Ulcerative Colitis in Hattiesburg, MS

The specific reason for the development of ulcerative colitis is still unknown. However, we know some factors that consistently heighten the risk of ulcerative colitis and its related challenges.

• Genetics: An individual might inherit genes from one or both of their parents that increase the chance of developing ulcerative colitis.
• Immune system: It is presumed that viruses or internal bacteria could trigger the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. In the event that a virus or bacteria shows up in your digestive tract, the body enlists your immune system to defend against the intruder. Anytime this occurs, the body directs white blood cells to the colon, in which case those cells could attack healthy cells and tissue. As a result, your large intestine can become inflamed.

Are there risk factors for ulcerative colitis?

Some of the complicating factors associated with an elevated risk of ulcerative colitis include:

• Ethnicity or race: Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent appear to be at a higher chance of suffering from ulcerative colitis. However, the condition can affect any race.
• Age: Ulcerative colitis often presents prior to the age of 30.
• Family history: If a relative has ulcerative colitis, you have an increased chance of developing this disease.

What are the typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The majority of symptoms common to ulcerative colitis manifest gradually and can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis commonly include:

• Sudden weight loss
• Pain or drainage around or near the anus
• Sores in the mouth
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Pain in the rectum
• Diarrhea with pus or blood
• Constipation
• Bloody stool
• Loss of normal menstrual cycle
• Pain in the abdomen

If you ever become aware of blood in your stool, we urge you to reach out to your physician or another specialist in Hattiesburg, MS right away. You should see a gastroenterologist should you suffer from any of the above symptoms or a combination of symptoms on a persistent basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC can provide skilled care for ulcerative colitis and can help treat and manage these symptoms.

The ultimate objectives of ulcerative colitis treatments at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC are to control the inflammation that instigates your symptoms and then force the disorder into remission. Continuing treatment includes screening for cancer, as having ulcerative colitis positions you at greater risk for a diagnosis of colon cancer. The main aspects of ulcerative colitis treatments are listed below:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help destroy bacteria connected with causing the unusual immune system reflex that creates swelling. This is not a mainstay of therapy but might be used in collaboration with additional therapies.

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

Additional medications and supplements might be recommended to control and manage ulcerative colitis symptoms. These may include:

• Shots of vitamin B-12
• Iron supplementation
• Vitamin D and calcium supplements
• Anti-diarrheals

Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: These treatments help manage the body's abnormal immune response to viruses and bacteria. The immunosuppressant medications your Hattiesburg, MS gastroenterologist might prescribe include:

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

Diet and Nutrition: Your GI practitioner may recommend a unique diet to help reduce symptoms and induce remission.

Surgery: In severe situations, surgery may be required to excise a part of, or the complete, colon or rectum.