Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an ongoing inflammation of the colon or large intestine. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but may also affect the entire colon. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis tend to come and go, with fairly long periods in between flare-ups. The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, and currently there is no cure, except through surgical removal of the colon.

Symptoms
About half of all patients with ulcerative colitis experience relatively mild symptoms. However, some may experience the following:

• Abdominal pain

• Bloody diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Rectal bleeding

• Loss of body fluids and nutrients

• Anemia caused by severe bleeding

Treatment
UK gastroenterology specialists have pioneered a new therapy for ulcerative colitis patients. A drug already used for other inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease has received FDA approval for treatment of ulcerative colitis. UK was the primary investigator on the drug’s clinical use.
New Treatment Promising For Ulcerative Colitis Sufferers

Experts at the multidisciplinary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic can diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis symptoms. The clinic allows patients to see a gastroenterologist and a surgeon in one visit, if needed. Specialists work together to offer patients the most up-to-date information on the latest diagnosis and treatment methods. Call 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874 for an appointment or view a list of our physicians.

Resources
Ulcerative colitis fact sheet – UK HealthCare
Ulcerative colitis – UK HealthCare health information
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America – www.ccfa.org

To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874.
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Page last updated Monday, March 26, 2007 4:07 PM