How might ulcerative colitis develop over time?

Written by: Dr John Martin
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that affects one’s bowel habits and bowel movement frequency, and is thought to occur as a result of our own immune system attacking bacteria in the colon, leading to inflammation.

 

Here to explain how patients with ulcerative colitis can monitor the condition, and what treatment options are available, is highly esteemed gastroenterologist and endoscopist, Dr John Martin.

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The causes are not entirely known, but there are certain factors that are important. The most accepted theory is an abnormal immune response to bacteria in the colon. In ulcerative colitis, the immune system responds to the bacteria, which eventually leads to inflammation of the colon. Genetic factors can also increase an individual’s chances of suffering from ulcerative colitis.

 

What lifestyle changes do you advise a patient with ulcerative colitis to make?

There isn't actually very much that patients need to do necessarily in terms of monitoring their lifestyle. It is sometimes advised that patients (in some cases) avoid refined foods

 

How can patients expect the condition to develop over time?

It is a chronic condition, and is quite variable. Some patients will have troublesome problems, whilst others will only experience a manageable attack every once in a while. There are certain factors that predict a difficult outcome. Patients who have an early onset of ulcerative colitis often have more trouble in the future compared to patients who develop it later in life.

 

How can patients track their symptoms to monitor the condition?

It really is a matter of looking out for the early signs. The classic symptoms include diarrhoea, blood in the stool, as well as abdominal pain prior to going to the toilet. It is important that patients identify these symptoms early, so that adequate medication can be distributed.

 

What treatment options are available for patients with ulcerative colitis?

Anti-inflammatory drugs are highly effective when it comes to treating ulcerative colitis. A course of steroids may be given to the patient if anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective.

 

There are also a variety of effective biological therapies that have become available over the last 10 to 15 years. These try to dampen down the immune response. These can either be given through injections or various oral medications.

 

If medical therapy fails, then ultimately, there is an option to remove the colon surgically. Some patients can have a pouch, which is a reconstruction of the rectum.

 

Does the condition put patients at risk from further complications if left untreated?

Many patients with ulcerative colitis will suffer from eye inflammation, joint pain, skin rashes, as well as liver problems. Some patients have associated liver disease, which can be progressive, and, in some cases, quite severe. Patients’ colon can dilate up and bleeding can occur.

 

If left untreated in the long-term, patients are at a high risk of suffering from colon cancer.

 

Dr John Martin is a highly proficient London-based gastroenterologist and endoscopist who can help you when it comes to treating and diagnosing ulcerative colitis. Schedule a consultation with him today via his Top Doctors profile

By Dr John Martin
Gastroenterology

Dr John Martin is a highly-experienced gastroenterologist and endoscopist based in London and holds an NHS Consultant post at Imperial College (ICL). He is an expert in colorectal cancer screening, therapeutic and diagnostic colonoscopy and has 25 years' experience of managing all aspects of gastroenterology including abdominal pain or discomfort, reflux disease, diarrhoea and constipation, rectal bleeding, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Graduated from Cambridge University and King’s College Hospital, London in 1990, Dr Martin completed his gastroenterology training within North West London. In 2002, he was awarded an MD from the University of London in bowel cancer screening and became a consultant at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital before joining Charing Cross Hospital in 2006. Dr Martin refined his skills in colonoscopy to ensure they are always safe, high-quality and comfortable for his patients. 

Dr Martin teaches colonoscopy both within the NHS Trust and also at national screening centres. He is a bowel cancer screening accredited colonoscopist and an examiner for BCSP colonoscopy accreditation. He has authored numerous peer reviewed publications.  

Dr Martin is director of the West London Bowel Cancer Screening Centre; he is the national advisor to Public Health England on endoscopy within the Bowel Cancer screening service and chairs the national advisory committee on quality and safety of endoscopy within screening. He forms an integral part of numerous other professional bodies and has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals. 

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