Ulcerative Colitis in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is just one condition of a group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis results in irritating inflammation and ulcerations inside the intestinal system, usually the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is distinct from Crohn's disease (the other type of IBD), as it is limited to the colon. Crohn's disease, alternately, is typically experienced at the end of the small bowel and beginning of one's colon, but can potentially involve any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. Also, ulcerative colitis involves only the inner lining of the colon, while Crohn’s disease could affect the whole of the bowel wall.
Patients who have the challenges of suffering from ulcerative colitis often experience uncomfortable GI symptoms, which interfere with their everyday lives. At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, our board-certified gastroenterologists routinely identify and treat ulcerative colitis, and create working relationships with individuals to assist in providing a reprieve from its symptoms. If you need help with ulcerative colitis in Dallas, TX, please contact our team today to find a GI specialist in your area.
Are there different kinds of ulcerative colitis?
Several unique varieties of ulcerative colitis exist that are typically differentiated by location:
- Ulcerative proctitis: The swelling of the colon is isolated to the rectum and is usually the mildest variety of ulcerative colitis. A tell-tale sign of the presence of ulcerative proctitis is rectal bleeding.
- Left-sided colitis: Swelling is more dispersed throughout the colon and might involve more than the rectum, but is limited to all or part of the sigmoid and descending colon. It commonly causes serious symptoms, some of which could include diarrhea containing blood and unplanned weight loss.
- Pancolitis: This condition is known also as extensive colitis and may affect the entire colon. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, extreme abdominal pain, and tiredness.
- Acute severe ulcerative colitis: This is a less common variety of ulcerative colitis that affects the entirety of the colon. Its symptoms can include severe pain and the loss of the ability to eat. The condition often requires hospitalization and comes with an increased risk of surgery.
What is the cause of ulcerative colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis continues to be unidentified. However, we know some variables that appear to raise the chance of the onset of ulcerative colitis and its related challenges.
- Genetics: An individual can inherit genes from their parents, which elevate your likelihood of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
- Immune system: It is likely that internal bacteria or viruses could trigger the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. When a virus or bacteria becomes present in your digestive tract, the body initiates your immune system to fight the bacteria or virus. Any time this takes place, the body releases white blood cells to the colon in which case those cells then attack non-problematic cells and tissue. Because of this your colon, or large intestine becomes inflamed.
Risk factors for ulcerative colitis
A few of the dangerous factors related to suffering from ulcerative colitis may include:
- Family history: If a member of your family has ulcerative colitis, you have a higher chance of suffering from the disease.
- Age: Ulcerative colitis most commonly develops prior to the age of 30.
- Race or ethnicity: Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent appear to be at higher chance of suffering from ulcerative colitis, regardless it may impact any race.
What are the typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
The majority of symptoms common to ulcerative colitis tend to appear gradually, and may vary from subtle to overwhelming. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis commonly include:
- Sudden loss of weight
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Bloody diarrhea with pus
- Normal menstrual cycle disruption
- Pain in the abdomen
- Rectal pain
- Mouth sores
- Bloody stool
- Fever
- Pain or drainage around or near the anus
Should you ever notice blood in your stool, we implore you contact your physician or a specialist in Dallas, TX at once. A gastroenterologist should be seen any time you suffer from any of the afore mentioned symptoms or any combination of symptoms on a persistent basis. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can provide skilled treatment for ulcerative colitis and can assist in the treatment and management of these problems.
How do you treat ulcerative colitis?
The primary intentions of ulcerative colitis treatments at Digestive Health Associates of Texas are to manage the inflammation that instigates the symptoms and subsequently enter into remission of the disease. Additional treatment includes but is not limited to screening for cancer, as having ulcerative colitis puts you at greater risk for developing colon cancer. The primary categories of ulcerative colitis treatments are as follows:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help eliminate bacteria connected to causing the abnormal immune system response that leads to inflammation. This is not a mainstay of treatment but might be utilized in conjunction with alternate treatments.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis are oral 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids. Corticosteroids assist in the reduction of inflammation in your body and can be administered in conjunction with immune system suppressors. Oral 5-aminosalicylates can also work to reduce swelling in the body.
- Additional supplements and medications: Additional supplements and medications could be recommended to help control and manage ulcerative colitis difficulties. These could include:
- Shots of vitamin B-12
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Iron supplements
- Anti-diarrheals
- Long-term anti-inflammatory therapies: This type of therapy addresses our body’s unusual immune reaction to viruses and bacteria. The immunosuppressant meds your Dallas, TX gastroenterologist could prescribe include:
- infliximab
- methotrexate
- vedolizumab
- azathioprine
- natalizumab
- adalimumab
- tofacitinib
- ustekinumab
- certolizumab
- Diet and nutrition: Your GI specialist may recommend a specific nutrition plan to assist in the relief of symptoms and initiate remission.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention could be required to remove a part of, or the whole, rectum or colon.
Find help for ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis has the ability to affect your overarching comfort and digestive well-being. With experienced treatment, however, you can take charge of the situation and better your quality of life. No matter if you are suffering from the initial symptoms of or management of ulcerative colitis flare-ups post-remission, the network of gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can provide you with personalized treatment choices to help you find a reprieve. To locate an ulcerative colitis provider in or around Dallas, TX, do not hesitate to contact our team as soon as possible.
Reviews
Dr. Harry Sarles, Dr. Chris Romine, and staff are the best gastroenterologist around. They treat you with ease & passion. I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for years, and thought I was going to die, but Sarles & Chris got me on the right medication. I couldn’t eat, leave the house, staying sick, hurt extremely bad, and in the bathroom every hour of the day. Now I’m able to do much of whatever I want with no issues at this time. To me they are my Angels 😇 wether they know it, or not. I can’t thank them enough for saving me from a horrible life i was living! This is not the only colon doctor I’ve had, but I will tell you with a 100% that they are the very best to me, and would not use any other. If your having any colon issues, etc., please go see them in Rockwall, Texas!!!! YOU WIL BE GLAD YOU DID! If I could, I would give 10 stars. Thanks Dr. Sarles & Dr. Chris 👍🏻
It’s my first time…and I’m very happy with the consultation. Dr. Lyles listened to every single concern I had and he had a response to each one of my concerns. He listens very carefully to his patients and explains in details about the procedures he highly recommends or best fits your situation.
I have been a patient of Dr. Brown’s for five years and he is an awesome doctor! Everyone in his office from the billing department to the nurses are super nice and easy to work with. I used to be terrified of colonoscopies and did everything I could to avoid them, but I have now had two in the past few years. Dr. Brown works with you to prescribe a prep that is easy for you and provides sedation that knocks you out which makes the whole process easier. He listens to your concerns and makes a plan that works best for your needs. He advised for me to take Atrantil for my ulcerative colitis and for the first time in over ten years my ulcerative colitis is completely controlled and I don’t have to take pricey prescription medications. He is a great doctor and I love his PA Meagan. She is very knowledgeable and sweet as well! I would recommend Dr. Brown to everyone!
Dr Lyle and his staff are wonderful! They are kind, they listen intently, and truly care about you.
Dr. Alvarez is a skillful, highly competent physician, and I’m totally confident in relying on her to guide me in managing my chronic conditions. She listens carefully and is kind and compassionate. My appointments always provide ample time with her, and she’ll discuss treatment ideas and options with me. My highest recommendation.
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