Living with Ulcerative Colitis: From Symptom Management to Preventing Flares and Complications

gastrochddrsandeep
Nov 10
4 min read

By Dr. Sandeep Pal — Gastroenterologist & Endoscopy Specialist in Chandigarh

📍 Address: SCO 26, First Floor, Sector 33-D, Chandigarh📞 Phone: 098777 06034 | 🌐 Website: www.drsandeeppal.com

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes painful ulcers, persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.

While it’s a lifelong condition, proper treatment and lifestyle management can help you live a full, active life — and prevent serious complications.

If you’re experiencing frequent bowel issues or blood in stool, visiting an experienced Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh like Dr. Sandeep Pal can help you get the right diagnosis through colonoscopy and other investigations.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

Although the exact cause is unknown, UC develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the colon. Some contributing factors include:

Genetics: Family history of IBD increases your risk.
Immune Dysfunction: Abnormal immune response leading to inflammation
Environmental Triggers: Poor diet, pollution, and stress can worsen symptoms.
Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Disruption of healthy gut bacteria can aggravate inflammation.

Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Recognizing symptoms early is crucial to prevent flares:

Persistent diarrhea (often with blood or mucus)
Abdominal cramps and pain
Urgent bowel movements
Weight loss and fatigue
Fever during flare-ups

If you experience these signs, consult Dr. Sandeep Pal, a leading IBD and liver specialist in Chandigarh, for an evaluation.

Diagnosis: The Role of Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is the gold standard test for diagnosing and monitoring ulcerative colitis.It allows your doctor to:

Visually inspect inflammation and ulcers in the colon
Take biopsies for confirmation
Monitor healing during treatment

Regular surveillance colonoscopy is essential to detect complications like colon cancer in long-term UC patients.

Managing Ulcerative Colitis: From Medication to Lifestyle

Managing UC involves a multi-pronged approach focusing on both symptom control and flare prevention.

1. Medication Management

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Such as mesalamine to control inflammation.
Immunosuppressants: To reduce immune overactivity.
Biologic Therapies: Targeted medications that block inflammation at its source.

2. Dietary Adjustments

Avoid trigger foods like caffeine, spicy food, and high-fat meals.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Stay hydrated — dehydration worsens symptoms.
A low-residue diet during flares can ease bowel movements.

3. Stress Reduction

Stress doesn’t cause UC, but it can trigger flares. Try yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.

4. Regular Follow-Ups and Colonoscopy

Frequent medical checkups ensure your medication is effective and help in early detection of complications.

Preventing Flares and Complications

Ulcerative colitis, when not managed properly, can lead to severe bleeding, colon perforation, and increased colon cancer risk.Here’s how to stay ahead:

✅ Stick to prescribed medicines even when you feel better.✅ Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition.✅ Quit smoking and limit alcohol.✅ Monitor changes in bowel habits and report them promptly.✅ Schedule periodic colonoscopy tests in Chandigarh for early detection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ulcerative colitis?It’s a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, causing ulcers and diarrhea.

2. Can ulcerative colitis be cured permanently?There’s no complete cure, but long-term remission is achievable with proper treatment.

3. How is UC diagnosed?Through colonoscopy, stool tests, and biopsy to check for inflammation.

4. Can stress worsen UC symptoms?Yes, stress can trigger or intensify flare-ups.

5. How often should I get a colonoscopy for UC?Usually every 1–3 years depending on disease duration and severity.

6. What foods should I avoid with ulcerative colitis?Limit dairy, high-fat, spicy, and processed foods.

7. Is UC the same as Crohn’s disease?No, UC affects only the colon, while Crohn’s can impact any part of the digestive tract.

8. Does UC increase the risk of colon cancer?Yes, long-standing UC can raise this risk — hence regular colonoscopies are vital.

9. Can exercise help in ulcerative colitis?Moderate exercise reduces stress and improves gut function.

10. Are biologics safe for UC treatment?Yes, under specialist supervision, biologic therapies are highly effective and safe.

11. Can ulcerative colitis affect liver function?Yes, UC may be linked with liver inflammation (primary sclerosing cholangitis).

12. Is colonoscopy painful?No, it’s performed under sedation, and you won’t feel discomfort.

13. Can I live a normal life with UC?Absolutely. With correct management and follow-ups, most people lead healthy lives.

14. What triggers UC flare-ups?Common triggers include infections, stress, poor diet, and missing medications.

15. Where can I get ulcerative colitis treatment in Chandigarh?You can visit Dr. Sandeep Pal, one of the best Gastroenterologists in Chandigarh, for comprehensive UC care.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical help if you notice:

Severe abdominal pain
Bloody stools
Unexplained weight loss
High fever with diarrhea

At Dr. Sandeep Pal’s Gastro and Liver Clinic, patients receive personalized treatment plans combining IBD medication management, nutrition counseling, and regular colonoscopy monitoring to maintain long-term remission.

About Dr. Sandeep Pal

Dr. Sandeep Pal is a trusted Gastroenterologist and Liver Specialist in Chandigarh, specializing in digestive, liver, and inflammatory bowel diseases. His clinic is equipped for endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, providing accurate diagnosis and effective long-term care.

📍 Address: SCO 26, First Floor, Sector 33-D, Chandigarh📞 Phone: 098777 06034🌐 Website: www.drsandeeppal.com