Ulcerative Colitis
Heath problems affecting the small intestine can have a profound impact on the way you live your life. Ulcerative colitis, a type of irritable bowel disease, affects the inner lining of your large intestine and rectum and causes a number of unpleasant symptoms. If you are suffering from troubling digestive symptoms or changes in bowel habits, don’t hesitate to visit a Beverly Hills-based board-certified gastroenterologist like Dr. Berookim to be tested for ulcerative colitis and other conditions affecting your long-term health. ulcerative colitis specialist beverly hills
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis specialist beverly hills
Doctors have yet to pinpoint a definitive cause for irritable bowel disease. It appears that the condition may result from immune system issues. Heredity may play a role as well since people are more likely to develop ulcerative colitis if they have one or more family members with the disease.
Ulcerative colitis results in inflammation to various parts of the large intestine and rectum. Doctors classify ulcerative colitis based on the parts of the digestive system it affects.
One of the milder and more common forms of the condition, ulcerative proctitis affects the area around the rectum and may lead to rectal bleeding and an intense sensation of needing to use the restroom.
Another of the most common types of ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis involves an inflammation of the rectum and descending colon and may result in abdominal cramping, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, it’s important that you see ulcerative colitis specialist Dr. Berookim for testing:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent diarrhea
Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis
Gastroenterologists utilize various tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Along with testing a patient’s blood and stool, Dr. Berookim will likely recommend a colonoscopy. While many people believe a colonoscopy is performed only to test for colon cancer, the procedure is also useful in diagnosing other conditions and diseases affecting the health of the intestines. Performed on an outpatient basis under conscious sedation, a colonoscopy is a safe, effective, and pain-free means of visualizing the large intestine and identifying inflammation. Once the source of your digestive issue has been identified, Dr. Berookim will sit down with you to discuss a plan for treating your condition.
Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Depending on the form of ulcerative colitis diagnosed, various medications and procedures may be recommended to relieve inflammation and improve quality of life. Along with anti-inflammatory drugs, Dr. Berookim may prescribe immune system suppressors, antibiotics, pain relievers, and changes in dietary habits. For people with severe forms of the disorder that don’t respond to medication, Dr. Berookim may recommend surgical procedures including proctocolectomy, or removal of the colon. Patients with ulcerative colitis should also be especially vigilant in screening for colon cancer due to their increased risk.
Left untreated, ulcerative colitis can lead to a number of serious complications including dehydration, rectal bleeding, and perforated colon. Pursuing treatment is the best way to protect the long-term health of your digestive system.
Contact Dr. Berookim ulcerative colitis specialist los angeles
Ulcerative colitis and other forms of IBD can have a profoundly negative effect on your quality of life. Double board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine and leading ulcerative colitis specialist in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Berookim possesses the skill and experience to diagnose your condition and get you feeling better. If you are experiencing unpleasant GI symptoms, don’t hesitate to call the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California at 310.271.1122. For your convenience, you can also fill out our online Request an Appointment form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Berookim.