Ulcerative Colitis Q & A

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a part of a family of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This family of conditions causes a long-term (chronic) inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to difficult symptoms and significant complications.

Ulcerative colitis affects the lower part of the digestive tract, the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) on the inner most layer of the intestinal wall. These sores are often bloody and filled with pus, which is often seen in stool with a bowel movement.

Symptoms usually begin gradually, and worsen over time. Long-term treatment of this condition is essential, as the complications can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

When Dr. Rubin evaluates you for the possible diagnosis of UC, he will obtain a thorough health history and perform a physical exam. He will consider ulcerative colitis as a diagnosis if you have the following symptoms:

• Cramping abdominal pain
• Frequent diarrhea (several episodes a day)
• Blood or pus in stool
• Rectal pain
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Unable to have a bowel movement, despite feeling urgency

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed and treated?

In order to confirm a suspected diagnosis of UC, Dr. Rubin will order a series of tests, which he will perform either from his office or from a specialized endoscopy center.

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• CT or MRI
• Colonoscopy
• X-rays

The degree to which your colon and rectum are affected by ulcerative colitis, and any complications that have happened as result, will determine the course of treatment that Dr. Rubin will recommend.

Medications

A series of medications that may allow for significant improvement of symptoms. These medications may include a combination of immunosuppressant drugs, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics.

Dr. Rubin understands that this condition is a difficult one for his patient. With his 30 years of experience treating gastrointestinal conditions, he has become an expert at giving knowledgeable and compassionate long-term care for his patients with ulcerative colitis.

To include Dr. Moshe Rubin in the care and long-term treatment of your ulcerative colitis, call or book an appointment online today.