Ulcerative Colitis Specialist
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GI Endoscopy Practice
Bharat Dasani, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Riverdale, NJ & Parsippany, NJ
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that causes inflammation of the lining of your large intestine. Though symptoms vary, ulcerative colitis can be debilitating. Bharat Dasani, MD, and the team at GI Endoscopy Practice in Riverdale and Parsippany, New Jersey, specialize in diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis, as well as Crohn’s disease. They work closely with you to develop a treatment plan aimed at putting your chronic condition in remission. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Ulcerative Colitis Q&A
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that involves the lining of the large intestine. People with ulcerative colitis develop sores or ulcers in the lining of their intestinal tissue.
The ulcerations may affect only portions of the large intestine, such as the rectum (proctitis), or the entire colon (pancolitis).
Ulcerative colitis affects all people and may develop at any age. However, it’s most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-30.
How is Crohn’s disease different from ulcerative colitis?
Crohn’s disease is also a type of inflammatory bowel disease. However, Crohn’s disease may affect any part of your digestive system, while ulcerative colitis only affects the large intestine.
Additionally, the inflammation and ulceration caused by Crohn's disease tend to affect the deeper layers of your gastrointestinal tissue.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis symptoms vary in type and severity and may come and go. Your symptoms may start gradually and worsen over time.
Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody stool
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Crohn’s disease symptoms are similar.
What can I expect during an evaluation of ulcerative colitis?
The team at GI Endoscopy Practice specializes in diagnosing and managing inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. They conduct comprehensive evaluations so you get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
During your evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms and medical and family history. Then they perform a physical exam.
To confirm or rule out ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, as well as assess the severity of your condition, the team may request a colonoscopy or an endoscopy.
A stool test, bloodwork, and urinalysis may also be needed.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
The team at GI Endoscopy Practice develops individualized treatment plans for ulcerative colitis based on the severity of your symptoms and ulcerations. Your treatment plan may include:
- Disease-specific anti-inflammatory medication
- Disease-modifying medications that suppress immune response
- Infliximab, an IV medication that blocks inflammation
When medications fail to improve your symptoms or ulcerative colitis causes severe damage, Dr. Dasani may recommend surgery to remove the entire colon and rectum. Surgical removal of your colon and rectum cures ulcerative colitis.
During the surgery, Dr. Dasani may create an ileostomy, a permanent opening in your abdomen where stool is collected in an attached bag. Alternatively, Dr. Dasani may create an internal pouch that allows you to expel stool normally.
To learn more about your treatment options for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, call GI Endoscopy Practice or book an appointment online today.
