Ulcerative colitis
Alternative Names
Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitisPrevention
Because the cause is unknown, prevention is also unknown.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may make symptoms worse.
Due to the risk of colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis, screening with colonoscopy is recommended.
The American Cancer Society recommends having your first screening:
- 8 years after you are diagnosed with severe disease, or when most of or the entire large intestine is involved
- 12 - 15 years after diagnosis when only the left side of the large intestine is involved
Have follow-up examinations every 1 - 2 years.
References
Graham L. AGA Reviews the Use of Corticosteroids, Immunomodulators, and Infliximab in IBD. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:410-412.
Moyer MS. Chronic ulcerative colitis in childhood. J Pediatr. 2006;148:325.
Langan RC. Ulcerative colitis: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:1323-30.
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