Colitis Specialist

Gil I. Ascunce, MD Our Services Colitis
Gil I. Ascunce, MD - - Gastroenterologist

Gil I. Ascunce, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Midtown, New York, NY

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a progressive, sometimes debilitating form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis can cause unpleasant and painful symptoms, and there are potentially dangerous and life-threatening complications of the disease. It is important for patients with Ulcerative Colitis to see an experienced doctor like board-certified gastroenterologist Gil I. Ascunce, MD, for diagnosis and treatment to manage your symptoms. Dr. Ascunce can provide a variety of treatment options to help manage your colitis at his New York City office in Manhattan on Madison Avenue. To learn more, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Colitis Q & A

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation and the appearance of ulcers or sores in your colon. The inflammation typically occurs gradually over time, and affects the innermost layers of your colon and rectum.

The pain and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be debilitating, and it may lead to a number of very dangerous complications. With proper treatment and medical supervision, many people are able to manage their symptoms and live normally, or even bring about long-term remission.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Your symptoms may vary depending on where in your colon the inflammation is occurring, as well as its severity. In general, symptoms may include some or all of the following:

  • Diarrhea, often containing blood or pus
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Rectal pain or bleeding
  • The urgent need to defecate
  • Inability to defecate
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

If you experience blood in your stool, a fever, lasting diarrhea, or unmanageable pain, see Dr. Ascunce right away.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Ulcerative colitis is provoked by an exaggerated immune response, and there are a number of treatment options to help manage and reduce the symptoms and improve your quality of life. The first step is confirming that ulcerative colitis is the true cause of your symptoms and not another, similar condition like Crohn’s disease, infectious diseases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even cancer. This is usually done with a blood test, stool test, colonoscopy, or a combination of all three.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis is based on medications used to control the excessive inflammation that is occurring inside the colon, but finding the right combination of medications can take some time. Many people respond to anti-inflammatory medication, immune system suppressors, or a combination of the two. Anti-diarrheal and pain medication may also be part of your treatment.

Dr. Ascunce might recommend surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, though this is usually reserved for the most severe cases.

If you are tired and frustrated by the debilitating effect ulcerative colitis has on your life, call the office of Gil I. Ascunce, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.

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