Ulcerative Colitis

An estimated 750,000 Americans live with ulcerative colitis and need high-quality medical care to manage their symptoms. At Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., diagnostic testing services like colonoscopy are available to confirm ulcerative colitis. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the medical team also provide various services, including medications and surgery, to prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Call the office in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to schedule a consultation for ulcerative colitis or request an appointment online today.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While closely related to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis only affects the innermost lining of your colon rather than the entire bowel wall. The disease causes ulcers to form on the lining of your colon, which can bleed and produce mucus.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically develop between ages 15 and 30. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis isn’t well understood, but abnormalities in your immune system can play a role.

Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. provides comprehensive services to treat existing symptoms of ulcerative colitis and prevent complications the condition can cause.

When should I seek medical attention for ulcerative colitis?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. if you experience symptoms of ulcerative colitis like:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of appetite

You may notice certain triggers worsen your symptoms, such as eating certain foods or because of stress.

The Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. medical team can diagnose ulcerative colitis during a physical exam and endoscopic procedures like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. During either test, the providers take a tissue sample from your colon for further testing.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Your treatment plan for ulcerative colitis depends on the extent of the disease and the severity of your symptoms.

The Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. providers typically use a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to prevent new symptom flare-ups. You may need to limit dairy products and other foods to control your symptoms and incorporate more fiber into your diet to improve your digestive health.

Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and drinking plenty of water can also keep ulcerative colitis under control.

If these strategies aren’t working well, your provider may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend surgery. Surgery is usually a last-resort option because it involves the removal of your entire colon and rectum. Your physician discusses your options for surgery so you can make the most informed decision about your long-term health.

Call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of ulcerative colitis, or book an appointment online today.