Comprehensive Ulcerative Colitis Treatments
Living with an irritable bowel disease like ulcerative colitis (UC) can be challenging. But treatment can manage your symptoms and prevent future complications. At AdventHealth Primary Care+, our primary care providers (PCPs) make accessing the care and treatment you need as convenient and comprehensive as possible.
Our chronic disease management staff is highly trained to provide you with expert ulcerative colitis treatments. Our flexible scheduling, including same-day and next-day appointments and virtual visits, means you have access to care when you need it.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment and Care
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the large intestine (colon) and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers. UC can impact the entire large intestine or only the left or right side.
If your PCP confirms an ulcerative colitis diagnosis, they’ll likely refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive system diseases. Your PCP will stay in contact with your specialist about your treatment options and progress.
Your PCP can also help support your moderate ulcerative colitis treatment through other services, such as modifying your lifestyle and supporting your nutrition.
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Lifestyle Changes
Your PCP can recommend lifestyle changes that support your overall well-being and can also help reduce UC flare-ups. This may include guidance on managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, staying active and developing a sustainable routine. By identifying and addressing lifestyle factors that could trigger symptoms, your provider will help you gain more control over your health and quality of life.
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Health Screenings
Because ulcerative colitis can increase your risk for other health conditions, your PCP may recommend routine screenings for diseases like colorectal cancer, osteoporosis and liver disease. By staying proactive and monitoring your long-term health, your provider ensures that any changes are found early, helping you manage risks and maintain peace of mind.
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Medication Management
Your PCP is here to make sure you understand your potential prescribed medications, like immunosuppressants, JAK inhibitors and targeted synthetic small molecules, and to answer questions you may have about side effects.
We may also help you fill prescriptions onsite and monitor any changes in your health to ensure the medications are working.
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Nutrition Counseling
Your PCP will work with you to build a diet plan tailored to your needs. Together, you’ll identify potential trigger foods that may cause symptoms to worsen and address any vitamin or nutrient deficiencies caused by poor absorption. You may also receive guidance on maintaining a balanced diet, managing nutrition during flare-ups and incorporating supplements, if necessary, all to support digestive health and overall wellness.
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Mental Health Support
Living with UC can take a toll on you. At AdventHealth, we care for your whole health, in body, mind and spirit. Your PCP will monitor your mental health, tracking signs of depression, anxiety or social withdrawal that may arise. Whether offering supportive conversations, connecting you with therapy resources, or recommending medication if needed, your provider ensures that your overall well-being isn’t overlooked as part of your care plan.
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Vaccinations
Because ulcerative colitis and certain treatments affect your immune system, staying current on vaccines is essential. Your PCP will recommend vaccinations that help protect you from serious infections, including flu, pneumonia, shingles and hepatitis. Preventive steps can reduce your chances of complications and keep your immune defenses strong.
Benefits of Visiting AdventHealth Primary Care+ for UC Treatment
Whole-person care is number one at AdventHealth Primary Care+. We treat our patients in body, mind and spirit with a range of services and benefits that all add up to comprehensive care.
We understand that ulcerative colitis flare-ups can be unexpected. Many of our AdventHealth Primary Care+ locations offer evening and weekend hours, as well as same- and next-day appointments, so you can feel confident in knowing you have access to care when you need it.
Many of our locations offer onsite labs, allowing for quick results for important ulcerative colitis lab work, such as blood and stool testing. With no need to visit an additional location, you receive timely testing, diagnosis and treatment — all in one place.
Our dedicated primary care team supports you on your health journey. Your PCP will work with your in-network gastroenterologist to ensure you get the best possible ulcerative colitis treatment and support.
For those times when you have a flare-up but can't get to your PCP’s office, we offer secure and private video visits that connect you with your provider for medication management, reviewing lab results or getting care guidance.
Whether you have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or another major insurance provider, we want you to be able to seamlessly access the care you need. We make health care convenient and affordable for our communities.
Find Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Near You
When you need expert care on your schedule and all close to home, look no further than AdventHealth Primary Care+. With more than 20 convenient locations, we make it easy to get whole-person care for you and your family with experienced providers and evening and weekend hours in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
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Q:Question: What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
A:Answer:Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia (not enough red blood cells in the blood)
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Tenesmus (feeling you need to have a bowel movement when the bowels are empty)
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
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Q:Question: What tests might be done to confirm my diagnosis?
A:Answer:Because common symptoms in people who have ulcerative colitis are shared with other conditions, your PCP will use several tests to confirm your diagnosis, including:
- Blood tests: Your PCP will order blood tests to check for inflammation, antibody presence, electrolyte imbalances and anemia, which is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis
- Endoscopic procedures: Your PCP may refer you to a specialist who can perform endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to check your large intestine and rectum for inflammation and collect biopsies if needed.
