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Ulcerative colitis
Health and Nutrition > Diseases >
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Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP
What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
In rare cases, life-threatening bleeding, perforation of the intestine, and inflammation of the abdominal cavity may occur.
Malnutrition.
Inflammation of joints, eyes, and skin.
The risk of colon cancer and rectal cancer begins to rise after 10 years of ulcerative colitis.
When the disease is active, it is often treated with tablets. When the disease is in remission, the treatment often continues in order to suppress the inflammation.
Medical treatment is usually sufficient.
If the disease cannot be controlled by medical treatment, it can be cured by surgical removal of the large intestine.
Severe cases may require hospitalisation.
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Enemas and suppositories are used for mild to moderate symptoms in the rectum. Tablets are used for moderate to severe symptoms and more extensive disease. Hospital admission and injections of corticosteorids are required for very severe symptoms and extensive disease.
Aminosalicylates, as tablets, enemas or suppositories. These are anti-inflammatory medicines for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms. They can also be used continuously to prevent attacks.
Immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine are used for very severe symptoms that cannot be controlled by corticosteroids (unlicensed indication).
Ulcerative colitis (Contd)
Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP
What are the complications of ulcerative colitis?
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
Which medicines can be used?
Future prospects
The disease can often be controlled by medical treatment. Surgical treatment may become necessary. In these cases, the disease is cured by a removal of some or all of the large intestine.
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