Ulcerative Colitis Specialist
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Premier Gastroenterology
M. Rodwan Hiba, M.D.
Gastroenterologist located in Brooksville, FL
Ulcerative colitis may affect anyone at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-30 years. Since it’s a chronic disease that gets progressively worse over the years, you need the experienced care provided by M. Rodwan Hiba, MD, at Premier Gastroenterology. Dr. Hiba specializes in treating ulcerative colitis, helping you keep the disease in remission and stay symptom-free as long as possible. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Brooksville, Florida, or use the online booking feature today.
Ulcerative Colitis Q & A
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is one of the two conditions collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease. This condition occurs when your immune system attacks the lining of your rectum and colon (large intestine). As a result, inflammation and ulcers develop.
Though ulcerative colitis usually begins in the rectum, it spreads into the colon. Eventually, it can damage your entire colon.
What symptoms occur if I have ulcerative colitis?
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis usually develop gradually, though they can suddenly appear. After your first bout of symptoms, ulcerative colitis cycles through periods of remission and flare-ups.
During a flare, you have symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in your stools
- Constant urge to have a bowel movement
- Bowel movements during the night
- Loss of bowel control
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Fatigue
You may also feel like you haven’t emptied your rectum after having a bowel movement.
Does ulcerative colitis cause complications?
Over time, ulcerative colitis puts you at risk of complications such as:
- Higher risk of developing colon cancer
- Perforated colon
- Severe rectal bleeding
- Rapidly swelling colon
- Bile duct disease
- Severe dehydration
- Anemia
The corticosteroids used to treat ulcerative colitis also increase your chances of developing osteoporosis.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
In addition to your physical exam and blood tests, Dr. Hiba may recommend a CT scan to visualize the inflammation or a colonoscopy to examine the damage to your intestine and take biopsies.
Ulcerative colitis treatment falls into two primary categories, medications and surgery.
Medications
Prescription medications are the primary treatment for ulcerative colitis. Because these medications form such an important part of your treatment plan, Premier Gastroenterology works with medication partners to obtain the medicine you need with minimal cost to you.
In addition to anti-diarrheal medication, the first line of treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. Dr. Hiba may also prescribe immune system suppressors or biologics.
Biologics are for people with severe symptoms and who don’t improve with or can’t tolerate other treatments. These highly specialized medications target immune system proteins that cause inflammation.
Surgery
Surgery can eliminate your ulcerative colitis, permanently curing the disease. However, surgery is not a decision to make lightly because it involves removing your colon and rectum.
Don’t wait to get treatment for ulcerative colitis. At the first sign of symptoms, call Premier Gastroenterology or book an appointment online today.
