How is ulcerative colitis treated?
Treatment can include drug therapy, dietary modifications and/or surgery. Though treatments cannot cure ulcerative colitis, they can help most people lead normal lives. It is important for you to seek treatment as soon as you start having symptoms. If you have severe diarrhea and bleeding, hospitalization may be necessary to prevent or treat dehydration, reduce your symptoms and ensure that you receive proper nutrition. Medications Several medications, including 5-aminosalicylic drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents and antibiotics, are used to reduce inflammation of the bowel tissue, allowing it to heal and relieve symptoms. • 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Sulfasalazine is one of the treatments for ulcerative colitis. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to sulfa before taking this medication since it contains sulfa. He or she can prescribe a sulfa-free 5-ASA. • Corticosteroids. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used when 5-ASA is ineffective. Corticosteroids are al
