CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE COLON AND RECTUM
Ulcerative Colitis
A chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum causing bloody diarrhoea, urgency, abdominal pain and weight loss. Managed with specialist long-term care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the lining of the colon and rectum becomes inflamed and develops small ulcers. Inflammation always involves the rectum and may extend continuously upwards through the colon. Typical features include bloody diarrhoea, urgency to pass stool, lower abdominal pain and cramping, passage of mucus, weight loss, tiredness and reduced appetite. Some patients also develop joint, skin, eye or liver problems. The disease follows a pattern of flare-ups and remission throughout life, and severity ranges from mild to severe. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy and biological therapy in selected cases. Unlike Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis can be cured by surgical removal of the colon in carefully selected patients. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation, co-management with gastroenterology and long-term medical care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals
- Family history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Environmental and dietary triggers
- Altered gut bacteria
- Stress and infections may worsen flare-ups but are not direct causes
- Onset most common in young adults
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Colonoscopy with biopsies, blood and stool tests
Always involves the rectum, extending continuously upwards
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy and surgery in selected cases
May need hospital admission with intravenous therapy
Long-standing disease increases colon cancer risk — regular colonoscopy advised
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with specialist gastroenterology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Care with Long-Term Monitoring
The most effective approach combines specialist gastroenterology input with long-term medical management, regular colonoscopic surveillance for cancer risk, and surgical referral for severe disease unresponsive to medical therapy. Most patients achieve good control with structured care.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient, arranges blood and stool tests and refers for colonoscopy and specialist evaluation.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with gastroenterology, with strategies for flare-ups, maintenance and surveillance.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support and management of complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with monitoring of disease activity, regular colonoscopic surveillance and quality-of-life support.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
Specific anti-inflammatory medication is the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Immune-Modifying Therapy
Immune-modifying medication is used for moderate to severe disease and steroid-dependent patients.
Biological Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for gastroenterology)
Biological therapy is used for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis under specialist care.
Surgery in Selected Cases (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Surgical removal of the colon may be considered for severe disease unresponsive to medical therapy and is potentially curative.
Regular Colonoscopic Surveillance
Long-standing ulcerative colitis increases colon cancer risk, and regular colonoscopic surveillance is advised.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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