If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.
Gastroenterology Condition
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (the colon) and rectum, causing the tissue to become inflamed and irritated, leading to sores or ulcers. These ulcers tend to be long-lasting and may cause uncomfortable symptoms. It also increases the risk of developing colon cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is part of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) group of diseases that includes Crohn’s disease, but Crohn’s can attack anywhere in the digestive system, not just the colon. It is important to note that IBD is not the same as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Left untreated, UC can damage the colon to a degree that the colon must be removed. However, if properly diagnosed, UC has multiple levels of treatment options, and patients receive education about avoiding recurring bouts of UC and how to stay healthy. Patients with UC who receive proper medical care may suffer recurring bouts of symptoms, but they are generally able to have normal life function and life expectancy.
Avoiding surgery and providing timely treatment to calm inflammation, heal ulcers and reduce recurring symptoms is the goal for our gastroenterology specialists.
While scientists still can’t pinpoint the cause of UC, they have observed common risk factors for developing it. These include:
The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unclear. One theory is that UC is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells in the lining of the colon. This causes the tissues in the lining to swell. If not treated immediately, the inflammation may lead to ulcers.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis revolve mainly around bowel movements. Patients may notice discomfort and a significant change in bowel habits.
Symptoms Include:
Patients suffering with these symptoms should see a gastroenterologist right away for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate, effective treatment plan.
Your Granite Peaks gastroenterologist will first perform a physical examination and a detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms.
From there, they will determine what other forms of testing may be required to provide an accurate diagnosis and assessment of the severity of your condition.
Possible Tests Needed for Accurate Diagnosis
Granite Peaks Gastroenterology physicians perform endoscopic procedures in our Endoscopy Center located in Sandy, Utah and our Lehi Clinic located in Mountain Point Medical Center in Lehi, Utah. We have same week appointments available to provide testing more quickly than most other facilities.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the patient’s condition, and may include medication, lifestyle changes or, in severe cases, surgery.
1. Medication
Prescription anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and antibiotics may be selected to help with inflammation.
2. Lifestyle Changes
The best way to help minimize ulcerative colitis flares is to manage your daily health. Avoid foods that cause flare-ups, eat smaller meals, reduce stress and increase exercise.
Your Granite Peaks provider will provide tips on changes you can make to manage your ulcerative colitis and avoid illness.
3. Surgery
This is obviously the last step if all other treatments have been unsuccessful. Having your colon removed is a decision best made between you and your doctor to address your individual healthcare needs.
Our gastroenterologists work with you to determine the least invasive, most effective, treatment for your condition to get you back to your active lifestyle.
Granite Peaks Gastroenterology serves the communities along the Wasatch Front. Our Board Certified Doctors and Certified PA GI Specialists include:
Certified Gastroenterology Locations
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