Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes your colon or parts of it to become inflamed. In left-sided ulcerative colitis, inflammation occurs only on the left side of your colon. It’s also known as distal ulcerative colitis.

Inflammation stretches from your rectum to your splenic flexure in this form of ulcerative colitis. The name of the bend in the colon is the splenic flexure. It is on the left side of the abdomen.

Other types of ulcerative colitis are also included.

  • proctitis, in which inflammation is limited to the rectum
  • pancolitis, which causes inflammation throughout the whole colon

The more of your colon is affected, the more you experience symptoms.

Diarrhea is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Sometimes, your stool may also have streaks of blood.

If you have damage to your rectum, you can feel like you need to have a bowel movement. The amount of stool in the bathroom is usually small.

Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be found.

There can be serious damage to the colon if there is bloody stools. There is blood in your stool.

If you see blood in your stool, call your doctor. If there is more than a small amount of blood, you should seek emergency medical attention.

“Doctors don’t know what causes the disease. One theory is that it is due to an inflammatory disorder in your colon.”

It is believed that there are a number of factors that lead to ulcerative colitis. These include:

  • Genetics
  • Immune response abnormal
  • The microbiome.
  • Environmental factors can affect the environment.

Your doctor may identify the type of colitis you have with a procedure known as an endoscopy. In an endoscopy, they use lighted cameras to view the inner lining of your colon.

Your doctor can tell you the degree of inflammation.

  • redness
  • It is edema.
  • There are other problems in the lining of the colon.

Once your doctor has reached the point of the flexure, the lining of your colon will look normal.

Treatment recommendations for ulcerative colitis can change depending on how much of your colon is affected. However, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

5-ASA medication

5-ASA is a common treatment for ulcerative colitis.

5-ASA medications can be applied. They can help reduce inflammation in your colon.

5-ASA is also available as a suppository or enema. If you have left-sided ulcerative colitis, your doctor will likely prescribe an enema. A suppository wouldn’t reach enough of the affected area.

Oral corticosteroids

If your symptoms don’t respond to 5-ASA, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. They’re often successful when taken with 5-ASA medications.

Biologics and immunomodulators

If your symptoms are moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe a biologic drug. These are antibodies that target inactivate immune system proteins known to cause ulcerative colitis inflammation.

They can help prevent flareups.

The guidelines suggest that the following options are the most effective.

Another type of drug, known as immunomodulators, may also help. A doctor may prescribe these alongside other options. They include:

Long-term treatment can help reduce the risk of a flare and help reduce the need for steroid medication.

JAK inhibitors

The jaiK Inhibitors are small compounds that are broken down in the jaiK system. They are absorbed into the bloodstream.

They work by blocking pathways of inflammation in the body. They act faster than some other medications like It is a substance called thiopurine.s.

The FDA approved two JAK inhibitors for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

  • Tofacitinib is available in tablet form.
  • Upadacitinib is available in tablet form for the treatment of ulcerative colitis when one or more TNF blockers have been unsuccessful or poorly tolerated.

Hospitalization

In severe, rare instances, you may require hospitalization to treat your symptoms. If you’re hospitalized, you may receive intravenous (IV) steroids or other IV medications that can help stabilize your condition.

Your doctor may recommend removing part of your colon. If you have a small hole in your colon, or if you have severe bleeding, this is usually recommended.

More research needs to be done on the benefits of natural treatments and remedies for ulcerative colitis. But there are some options that may help you manage the condition.

These include:

Before starting any of these treatments, you should talk with your doctor to make sure they are safe and right for you.

This article is in Spanish.