Ulcerative Colitis

Up to one million Americans have ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, with offices in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, provide individually tailored treatment of ulcerative colitis. With a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication, they can help you feel better. Call the nearest office today or book an appointment online to receive ulcerative colitis treatment.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes open sores (ulcers) in the lining of your colon (large intestine), resulting in diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.

Ulcerative colitis affects everyone differently. For some, the inflammation is mild and responds to conservative treatments. For others, it causes severe inflammation and requires surgery.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Skin rashes

As the disease gets worse, you might also develop a fever, experience joint pain, or have blood and mucus in your stools.

Who is at risk of getting ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis affects people of all backgrounds, but several things can increase your risk, including:

• Having family members with IBD
• Being age 15-30 or older than 60
• Eating a high-fat diet
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

You’re also more likely to have ulcerative colitis if you’re of Jewish descent.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, your Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Tell them when your symptoms started and if eating certain foods makes them worse.

Next, they order tests, including a stool sample and bloodwork. Your gastroenterologist might also request a colonoscopy –– a procedure that uses a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on its end) –– to check for polyps and other abnormal growths.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

There’s no cure for ulcerative colitis. However, a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can reduce inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and improve your quality of life. Depending on your age and health history, your gastroenterologist could prescribe:

• Aminosalicylates (to reduce inflammation)
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators (to calm an overactive immune system)
• Biologics (to help quiet your immune system)
• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

Surgery might be necessary if your symptoms continue or don’t improve with prescription medication. During ulcerative colitis surgery, your gastroenterologist removes part of your colon and/or rectum.

Call the nearest Gastrointestinal Specialist of Long Island office today to request treatment for ulcerative colitis, or click the online booking feature.