Spotting the Red Flags
Understanding the signs of ulcerative colitis can help you seek treatment early and manage the condition better. To help, there's ENTYVIO (vedolizumab), a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Common Signs of Ulcerative Colitis
1. Abdominal Pain and Cramps
People with ulcerative colitis often feel pain in their stomach area. This pain may come and go and can be accompanied by cramping. It is usually worse before or during a bowel movement.
2. Diarrhea
One of the most common signs of ulcerative colitis is diarrhea. You may have frequent loose or watery stools, often more than three times a day. In some cases, there may be blood or mucus in the diarrhea.
3. Urgency to Have a Bowel Movement
You may feel a sudden and strong urge to go to the bathroom. This urgency can happen even when your bowels are empty, making it hard to control the urge.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness is common in people with ulcerative colitis. This can be due to not getting enough nutrients from food or losing blood through diarrhea.
5. Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is another sign of ulcerative colitis. This can happen if you are not eating enough or if your body is not absorbing nutrients properly.
6. Fever
Some people with ulcerative colitis may have a mild fever. This can happen during flare-ups when the inflammation in the colon is worse.
7. Loss of Appetite
Due to abdominal pain, diarrhea or feeling sick, you may not feel like eating. A loss of appetite can contribute to weight loss and fatigue.
8. Joint Pain
Some people with ulcerative colitis experience joint pain or swelling. This is because the condition can also affect the joints, leading to discomfort.
Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, various treatments can help manage the symptoms and reduce inflammation. Here are some common treatment options:
Medications
Many people with ulcerative colitis take medications to help control inflammation. Common types include:
- Aminosalicylates: These help reduce inflammation in the lining of the intestines.
- Corticosteroids: These are used to quickly reduce inflammation during flare-ups.
- Immunosuppressants: These help lower the immune system's response, reducing inflammation.
- Dietary changes: Some people find that certain foods trigger their symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help you identify these triggers. A healthcare provider may recommend a low-fiber diet during flare-ups to ease symptoms.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that can help improve gut health. They may help some people with ulcerative colitis manage their symptoms.
Biologics
These are newer medications that target specific parts of the immune system. They can be effective for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This can involve removing the colon (colectomy) and creating an opening in the abdomen for waste to leave the body.
ENTYVIO (Vedolizumab)
Vedolizumab is a medicine used to treat certain diseases that affect the intestines, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It works by helping to reduce inflammation in the gut. Vedolizumab is an injection that a doctor gives to patients. It helps the immune system not attack the intestines, which can make people feel better and help them have fewer symptoms. This medicine is usually used when other treatments haven't worked well.
Noticing the Signs
If you notice any signs of ulcerative colitis, it is essential to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Learn more about the symptoms of a gastric ulcer.