If you’ve been diagnosed with colitis, chances are you’re looking for effective treatment options. Your best option for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis may be a 5-ASA, either as an enema or suppository. If things don’t improve in approximately four weeks, your doctor might advise taking 5-ASA capsules/tablets. In severe cases, doctors may advise surgery. Read on to learn about colitis treatment and gain a better understanding of how various options work.
Treatment of colitis
Let’s look at some treatment choices your doctor may opt for.
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Anti-Inflammatory medications
Usually, 5-aminosalicylates, such as Sulfasalazine, Mesalamine, Balsalazide, and Olsalazine, are the first line of treatment. The affected colon region determines the choice and mode of administration (oral, enema, or suppository).
Medical practitioners may prescribe corticosteroids, such as Budesonide and Prednisone when other treatments are ineffective for a moderate-to-severe case. However, doctors do not recommend corticosteroids for a prolonged period because of potential side effects.
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Immune System Suppressors
Combining biologics with common immunosuppressants for inflammatory bowel disease, such as Mercaptopurine and Azathioprine, is common practice. A person must go for regular blood tests to track side effects.
Although Cyclosporine carries the risk of severe side effects and medical practitioners do not advise its usage for the long term, it is ideal for situations where other medications are ineffective.
Doctors also prescribe “small molecule” medications such as Tofacitinib, Upadacitinib, and Ozanimod. However, the USFDA has recently issued warnings about increased risks, like cancer and cardiac ailments, associated with Tofacitinib.
TNF inhibitors neutralise immune system proteins; examples of these include Golimumab, Adalimumab, and Infliximab. They are also known as biologics, and in severe cases, they are not responsive to or intolerant of other treatments.
When other treatments are ineffective or intolerable for someone with ulcerative colitis, medical practitioners may consider Vedolizumab, which inhibits inflammatory cells.
Due to possible side effects like an enlarged colon (i.e., toxic megacolon), medical practitioners prescribe anti-diarrhoeal medicines, like Loperamide, with caution.
Acetaminophen may help relieve mild pain, but Diclofenac Sodium, Naproxen Sodium, and Ibuprofen may make symptoms worse.
For cramp relief, doctors may opt for antispasmodics. Iron supplements may work for a person diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia, where chronic intestinal bleeding is the cause.
Conclusion
Managing colitis necessitates a customised strategy integrating medication, diagnostic tests, and imaging. It’s a methodical approach to efficient management. This medical journey makes it clear how important investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan is. As a safety net, health insurance helps cover a major portion of the costs associated with colitis treatment. It ensures that you concentrate on your well-being and completes the picture of holistic care. You’re not just managing colitis when you have the correct insurance; you’re confidently facing the future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.