- Imaging tests: A computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray may be ordered to give your doctor a better visual of your abdominal area to look for inflammation and rule out any other problems
- Medical history helps your doctor rule out any other conditions and check for a family history of ulcerative colitis
- Stool testing checks for blood in the stool, which can be a sign of ulcerative colitis, as well as signs of infections and inflammation in the intestines
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Q:Question: How does a primary care provider help manage ulcerative colitis?
A:Answer:Your PCP may be the first doctor you visit when you begin experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They’ll order lab work and imaging tests and refer you to specialists to help confirm the diagnosis.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOnce your diagnosis is confirmed, your PCP may refer you to an in-network gastroenterologist for more disease-specific care. However, your PCP will stay in direct contact with your gastroenterologist to monitor your progress. Your PCP will also still provide you with our annual wellness exam, and can assist with medicine management and suggested lifestyle changes to help lessen the chance of disease-related flare-ups.
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Q:Question: How does my PCP coordinate care with a gastroenterologist for ulcerative colitis?
A:Answer:Your PCP will be the one to refer you to an in-network gastroenterologist, who can provide you with additional UC-specific care. Your PCP will continue to monitor your progress, provide annual check-ups for your overall health, and support your gastroenterologist's treatment plan through medication management, lifestyle changes and mental health support.
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Q:Question: How does a primary care provider monitor the effectiveness of ulcerative colitis treatment?
A:Answer:Generally, your PCP will be the first doctor to begin your treatment plan, which will be continued by your gastroenterologist. Your PCP can monitor how well your treatment is working through regular blood and stool tests, as well as your feedback on how you feel and any medication side effects you may be experiencing.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour PCP works with your gastrointestinal team to find the best medications for your situation. Mild to moderate ulcerative colitis is normally treated with aminosalicylates such as mesalamine, while more moderate to severe ulcerative colitis may be treated with biologics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Q:Question: How does my PCP help me manage flare-ups of ulcerative colitis?
A:Answer:A flare-up is when symptoms of ulcerative colitis return after being dormant. Flare-ups are usually unpredictable, can be severe and can last from a few hours to a few months.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour PCP will help you manage flare-ups through medications and by suggesting certain lifestyle changes, such as eliminating trigger foods and managing stress.
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Q:Question: How does stress impact ulcerative colitis, and how can my PCP help with stress management?
A:Answer:There is no denying that living with ulcerative colitis can be very stressful and can negatively impact your quality of life. Learning you have a chronic illness, changing your lifestyle to accommodate it and worrying about unexpected flare-ups can be worrying and frustrating.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour PCP can offer strategies to help lower your stress levels, provide referrals to mental health professionals and recommend local support groups for people with ulcerative colitis.
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Q:Question: When might surgery be considered for ulcerative colitis, and how does my PCP support me during that decision?
A:Answer:Surgery for ulcerative colitis is an option for people whose symptoms are not responding to medications or who have developed complications like colon cancer or toxic megacolon. Surgical treatment options include removing the colon (colectomy) or removing both the large intestine and rectum (proctocolectomy).
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerYour PCP can discuss your ulcerative colitis surgery options and explain what to expect during and after the procedure. They’ll also monitor your follow-up care and medications and provide emotional support for you and your family.
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Q:Question: How can my PCP help me manage ulcerative colitis if I have other conditions, like anemia or osteoporosis?
A:Answer:Anemia and osteoporosis are both common complications associated with ulcerative colitis. If you receive a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, your PCP will keep an eye on your red blood cell count through regular bloodwork to check for signs of anemia. And your PCP can provide a screening for osteoporosis and help with prevention tactics like regular exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplements.
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Q:Question: Are there any complementary therapies that can help with ulcerative colitis, and will my PCP recommend them?
A:Answer:Every day, there are breakthroughs in treatments for disease, including ulcerative colitis. Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ PCP stays up-to-date on the latest therapies for ulcerative colitis — and any other condition you may have — to provide you with the best care possible.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerFor example, they may suggest stress management techniques like yoga or meditation to alleviate flare-ups. Make sure to talk to your PCP before starting any complementary therapy to ensure it does not interfere with your current medications and treatment plan.
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Q:Question: How often should I follow up with my primary care provider for ulcerative colitis disease management?
A:Answer:How often you see your PCP depends on the severity of your disease and your current health. You should see your PCP at least once a year for your annual wellness exam. And your PCP will continue to monitor your ulcerative colitis treatment throughout the year by working with your gastroenterologist.