Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas

Personalized Care for Chronic Colon Inflammation

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It may cause recurring diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, bowel urgency, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Symptoms can alternate between periods of active inflammation, known as flares, and periods of remission.

Dr. Gregory L. Shannon is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving patients in Sugar Land, Texas. He provides comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment, and long-term monitoring for ulcerative colitis and related digestive conditions. Contact Dr. Shannon’s office for an appointment today!

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation occurs in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum and can cause the development of sores or ulcers. This can lead to the formation of pus, frequent bowel movements, and diarrhea.

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unclear; however, some of the factors include:

• Immune system abnormalities: It may be an autoimmune condition in which the immune system functions abnormally by considering the gut bacteria and the cells in the lining of the colon as foreign particles and attacks and destroys them.
• Genetic factors: As ulcerative colitis tends to run in families, there may be a hereditary component.
• Environmental factors: This includes factors such as smoking, bacteria, air pollution, and poor hygiene.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Some of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Recurrent diarrhea with bloody stools
• Rectal pain
• Mucus in stool
• Dehydration
• Anemia
• Frequent defecation

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

Types of ulcerative colitis vary based on the different areas in the colon and include:

• Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation in the lower end of the colon (sigmoid) and rectum.
• Pancolitis: The whole colon area is inflamed with sores resulting in bloody diarrhea.
• Ulcerative proctitis: Inflammation at the end of the rectum.
• Acute severe ulcerative colitis: Rarest and life-threatening form of colitis that affects the entire colon, resulting in severe pain and bleeding.
• Left-sided colitis: Inflammation occurs in the descending colon and the left side of the sigmoid.

Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis

Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. Based on the symptoms, diagnostic tests will be ordered that include:

• Stool examination: The stool is examined for any color change or blood cells and the presence of bacteria or parasites to see if infection is present. It also helps to evaluate the presence of elevated calprotectin, a protein present due to intestinal inflammation.
• X-rays: X-rays of the abdomen can help detect serious complications such as colon perforations.
• Blood test: A blood draw to determine the presence of anemia, check C-reactive protein levels that determine inflammation, and check liver function.
• Colonoscopy: A thin flexible light tube with a camera attached to its end will be inserted inside your rectum to view your colon, and a biopsy (sample of tissue) will be taken for further examination under a microscope.
• CT scan: This is a specialized X-ray technique that produces clear images of the abdomen and pelvis.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A slender tube with a light and camera at one end is inserted into the last portion of the colon to examine the sigmoid and the rectum.
• Barium enema X-ray: This test involves injecting liquid barium into the colon through the rectum. As X-rays do not pass through barium, the outline of the colon can only be visualized in the images.

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment for ulcerative colitis is mainly focused on relieving symptoms and preventing further eruption of the disease. Based on the type and severity of the condition, treatment may include:

• Diet: You will be instructed to follow a balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables, proteins, nutrients, and vitamins.
• Medications: Your doctor will prescribe some medications that include:
  • Anti-inflammatory medication: To reduce inflammation and control symptoms, corticosteroids are prescribed in case nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are found to be ineffective, but these are only prescribed for a short duration until symptoms are controlled.
  • Antibiotics: These medications treat bacterial infections and heal the sores.
  • Immunomodulatory drugs: These medications suppress the immune response and prevent inflammation.
  • Biologics: These are made from proteins present in living cells and include antitumor necrosis agents that help control inflammation mediated by the immune system. This is mainly used in patients with severe ulcerative colitis.
  • Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat diarrhea.

You may require hospitalization to manage complications of ulcerative colitis such as severe bleeding, dehydration, and colon perforation.

• Surgery: If medications are found to be ineffective, surgery is recommended and may include:
  • Colectomy: The entire colon or a part of it is surgically removed.
  • Proctocolectomy: The entire colon and rectum are excised.
  • Ileostomy: Your surgeon will make a small incision in the abdomen, and the end of the small intestine is connected to a pouch that collects intestinal waste.
  • Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: An opening will be created at the end of the small intestine that is attached to the anus to collect stool.

