Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the rectum and large intestine. There is no known cause for ulcerative colitis, but treatment is available to reduce the number of flare-ups a person experiences. Treatment options include self-care at home, drug therapy, surgical treatment and emergency treatment for flare-ups that cause severe vomiting or dehydration.
Home Care
The Physician's Desktop Reference lists several self-care measures that people with ulcerative colitis can take to ease their symptoms. During attacks of ulcerative colitis, there is a chance that dehydration or malnutrition can occur because of the loss of nutrients and fluid. Nausea may also cause people with this condition to avoid eating. However, people with ulcerative colitis should consume food and fluids to replace nutrients lost during an attack. Eat small, frequent meals that are high in protein and low in fiber. Bland foods may be the easiest to tolerate. Ulcerative colitis patients should avoid fruit juices, caffeine, alcohol and sweets. Lactose-intolerant patients should avoid products made with milk. Pain and discomfort can be relieved by soaking in a hot bath.
Drug Therapy
The National Institutes of Health lists several medications that may be used to decrease the number and severity of ulcerative colitis attacks. These drugs include mesalamine, azathioprine and infliximab. According to the mesalamine fact sheet from Drugs.com, mesalamine is a medication that works against a substance that causes inflammation and diarrhea. It's used to treat ulcerative colitis, as well as proctosigmoiditis and proctitis. The National Institutes of Health lists azathioprine as an immunosuppressant that weakens the immune system so that it does not attack body tissues. Infliximab also prevents the immune system from attacking healthy tissue. According to the National Institutes of Health fact sheet on infliximab, it is administered as an injection in cases of ulcerative colitis that have not responded well to other medications.
Surgical Treatment
Ulcerative colitis that does not respond well to other forms of treatment may cause serious complications. These complications include toxic megacolon, severe bleeding and colon perforation. The National Institutes of Health defines toxic megacolon as a rapid widening of part of the large intestine. This condition is a complication of intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis, and it's life-threatening. Surgery for toxic megacolon may involve a bowel resection or removal of the colon. A perforated colon is also a life-threatening condition that must be treated immediately to prevent further complications.
Emergency Treatment
According to the Physician's Desktop Reference, severe ulcerative colitis attacks may lead to vomiting. Excessive vomiting can lead to fluid or blood loss that cannot be managed in a home setting. Dehydration may be treated with intravenous fluids until someone with ulcerative colitis is able to drink normally. Fever and vomiting can also be signs of serious medical conditions that need surgical treatment on an emergency basis.
