Ulcerative Colitis Needs Specialized Treatment

By PETER GOTT

Dear Dr. Gott: Can you give me some advice about ulcerative colitis? I have had this condition for 25 years. I have seen several doctors and taken lots of medication over the years and had to quit my job because of it. My doctor insists it is caused by bacteria, but I was wondering if it could be caused by allergies.

Dear Reader: Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the colon and rectum. It causes ulcers in the intestinal lining and inflammation. The ulcers form where the swelling has killed the lining cells, causing bleeding and pus. The inflammation can also cause diarrhea.

UC affects men and women equally. It can occur at any age but generally starts between ages 15 and 30, appears to run in families and is more common in Caucasians and those of Jewish descent.

Treatment consists of medication (corticosteroids, high-strength anti-inflammatories and immunodulators), hospitalization (for severe symptoms causing dehydration) and surgery. Surgery is a final, and often necessary, option for severe disease. Up to 40 percent of UC sufferers will have to have part or all of the colon removed because of massive bleeding, rupture or because medications don’t work or endanger the patient’s life (because of side effects and allergic reactions). Surgery may also be necessary because of the risk of cancer. Nearly 5 percent of UC patients will develop colon cancer. Studies are currently being done on how the immune system works and to develop new and more specific therapies.

I urge you to follow the advice of a gastroenterologist. This type of doctor specializes in disorders of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. He or she will be up to date on the newest medications, procedures and treatment options.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

Originally published by PETER GOTT Newspaper Enterprise Association.

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