Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis Medication is just one of many options to treat UC. By Ingrid StrauchMedically Reviewed by Ira Daniel Breite, MD Reviewed: July 11, 2022 Medically Reviewed Medications, surgery, and alternative therapies can help, and more are on the way.Getty Images; Stocksy; Shutterstock; Canva Optimal Per MedlinePlus, the goals of treatment for Treating acute attacksInducing remissionProlonging disease remissions Editor' s Picks Your Total-Body Ulcerative Colitis Check-In How much is ulcerative colitis impacting your life? Are your treatment and diet plans working for you? Here’s how to check in before your next checkup with your doctor.… Learn More Drug Therapy for Ulcerative ColitisMost drugs prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis work by suppressing the inflammation in your colon. This allows the lining of your colon to heal and reduces the severity of symptoms such as diarrhea and Typically, your doctor will prescribe one or more of the following drugs. Aminosalicylates These drugs are used to treat disease flares, and can help prevent future flares when taken as maintenance therapy. Because they work directly in the digestive system, aminosalicylates have a relatively low risk of negatively affecting other areas of the body. Corticosteroids Also known simply as steroids, Biologics Small molecules are chemical compounds taken orally that also work on the immune system, but act differently from biologics. These drugs are used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Immunomodulators are a second-line drug for treating ulcerative colitis. These drugs limit inflammation at its source in the immune system. Other types of drugs your doctor may prescribe include: Pain relievers Your doctor may recommend Iron supplements Taking supplemental iron may be necessary if you have chronic intestinal bleeding, since Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis can be cured through surgery to remove the entire colon, but this course of treatment shouldn’t be taken unless it’s medically necessary. Disease that doesn’t respond to multiple types of drug therapySevere complications, like toxic colitis, a ruptured colon, or extensive bleedingAbnormal cells, or dysplasia, in the colon, which puts you at high risk for Editor' s Picks Trust Your Gut: Regaining Control and Confidence With IBD Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can complicate your day-to-day, but you don't have to let it slow you down — use these strategies to keep living your life to the fullest.… Learn More Home Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis A number of lifestyle measures can help control ulcerative colitis symptoms and reduce the stress of living with this chronic condition. Check with your doctor before trying any of the following approaches to managing your disease. Eat small, frequent meals. Compared with eating three large meals each day, this lowers the likelihood of abdominal discomfort after eating. It also noted that patients taking the anti-inflammatory drug Mind-body practices Regularly engaging in meditation, tai chi, or Alternative Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis Given the lack of a cure for ulcerative colitis and the difficulty of living with the disease, researchers continue to look for more and better treatments. Why exactly it works remains unknown. A review published in October 2020 in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found several studies indicating that This ancient Chinese practice can reduce stress and pain, and may be especially helpful in combination with your regular treatment. Additional reporting by Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking What Is Ulcerative Colitis? Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Ulcerative Colitis Managing Your Ulcerative Colitis on Vacation Having UC doesn’t mean you can’t travel the world — here’s how to do it.By Blake MillerAugust 17, 2022 Love and Dating With Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis doesn’t have to affect your love life — use these tips to feel more confident in your relationship.By Colleen de BellefondsAugust 17, 2022 ​​Summer Travel Tips for Those With Ulcerative Colitis Summer travel with ulcerative colitis doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to help your trip go smoothly.By Rachel Dyckman, RDNAugust 15, 2022 IBD-Friendly Produce to Eat This Summer Just because you have IBD doesn’t mean you have to avoid tasty, fresh summer produce. Here are some IBD-friendly options to try this summer.By Rachel Dyckman, RDNAugust 10, 2022 How to Thrive With Ulcerative Colitis This SummerBy Rachel Dyckman, RDNJuly 13, 2022 5 Summer BBQ Swaps for People With Ulcerative Colitis These simple food substitutions can help you manage ulcerative colitis symptoms while still enjoying summer BBQs.By Rachel Dyckman, RDNJuly 8, 2022 7 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis-Related Stress Strategies such as acupuncture, meditation, and hypnotherapy can help ease your stress and potentially ward off a flare-up of UC symptoms.By Colleen de BellefondsJune 30, 2022 The Best Vegetables to Eat for Ulcerative Colitis What to eat, what to avoid, and how to prep vegetables for a happy gut.By Marygrace TaylorMarch 3, 2022 6 Things That Can Happen if Your Ulcerative Colitis Isn’t Treated Managing ulcerative colitis is critical for both your quality of life and your health. Discover what can happen if your ulcerative colitis is undertreated...By Elizabeth YunMarch 3, 2022 Should You Go Gluten Free if You Have Ulcerative Colitis? Cutting gluten out of your diet — even if you haven’t been diagnosed with celiac disease — may help improve your symptoms.By Marygrace TaylorAugust 18, 2021 MORE IN What Is Diverticulitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Qigong and Tai Chi to Help Chronic Pain Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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