Ulcerative colitis
Alternate Names : Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis, IBD - ulcerative colitis
Prevention
Because the cause is unknown, prevention is also unknown. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may make symptoms worse. Due to the risk of colon cancer associated with ulcerative colitis, screening with colonoscopy is recommended. The American Cancer Society recommends having your first screening:
- 8 years after you are diagnosed with severe disease, or when most of, or the entire, large intestine is involved
- 12 - 15 years after diagnosis when only the left side of the large intestine is involved
Have follow-up examinations every 1 - 2 years.
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