How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Treatment is chosen according to the area and activity of bowel inflammation, your symptoms and previous response. Medicines may be used to calm a flare and then maintain control. A clinician may arrange blood or stool tests and, when appropriate, an examination of the bowel. Diet advice can help you maintain nourishment, but food changes do not replace treatment for inflammation.

Take each medicine as prescribed, including maintenance treatment when you feel better, and keep a record of bowel frequency, pain, bleeding and weight changes. Arrange a GP consultation or specialist review if symptoms return, your medicine causes troublesome effects, or you cannot maintain food and fluids. Ask for an individual flare plan rather than adjusting doses on your own.

Seek urgent help for heavy or persistent blood in stool, severe abdominal pain or swelling, repeated vomiting, marked weakness, dehydration, fever with worsening bowel symptoms, or inability to pass stool or gas. Unintentional weight loss or continuing diarrhoea needs prompt clinical review. Screening and monitoring recommendations depend on your history and should be discussed with your clinician.

Which medicine is for a flare and which maintains control? What symptoms mean I should call urgently? Do I need blood, stool or bowel tests? How can I protect nutrition during a flare?