Ulcerative Colitis Treatment in Santa Ana, CA

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis involves ongoing inflammation and sores, or ulcers, forming along the colon's inner lining. Symptoms often develop gradually, intensifying over time without proper medical intervention. While the precise cause remains unknown, genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors like stress and diet may contribute to the condition.

Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms vary depending on inflammation severity and location within the colon, but typically include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Rectal bleeding and discomfort
• Persistent diarrhea, often containing blood or mucus
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Occasional constipation

Early identification and management of symptoms are crucial to minimizing complications and enhancing quality of life.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your initial visit, Dr. Chung will carefully review your medical history and symptoms. Diagnostic evaluations, such as colonoscopy, X-ray, CT scan, blood tests, and stool samples, help accurately diagnose ulcerative colitis and differentiate it from other similar conditions like Crohn’s disease.

Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis

While ulcerative colitis currently has no definitive cure, multiple treatments effectively manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups, allowing patients to maintain a comfortable and active lifestyle.

• Medication Management
  
  • Medication often serves as the first line of defense. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medications help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications.
• Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
  
  • Dietary management plays an essential role in symptom control. Dr. Chung may recommend limiting intake of fiber-rich foods, dairy products, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, while emphasizing hydration and balanced nutrition. Regular physical activity further supports symptom management and overall gastrointestinal health.
• Surgical Treatments
  
  • For severe cases or those unresponsive to medication, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery, typically a proctocolectomy (removal of the colon and rectum), offers permanent relief from symptoms, providing a long-term solution to ulcerative colitis.

Recovery and Long-term Management

Following surgery, Dr. Chung provides comprehensive aftercare instructions and ongoing monitoring. Recovery timelines vary, but with personalized postoperative care and lifestyle management strategies, patients can return to regular activities and experience lasting symptom relief.