Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is one of the chronic bowel conditions against which no preventive measures are known. Particularly insidious: this condition affecting the large bowel often manifests in those affected from a young age and significantly impairs their quality of life. However, early diagnosis and targeted therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms. Our experienced doctors are available at all our locations to support you in managing ulcerative colitis.

A reliable diagnosis of ulcerative colitis requires several medical steps. These include a medical history and physical examinations such as endoscopy, which reveals the typical features of inflammation (such as mucosal swelling and bleeding).

In the course of the diagnostic process, other potential conditions that cause symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and diarrhoea must also be excluded. These include, amongst others, infections, malignancies, and irritable bowel syndrome. A biopsy may serve as an additional investigative measure.

The trigger for the immune cells that become periodically active is not yet known. However, the most common risk factors for the development of ulcerative colitis include:

• genetic predisposition (the bowel condition often presents in several members of the same family)
• disruptions to the gut microbiome
• a high-fat diet

The typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

• bloody and mucous diarrhoea
• pain in the lower abdomen and during defecation
• fever
• hepatic and biliary conditions
• rarely also: joint complaints and skin changes

At the centre of the successful treatment of your ulcerative colitis is targeted therapy. Depending on the severity of the bowel condition and individual patient preference, you have the choice between several effective measures.

The established measures carried out in hospital or by a specialist include:

• a stepwise treatment approach using various medications, taken during a flare or as prophylaxis
• in severe cases: surgical therapy, in which the inflamed tissue is removed. In the course of this, a pouch (artificial bowel outlet) may also be created in some cases

The measures offered by avi at your GP practice include:

• regular laboratory monitoring for iron and/or vitamin deficiency
• early detection of possible pouch inflammation
• complementary medicine approaches, including support of the gut microbiome through foods such as psyllium husk, turmeric, and pomegranate, as well as physical exercise, relaxation techniques, and acupuncture