Diarrhea? Abdominal pain? And rectal bleeding? It might be colitis. Colitis is a chronic disease that refers to inflammation of the lining of your large intestine. It can be caused by various factors, which include infections, autoimmune reactions, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you have questions about colitis, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness. You will get to consult with the best gastroenterologist that can help you with your condition. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/.

The medical options for treating your colitis, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which aims to manage your symptoms, maintain remission, and improve your overall quality of life. Treatment plans are often tailored based on the specific type and severity of your colitis. Common medical options can include:

• Anti-Inflammatory medications
  • Aminosalicylates — These drugs, such as mesalamine or sulfasalazine, can help reduce inflammation in your colon.

• Corticosteroids — Is used to control the inflammation during flare-ups. However, long-term use is usually avoided because of its potential side effects.

• Immunomodulators — Medications like azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate can suppress your immune system to reduce the inflammation.

• Biologics — Targeted therapies like infliximab, adalimumab, or vedolizumab that specifically prevent certain molecules involved in the inflammatory process.

• JAK inhibitors — Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, are some of the newer medications that can help balance your immune response.

• Antibiotics — Used to address bacterial overgrowth or infections that may occur in or around the inflamed areas.

• Symptom management medications — Drugs like antidiarrheals, anti-spasmodics, or pain relievers to manage your symptoms.

• Probiotics — You may find relief with probiotics, which may help balance your gut bacteria.

• Nutritional therapy — In some cases, you may need dietary modifications or exclusive enteral nutrition.

• Surgery — In severe cases or when medications are not effective, surgical options like colectomy (removal of part or all of your colon) may be considered.

The choice of your treatments will depend on several factors like the type of your colitis, the extent of inflammation, and your response to medications. It’s important that if you have colitis you should work closely with your gastroenterologist or healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan and to regularly monitor your condition.

If you or your loved one have signs and symptoms for colitis, have them/yourself checked. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Gastroenterology Center’s best gastro doctors in Brooklyn. If you are looking for treatments, you can also talk to our specialists and inquire with them. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690.