Patients diagnosed with primary ulcerative colitis are treated in a hospital setting. Hospitalization of patients is necessary in order to determine the necessary therapeutic measures in the presence of concomitant metabolic disorders and disorders of the hematopoiesis system. Due to the loss of large volumes of electrolytes and fluid through the rectum accompanying ulcerative colitis, treatment involves infusion therapy (introducing solutions of a certain concentration and volume into the bloodstream) and blood transfusion (blood transfusion).
Enteral nutrition is also included in the therapeutic complex (the introduction of nutrients into the intestine that can absorb them).
Treatment of ulcerative colitis nonspecific is very effective with the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. It should be noted, however, that the use of these drugs causes serious side effects.
If there is moderate severity of ulcerative colitis, treatment is prescribed with the drug "Prednisolone" in a daily dose of 40-60 mg. As practice shows, such a dosage is effective enough to alleviate the condition. If severe ulcerative colitis occurs, the treatment is prescribed by parenteral (intravenous) administration of the drug "Methylprednisolone" or "Hydrocortisone". It should be noted that corticosteroids are very effective in eliminating the active phase of the pathology. Moreover, their use in small doses during the period of remission (relief) does not prevent the development of relapses (repetitions).
During the course of therapy, the patient is recommended a certain diet, since it is impractical and ineffective to treat colitis without proper nutrition.
The diet is created mechanically sparing, with a high content of proteins (easily digestible). They include, first of all, fresh cottage cheese, low-fat fish and meat. Neither fruit nor vegetables are recommended. The diet should be fractional, in small portions. Products should not be cold or hot. In severe conditions, parenteral (intravenous) nutrition is additionally prescribed. Be sure to include vitamins in the diet.
Infusion therapy is carried out in order to neutralize toxins in the body, as well as correct water-electrolyte and protein balance.
Depending on the sensitivity of microflora in the large intestine, antibiotic drugs are prescribed.
To eliminate diarrheal symptom (diarrhea), anticholinergic medicines are used (extract and tincture of belladonna, preparations "Platifillin", "Solutan"). It should be remembered that these funds are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma. In addition, plant-based astringents are prescribed (decoctions of the pomegranate peel, acorn, infusions of bird cherry fruit and others).
In the case of complications such as volume bleeding, bowel obstruction , perforation (through destruction of the wall) of the intestine, severe rapidly progressive ulcerative colitis (nonspecific), which cannot be eliminated by the therapy, and also cancer in the colon, surgical treatment is performed.
As a rule, the main methods of surgical intervention are:
- palliative (not radical) operations;
- radical operations;
- reconstructive surgery.
Active surgical tactics are recommended for children with severe ulcerative colitis in the absence of a quick positive reaction to the treatment used. As a rule, surgical intervention is a necessary measure. It should be noted that the surgical method brings relief, especially in cases where the pathology acquires a continuous recurrent course.