Types

Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:

1. Ulcerative proctitis: The inflammation is limited to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. This type of ulcerative colitis tends to be milder.

2. Sigmoidoproctitis: The inflammation involves the sigmoid colon and rectum (the lower end of the colon). Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, and an inability to have a bowel movement despite the urge to do so (tenesmus).

3. Left-sided colitis: The inflammation extends from the rectum to the sigmoid colon and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, left-sided abdominal pain and cramps, and unintentional weight loss.

4. Pancolitis: Pancolitis often affects the entire colon and causes bouts of bloody diarrhea, which can be severe, abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue, and significant weight loss.

5. Severe acute ulcerative colitis: This rare type of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, severe diarrhea, bleeding, fever, and an inability to eat.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis involves either medication or surgery.

Several classes of medications may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. The type of medication you take will depend on the severity and location of your disease. Medications that work for some people may not work for others, so it may take time to find a medication that works for you.

Treatment

4.1 Medication

4.1.1 Nicotine

4.1.2 Iron supplements

4.2 Surgical treatment

4.3 Leukopenia

4.4 Alternative medicine

Surgery often eliminates ulcerative colitis. However, this usually involves removing the entire colon and rectum (proctocolectomy).

In most cases, this involves performing an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis procedure. This procedure eliminates the need to wear a bag to collect stool. The surgeon creates a pouch from the end of the small intestine. This pouch is then connected directly to the anus, allowing you to pass stool relatively naturally.

In some cases, a pouch is not possible. Instead, surgeons create a permanent opening in the abdomen (ileal stoma) through which stool is passed and collected in an attached bag.

Blood and urine tests

EKG and X-rays for those over 40

Hair removal at the procedure site

Shower and thorough cleaning of the procedure site