Latest treatment for ulcerative colitis

Treatment depends on how active the inflammation is, which part of the bowel is affected, previous medicines, other health conditions and your preferences. Anti-inflammatory medicines may be used for milder disease, while immune-modifying or targeted biologic medicines may be considered when inflammation is more active or does not respond adequately. Steroids can help settle a flare but are generally not used as a long-term maintenance medicine. Some people need hospital treatment for severe flares, and surgery may be discussed when medicines cannot control disease or complications develop.

The goal is more than easing abdominal pain or diarrhoea. Your clinician may also monitor blood tests, stool inflammation markers and bowel examinations to check whether inflammation is settling, even when symptoms improve.

Arrange a review with a gastroenterology team or a GP who can coordinate assessment. Bring a list of medicines, recent symptoms, bowel frequency, bleeding, weight change and any treatment side effects. Do not stop steroids or other prescribed medicines suddenly without medical advice. Ask whether vaccination checks, bone protection, infection screening or cancer surveillance apply to your treatment plan.

A written flare plan can clarify which symptoms require a call, which tests may be needed and how quickly treatment should be reviewed. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help organise that assessment. Read more about [Ulcerative Colitis](/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/), [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) and [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Seek urgent medical help for heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, high fever or inability to keep fluids down. These features can signal severe inflammation, dehydration or another urgent problem and should not be judged by how common a flare is. Ask your team how [Colorectal Cancer Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/colorectal-cancer-screening/) fits your longer-term follow-up.

Which treatment target are we using, and how will we know it is working? What are the benefits and main safety checks for each option? What should I do if symptoms return between appointments? Could another diagnosis, infection or medicine be contributing to this flare?