Prevention of Ulcerative Colitis

Preventive measures include:

• Drinking water in small amounts regularly
• Limiting consumption of food with high fiber content
• Avoiding eating fatty foods
• Reducing milk consumption
• Eating small meals
• Avoiding stress
• Regular exercise

Why Choose Dr. Gregory L. Shannon for Ulcerative Colitis?

Individualized Care for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis can affect different portions of the colon and range from mild inflammation to severe, extensive disease. Dr. Gregory L. Shannon provides personalized gastroenterology care based on the location and severity of inflammation, current symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health.

His approach includes evaluating disease activity, developing an appropriate treatment plan, and monitoring for anemia, nutritional concerns, medication-related effects, and colorectal complications. Treatment is intended to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, promote healing of the colon, and maintain remission.

Patients Can Expect:

• Comprehensive evaluation of possible ulcerative colitis symptoms
• Colonoscopy, biopsy, and laboratory testing when appropriate
• Personalized medication management based on disease severity
• Monitoring of inflammation and response to treatment
• Evaluation for anemia, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies
• Guidance on diet and managing symptoms during flares
• Long-term colorectal cancer surveillance when indicated
• Coordination with colorectal surgeons or other specialists when necessary

Ulcerative Colitis – FAQs

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause is unknown. Research suggests that the condition involves an abnormal immune response in people with genetic susceptibility, potentially influenced by environmental factors. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by a particular food, stress, or poor hygiene.

What are the common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramping, bowel urgency, mucus in the stool, fatigue, fever, anemia, and unintended weight loss. The specific symptoms depend partly on how much of the colon is inflamed and how active the disease is.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally involves blood and stool tests to check for inflammation, anemia, and infection. Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy with tissue biopsy is commonly used to examine the colon, confirm inflammation, and distinguish ulcerative colitis from other conditions.

Is ulcerative colitis the same as Crohn’s disease?

No. Both are inflammatory bowel diseases, but ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum and primarily involves the innermost lining. Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere along the digestive tract and may extend through deeper layers of the intestinal wall.

Can ulcerative colitis be cured?

Medication cannot currently cure ulcerative colitis, but appropriate treatment can control inflammation and help patients achieve and maintain remission. Surgical removal of the colon and rectum eliminates colitis in those organs, although surgery involves important long-term considerations.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Treatment may include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids for short-term management of certain flares, immunomodulators, biologic therapies, or targeted oral medications. Treatment selection depends on the location and severity of disease, previous response, and individual health needs.

Do people with ulcerative colitis need a special diet?

No single diet is appropriate for every patient. Certain foods may worsen symptoms during a flare without causing the underlying inflammation. Dietary recommendations should be individualized to maintain adequate calories and nutrients while accounting for personal food tolerance.

Does ulcerative colitis increase colorectal cancer risk?

Long-standing ulcerative colitis involving a substantial portion of the colon can increase colorectal cancer risk. The risk generally rises with disease duration and extent. Regular surveillance colonoscopy may be recommended to identify precancerous changes at an early stage.

When might surgery be needed for ulcerative colitis?

Surgery may be considered when medication does not adequately control the disease or when complications such as severe bleeding, perforation, toxic megacolon, precancerous changes, or colorectal cancer develop. The procedure typically involves removing the colon and rectum.

When does ulcerative colitis require urgent medical care?

Seek prompt medical attention for frequent bloody bowel movements, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a markedly swollen abdomen, persistent vomiting, high fever, fainting, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or signs of severe dehydration. These symptoms may indicate acute severe colitis, toxic megacolon, perforation, or significant blood loss.

Take the Next Step in Managing Ulcerative Colitis

Diagnosis, Treatment & Long-Term Gastroenterology Care

Whether you have symptoms that require evaluation, an established ulcerative colitis diagnosis, or concerns about a possible flare, Dr. Shannon can provide individualized treatment and ongoing monitoring. Contact his office in Sugar Land, Texas, for an appointment today.