Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Offered by Doctors at Mercy in Baltimore

Ulcerative colitis, one of the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, can cause extreme pain and discomfort that can be debilitating for some people. Our doctors at The Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases at Mercy in Baltimore are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Patients from across the Mid-Atlantic region turn to Mercy doctors for their experience and expertise in managing ulcerative colitis.

 

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment - Dr. Matilda Hagan - Mercy

Mercy gastroenterologist Dr. Matilda Hagan discusses diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Learn more at mdmercy.com.
About Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the large intestine. The inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis is located in one continuous portion of the intestine. The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown though it can be hereditary. Ulcerative colitis also is thought to be the result of the intestine’s immune system malfunctioning, which causes chronic inflammation.

Ulcerative colitis can affect both men and women and can occur at any age; however, ulcerative colitis most likely occurs between the ages of 15 to 30 or 50 to 70. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a high risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Ulcerative colitis symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramping
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Blood in stool
  • Ulcers
  • Reduced appetite
  • Weight loss

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, a colonoscopy with biopsy often is conducted. Other tests for diagnosing ulcerative colitis can include:

Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment options for ulcerative colitis can include:

  • Drug therapy – such as such as infliximab, also known as Remicade, biologic agents, immunomodulators, steroids, and mesalamine products
  • Colectomy – can be curative if the ulcerative colitis patient becomes unresponsive to medications
The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.