Treatments and Medications

Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends mainly on the severity of the disease and usually includes medicines to control symptoms, such as diarrhea, and changes in diet. A few people have symptoms that are persistent and severe, in some cases requiring treatment with additional medicines or surgery.  Read More

Medicines usually are the treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis. They control or prevent inflammation in the intestines and help:

• Relieve symptoms.
• Promote healing of damaged tissues.
• Put the disease into remission and keep it from flaring up again.
• Postpone or prevent the need for surgery.
  Read More

Choosing the right foods can help control symptoms, which include crampy abdominal pain and severe diarrhea. It can take trial and error to find the food that works best for you, but these low-fiber, nondairy recipes may help.   View slideshow

• Why Food Affects Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

• Foods That Trigger Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

• Why a Food Diary Can Help

• What to Eat if You Have Ulcerative Colitis

  Read the latest news on inflammatory bowel disease

Even though there is little scientific proof that it works, many people with ulcerative colitis consider nontraditional or complementary medicine in addition to prescription medicines. They may turn to these alternatives because there is no complete cure other than removal of the colon.  Read More

Ulcerative colitis affects only the large intestine, so surgery that removes the entire large intestine can cure the disease. Some people who have ulcerative colitis in the entire colon (pancolitis) eventually need surgery to remove the colon.  Read More