Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Florida Digestive Specialists
Gastroenterologists located in St. Petersburg, FL
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes ongoing inflammation in the colon and rectum. It can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and fatigue that interfere with daily life.
At Florida Digestive Specialists, our experienced gastroenterology team provides thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve remission and reduce future flares. We specialize in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care and offer advanced therapies with ongoing support.
To schedule an appointment, call our St. Petersburg office or book online.
~900,000 Americans live with UC¹
Up to 20% require hospitalization during severe flares²
Up to ~18% risk of colorectal cancer after 30 years³
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of your colon and rectum.
Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of your digestive tract, ulcerative colitis only affects your large intestine. The inflammation typically begins in your rectum and spreads continuously through your colon, rather than occurring in patches.
Ulcerative colitis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon. Over time, this chronic inflammation damages the tissue and causes ulcers to form.
The disease progresses through alternating periods of flares, when symptoms are active, and remission, when you experience few or no symptoms. During flares, you may experience diarrhea with blood or pus, abdominal cramping, rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements, and fatigue.
Left untreated, ulcerative colitis increases your risk of colon cancer and can lead to serious complications like severe bleeding, perforation, or toxic megacolon.
Understanding UC Complications
Colon Cancer Risk
People with UC have a higher risk of colon cancer compared to the general population. This risk increases with disease duration and extent. Regular colonoscopies every 1-2 years after 8-10 years of disease help detect precancerous changes early.
Severe Bleeding
Ulcers in your colon lining can bleed significantly during severe flares, potentially leading to anemia or requiring blood transfusions in extreme cases.
Toxic Megacolon
A rare but life-threatening complication where your colon becomes severely dilated and is unable to function. This requires emergency medical care and often surgery.
Common Symptoms:
- Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal bleeding and urgency
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Fever during active flares
When should I seek treatment for ulcerative colitis?
You should schedule an appointment with Florida Digestive Specialists if you experience persistent changes in bowel habits, especially diarrhea that lasts more than a week or blood in your stool.
Many people delay seeking care because they assume their symptoms will improve on their own. However, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications and damage to your colon. Warning signs that need medical attention include abdominal pain that disrupts daily activities, unintended weight loss, or symptoms that wake you at night.
Your risk of developing ulcerative colitis increases if you have a family history of IBD, though the condition can affect anyone. You should also seek evaluation if you’re between the ages of 15-30 or 50-70, as these are the most common age ranges for diagnosis.
What should I expect during ulcerative colitis diagnosis and treatment?
At your appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and family history, then perform a physical exam. Blood tests can show signs of inflammation or anemia, and stool tests help rule out infections that may cause similar symptoms.
A colonoscopy is the main test used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. It allows your doctor to look directly at your colon lining and take small tissue samples to confirm the diagnosis.
If you’re diagnosed, treatment focuses on calming inflammation, achieving remission, and preventing future flares. Many people begin with anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms are more severe or don’t improve, your doctor may recommend immune-modifying drugs, biologics, or JAK inhibitors to better control inflammation and support healing.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis or need expert IBD management, call Florida Digestive Specialists or book an appointment online.