Digestive Care Center, PLLC

For Your Gastrointestinal Health

Ulcerative colitis is due to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Symptoms include diarrhea with mucus and blood in stool. Colonoscopy and biopsy are the best diagnostic tests for the condition. Medication can help heal the inflammation, though surgery is sometimes required.

Crohn's disease may cause inflammation of the colon, small intestine, or both. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. It affects both males and females equally. There is an increased risk in patients whose family members are or were known carriers of Crohn's disease. The exact cause of the disease, though, is unknown. Abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding are the most common symptoms of Crohn's disease. Blockage of the intestine is the most common complication. Sulfasalazine, mesalamine and prednisone are the mainstay of therapy. Surgery may be needed for complications of Crohn's disease. No special diet is necessary but a nutritious diet should be used to avoid malnutrition.

Please click here for more information on inflammatory bowel disease.