Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Cost
Ulcerative colitis is a condition within Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and can be concerning. At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we can help you diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis and manage symptoms in the long term.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease characterised by swelling (inflammation) and sores (ulcers) in all or parts of the large bowel, i.e the colon (upper part of the large bowel) and the rectum (lower part of the large bowel where stool is stored before elimination through the back passage).
Ulcerative colitis progression does not follow a linear path. Instead, it goes back and forth between flare-ups or relapses (when symptoms can be evident and worrisome) and remission (when symptoms are mild and sometimes non-existent).
An autoimmune disease causes the immune system’s function to backfire and attack the body’s healthy cells. Most of these diseases, including ulcerative colitis, cannot be completely cured. However, there are many effective treatment options for ulcerative colitis available to control the symptoms and extend periods of remission.
What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Common Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
- Abdominal (tummy) pain and cramping
- Diarrhoea unresponsive to over-the-counter medication, in many instances containing blood and/or slimy substances like pus or mucus
- Sensation of wanting to go to the toilet but being unable to pass stool. This is called tenesmus.
Some people also report experiencing unexplained and unexpected fatigue (tiredness), weight loss, loss of bowel control, and a loss of appetite.
Symptoms are more severe and can present across the body at the time of a flare-up. This includes joint pain, ulcers in the mouth, eye irritation, etc. These are called “extraintestinal symptoms.”
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
It’s crucial to rule out ulcerative colitis even though some symptoms might originate from other minor ailments. If you have been experiencing any of the listed symptoms frequently or for over a week, or are at a higher risk for the disease, we recommend that you consult a specialist at the earliest.
Some severe flare-ups of ulcerative colitis may require treatment at the hospital. The severe symptoms during these flare-ups can be managed effectively with timely medical intervention.
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
While the causes or triggers of autoimmune disease are still not fully understood, there are some known risk factors that may put you at a higher risk for ulcerative colitis, including:
- Genetics and family medical history: Individuals who have a close family relative diagnosed with ulcerative colitis are more likely to have it.
- Race or ethnicity: Studies have found that ulcerative colitis is more common among certain races and ethnicities.
- Malfunctioning immune system: At its root, ulcerative colitis is the result of a malfunctioning immune system, that attacks the large bowel’s healthy cells.
How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?
The doctor will listen attentively to your signs, symptoms, and medical history details, which is usually followed by a basic physical examination. General blood work and stool testing may also be performed to assess your overall health and check for bowel inflammation or infections.
Further investigation is conducted if the possibility of ulcerative colitis is suspected. These may include:
- Endoscopy: A thorough internal examination is conducted using a thin, flexible medical instrument with an attached camera (a colonoscope or a sigmoidoscope). If any abnormality is noticed, small pieces of your bowel may be extracted to be tested further in the lab. This is called biopsy.
- Imaging using CT/MRI scans or X-rays: Imaging allows the doctor to take a look at the bowel without an invasive physical examination.
What are the Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis?
Even though the cure for autoimmune diseases has not been discovered as of yet, there are several treatment options available for ulcerative colitis. Rather than aiming to completely cure the disease, the focus is on the effective management of ulcerative colitis symptoms and the extension of the remission period.
The major treatment option for ulcerative colitis is prescribed medication, but surgery may be considered at times.
1. Aminosalicylates or 5-ASAs
For mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, aminosalicylates are used. These are medications that effectively reduce inflammation, allowing your bowel tissue to heal faster. Generally, these are the first choice of treatment.
2. Corticosteroids
For more severe cases of ulcerative colitis, treatment options like corticosteroids might be necessary. These are stronger anti-inflammatory medications used only when milder options aren’t working. Remember, starting or stopping any medication should always be done under a doctor’s supervision.
3. Immunosuppressants
Another ulcerative colitis treatment option is the use of immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are used to treat autoimmune diseases by suppressing the immune system. These are usually consumed in tablet form. It is vital to keep an eye out for infections since they artificially suppress the body’s natural immune system.
4. Biological Medicines
Biological medicines suppress the immune system via a different mechanism of action. These are used to treat more severe cases of ulcerative colitis that did not respond to other treatment options. They can be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or administered via a drip into the vein (intravenously) at the hospital.
5. Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for ulcerative colitis treatment if:
- Non-surgical treatment options have failed
- Complications like bowel cancer
- High frequency of flare-ups is drastically reducing the quality of life
- We perform surgical management of ulcerative colitis, for example, open or minimally invasive Colectomy with/without pouch surgery (laparoscopic or robotic) removal of the colon and/or rectum, and also offer the J-Pouch procedure.
The doctor will have an in-depth discussion with you regarding the treatment options to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose the Leicester Bowel Clinic?
Book a consultation with us to get treatment for your condition..
At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.
Pricing
Consultations start at
£200
We look forward to assisting you!
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How serious is ulcerative colitis?
The severity of ulcerative colitis varies on a case-to-case basis. While some patients experience long periods of remission without major symptoms, others suffer from frequent flare-ups that result in a deterioriating quality of life. In any case, it is important to have a doctor assess your condition to make an informed decision for long term management.
02. Can you live a long life with ulcerative colitis?
With the right treatment, a patient diagnosed with ulcerative colitis can have a similar life expectancy compared to someone not diagnosed with it. However, timely diagnosis and medical intervention are crucial to avoid potential complications and have the best possible outcome for this condition.
03. What is the permanent treatment for ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that has no treatment option that entirely cures the condition, apart from complete removal of the colon and rectum (panproctocolectomy). Symptoms can be effectively managed using a range of treatment options that are available, ranging from dietary changes and medication to surgery.
04. Can stress cause ulcerative colitis?
Stress and anxiety do not directly cause ulcerative colitis. They can induce a flare-up or worsen the symptoms of a flare-up due to their effects on the body. Physical responses like hormonal changes and immune system activation can be triggered by stress and anxiety, which, in turn, cause the worsening of symptoms. Managing stress levels can be helpful in symptom management.
