The basis of treatment is drug therapy. Depending on the clinical situation, anti-inflammatory drugs, agents that affect the immune system, as well as symptomatic drugs to reduce pain, normalize stool, and correct concomitant disorders are used. The regimen is selected individually, taking into account the severity of the course and the body's response to treatment.
An important component is the correction of lifestyle and diet. Nutrition in ulcerative colitis is selected depending on the activity of the inflammatory process. During the period of exacerbation, it is recommended to limit products that may mechanically or chemically irritate the mucous membrane: fresh vegetables with coarse fiber, fried and fatty dishes, smoked foods, spicy seasonings, alcohol, carbonated drinks. Preference is given to boiled or baked dishes, lean meat and fish, porridges, mucous soups. Meals should be fractional — in small portions 5–6 times a day. During remission, the diet is gradually expanded; however, new products are introduced step by step, assessing the body's reaction. The main task is to reduce the load on the intestine and not provoke a repeated exacerbation.
In most cases, conservative therapy makes it possible to control ulcerative colitis of the intestine and maintain long-term remission. However, in some patients, the disease may have a severe or complicated course.
Surgical intervention is considered in the following situations:
- lack of effect from drug therapy;
- frequent and severe exacerbations that significantly reduce quality of life;
- massive intestinal bleeding;
- toxic dilation of the large intestine;
- suspicion of malignant changes.
The extent of the operation is determined individually. In some cases, removal of the entire large intestine is performed, since the inflammatory process in UC usually has a widespread character. In certain clinical situations, resection of part of the intestine may be considered. The decision is made after a comprehensive examination and risk assessment, when drug treatment does not give the necessary result.