ability to eat. This condition often demands hospitalization and comes with an increased chance of surgery.

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. However, we have identified some specific variables which consistently increase the onset of ulcerative colitis and its resulting symptoms.

  • Genetics: A person could inherit genetic material from their parents, which heightens the likelihood of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
  • Immune system: It is presumed that internal bacteria or viruses will trigger the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. When a virus or bacteria enters one's digestive tract, the body enlists your immune system to defend against the bacteria or virus. When this happens, your body directs white blood cells to the colon, where they then attack healthy tissue and cells. Because of this, your colon or large intestine becomes inflamed.

Are there risk factors for ulcerative colitis?

Some of the risk factors associated with ulcerative colitis may include:

  • Age: Ulcerative colitis usually develops before 30 years of age.
  • Race or ethnicity: People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and Caucasians appear to have a higher likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis, however, the condition can affect any race.
  • Family history: If a member of your family lives with ulcerative colitis, you may have a more pronounced risk of developing the disease.

The majority of symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis develop gradually, and may vary from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis often include:

  • Sudden loss of weight
  • Pain in the rectum
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Bloody diarrhea with pus
  • Cramps
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Bloody stool
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Pain or drainage near or around the anus
  • Normal menstrual cycle disruption

If you ever become aware of bloody stool, please contact your gastroenterologist in Baton Rouge, LA immediately. Additionally, you should see a gastroenterologist if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms or any combination of symptoms on a regular basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates are here to offer you skilled treatment for ulcerative colitis and can assist in the treatment and management of these concerns.

 

How do you treat ulcerative colitis?

The main goals of ulcerative colitis treatments at Gastroenterology Associates are to manage the swelling that activates your symptoms and then achieve remission of the disease. Continuing treatment includes regular cancer screenings, as having ulcerative colitis positions you at greater risk for later suffering from colon cancer. The main parts of ulcerative colitis treatments are as follows:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics have been shown to help destroy bacteria connected with causing the excessive immune system reaction that leads to inflammation. These are not a primary form of therapy but might be administered in conjunction with other therapies.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medications used to treat ulcerative colitis are oral 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids help decrease swelling in the body and may be administered in conjunction with immune system suppressants. Oral 5-aminosalicylates can also work to reduce inflammation in your body.

Additional medications and supplements may be suggested to help ulcerative colitis difficulties. These could include:

  • Vitamin D and calcium supplements
  • Iron supplementation
  • Vitamin B-12 shots
  • Anti-diarrheals

Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These therapies address the body’s irregular immune response to bacteria and viruses. Common immunosuppressant drugs suggested for ulcerative colitis include:

  • Adalimumab
  • Vedolizumab
  • Ustekinumab
  • Certolizumab
  • Azathioprine
  • Infliximab
  • Methotrexate
  • Tofacitinib
  • Natalizumab

Diet and Nutrition: Your GI doctor may recommend a special food plan to assist in the relief of symptoms and induce remission.

Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery might be needed to take out a part of, or the whole, colon or rectum.

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Can my ulcerative colitis be cured?

Presently, no cure exists for this condition. Medicine can manage ulcerative colitis and any symptoms, but it cannot cure your condition. Medication may be able to help you achieve and remaining in disease remission.

Was my ulcerative colitis caused by my diet?

A connection between food and the immediate cause of this GI disease hasn’t been determined. Certain diets have been linked to an increase in the risk of getting the condition. This often includes diets consisting of foods high in refined carbs, fats, and sugar and foods low in fiber, fruits, and veggies.

Who is qualified to diagnose ulcerative colitis?

Your symptoms will likely send you to your family doctor. If your physician suspects you may have ulcerative colitis, they should suggest you see a GI specialists, like those at Gastroenterology Associates. It is helpful to visit a provider that is an expert in GI health.

What can help me stay in remission from ulcerative colitis?

If you’ve reached remission, you will likely want to do anything you can to remain in remission. Some things to remember while you’re in remission include:

  • Your stress level: Your stress may lead to your symptoms coming back. A good sleep, exercising regularly, and working on your stress management can minimize your chances of further symptoms.
  • Medications: If you have fever or pain, you should need to use acetaminophen like Tylenol® rather than an NSAID (Motrin® or Advil®) because acetaminophen is less likely to exacerbate symptoms. Speak with your GI provider for more information.
  • Change in Medication: If you notice any of your current meds are resulting in GI issues, please inform our team. We may be able to swap it out for something less likely to result in a flare-up.

Find help for ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis can impact your overall enjoyment of life and digestive well-being. With experienced treatment, however, you can manage the condition and better your quality of life. Regardless of if you are noticing symptoms for the first time or controlling ulcerative colitis regression post-remission, the GI doctors at Gastroenterology Associates can offer you personalized treatment options to help you find relief. To connect with a physician who offers care for ulcerative colitis in Baton Rouge, LA, get in touch with a location near you today.

Dr Nelson explained my situation and recommendations to me in easy to understand terms and clear guidance with his medical opinion. I highly recommend him.

B.D. Google

Dr. Walsh is a great guy and an awesome physician. Highly recommend!

L.D. Google

Great Doctor great staff. Thanks

C.M. Google

Very thorough and caring. Highly recommend!

D.A. Google

We moved to Baton Rouge just 2 years ago and have seen Dr. Chauvin since. He’s been the most personable doctor I’ve seen! He’s professional, caring and the main thing (in my opinion) is...he listens. I would highly recommend Dr. Chauvin for your gastrointestinal needs! He’s great!

J.E. Google

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