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Ulcerative Colitis

At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our dedicated gastroenterology team offers compassionate Ulcerative colitis care, combining advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, comprehensive nutritional guidance and supportive follow-up to help local patients manage flare-ups, improve quality of life and achieve digestive health.

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Harris County Medical Society
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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the large intestine. This leads to ongoing inflammation and the formation of ulcers, causing discomfort and digestive issues. Early recognition and treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can range from mild to severe. You may experience:

  • Frequent diarrhea, often with blood
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • An urgent need to use the restroom
  • Chronic fatigue and low energy
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fever during flare-ups

Causes

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis isn't fully understood, but several factors may contribute:

  • An autoimmune response that attacks the colon lining
  • Family history of inflammatory bowel disease
  • Environmental triggers such as certain foods, stress, or infections
  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome
Treatment

Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis in Jersey Village

Treatment includes medications, nutrition support, and procedures:

  • 5-ASA drugs (aminosalicylates): First-line therapy for mild to moderate UC to reduce colon inflammation.
  • Corticosteroids: Short-term treatment during flare-ups for rapid symptom relief.
  • Immunomodulators: Agents like azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine to help maintain remission.
  • Biologics: Infusion therapies such as infliximab, vedolizumab, or ustekinumab for moderate to severe cases.
  • 7-day meal plan: A customized diet plan to minimize trigger foods and support gut health in flare-ups and remission.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Limit dairy, spicy dishes, caffeine, high-fiber raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
  • Blood tests and stool studies: Regular monitoring of CRP, ESR and fecal calprotectin to track inflammation levels.
  • Colonoscopy monitoring: Routine scopes to assess mucosal healing, screen for complications and guide therapy adjustments.
  • Surgery: When medications aren't effective or disease is severe, colectomy or proctocolectomy with pouch reconstruction may be an option.

Ready to Take Control of Your Ulcerative Colitis?

At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our board-certified gastroenterologists offer personalized treatment plans, advanced diagnostics, on-site infusion therapies, and tailored nutrition support-all designed to help you manage symptoms and maintain long-term remission. Don't wait to feel better. Book your appointment today and let us guide you toward a healthier, more comfortable life.

2.3K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 2.3K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease?

Yes. Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the colon lining, causing inflammation and ulcers.

What ICD-10 codes are used for ulcerative colitis?

ICD-10 codes for ulcerative colitis range from K51.0 to K51.9. The specific code depends on the location and severity of your disease, as well as the presence of complications like bleeding.

What's the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis?

"Colitis" simply means inflammation of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a type of colitis characterized by chronic, continuous inflammation and ulcer formation in the lining of the large intestine.

What's the code for ulcerative colitis with bleeding?

Ulcerative colitis with bleeding is most commonly coded as K51.2, which denotes ulcerative colitis with both blood in the stool and active hemorrhage.

How is ulcerative colitis different from Crohn's disease?

Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum in a continuous stretch, whereas Crohn's disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract in discontinuous patches and penetrate deeper into the bowel wall.

What foods should I avoid with ulcerative colitis?

Common trigger foods include spicy dishes, dairy products, caffeine, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and high-fiber grains. Individual triggers can vary, so we work with you to identify and avoid your personal irritants.

Can I follow a specialized meal plan for ulcerative colitis?

Yes! We provide a custom 7-day meal plan designed to promote gut healing, minimize inflammation, and reduce the risk of flare-ups while ensuring balanced nutrition.

What are biologics for ulcerative colitis?

Biologics are targeted therapies-such as infliximab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab-that block specific immune pathways to reduce inflammation and maintain long-term symptom control.

Do ulcerative colitis medications have side effects?

Some treatments can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, or increase the risk of infections. Our team monitors you closely to manage side effects and adjust therapy as needed.

When should I see a GI doctor in Jersey Village?

You should schedule an appointment if you experience persistent diarrhea, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or ongoing fatigue. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and optimize your care plan.

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