Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine. If you have flares from this type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you know how painful and disruptive it can be.

Signs You Should Get Help for Ulcerative Colitis

You shouldn't put off seeing a doctor if you have these common symptoms of ulcerative colitis:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloody diarrhea that doesn't go away
• Bloated or tender abdomen
• Rectal pain or bleeding
• Urgent need to defecate

IBD experts at Rush can determine if you have ulcerative colitis and come up with a plan to help you stay in remission. If you are looking for a second opinion, our experts can help you understand all of the available treatments so you make the most informed decisions about your care.

Ulcerative Colitis Care at Rush

We are committed to being your partner in treating your ulcerative colitis and helping you avoid flares. Our team takes a holistic approach and includes you as part of our care team so we can offer the support you need to stay in remission longer.

This team includes the following experts who want to help you take control of your symptoms:

• A gastroenterologist who can diagnose your condition and provide access to investigational therapies and proven treatments like biologics that fight inflammation and reduce pain
• A dietitian who can help you create a diet plan so you can stay comfortable and healthy
• A psychologist who specializes in treating GI patients and understands your unique challenges
• A specialized IBD pharmacist to manage your biologic medications

If you need surgery to remove your large intestine, a surgeon can discuss minimally invasive and robotic surgical options to reduce pain and scarring, and help you recover faster.

Rush Excellence in Ulcerative Colitis Care

• Experience with IBD and GI care: When you choose Rush, your team includes some of the country's leading GI doctors and surgeons. This expertise has helped Rush University Medical Center earn recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the country's best hospitals for gastroenterology and GI surgery.
• Same-day doctor visits and infusions: At Rush University Medical Center, you can get infusions of your IBD biologics (Entyvio, Inflectra, Remicade and Stelara) on the same day you see your doctor. These drugs can help keep your colitis under control so you can avoid hospitalizations and maintain your regular routine with fewer symptoms.
• Surgeries with a shorter recovery: Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries available at Rush use smaller incisions to help you recover more quickly. Our colon and rectal surgeons are some of the most experienced doctors performing these surgeries in the Chicago area and beyond. And when you have colon and rectal surgery at Rush University Medical Center, you also benefit from an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. In this program, your surgeon guides you in specific steps you can take before and after your surgery to help you return home safely — and without the need for extended use of opioid medications.
• Support that helps you in your daily life: We can connect you with psychologists who specialize in treating patients with IBD and understand your challenges. If you have an ostomy (an opening made by a surgeon that allows stool to leave your body) as part of your colitis treatment, you can join a special support group to help you manage life with an ostomy.