Pediatric ulcerative colitis treatment in Illinois and Indiana

Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Care

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the colon. If your child experiences cramping abdominal pain and persistent, bloody diarrhea, our board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists can help. Call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today at any of our five area locations.

Request an Appointment

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers, or sores, in the innermost lining of your child’s large intestine (colon) and rectum. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum. Because it is a chronic condition, ulcerative colitis requires ongoing management to control symptoms and support your child’s health and development.

What Are the Types of Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is often classified by which part of the colon it affects:

Ulcerative Proctitis

Inflammation is limited to the area closest to the rectum, and rectal bleeding may be the only symptom.

Distal Colitis

Inflammation involves the rectum and the lower portion of the colon, causing symptoms such as cramping and bloody diarrhea.

Pancolitis

This more extensive form affects the entire colon and often causes more severe symptoms, including significant diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue.

What Are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Cramping abdominal pain
  • Persistent diarrhea, often with blood or pus
  • An urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss and reduced appetite
  • Delayed growth and development

How Is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose ulcerative colitis and rule out other conditions, our pediatric gastroenterologists review your child’s medical history and symptoms and perform a combination of tests, which may include:

  • Blood tests to check for anemia and signs of inflammation
  • Stool tests to look for blood and rule out infection
  • An upper endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
  • A colonoscopy with biopsy to view the colon and collect tissue samples
  • A barium enema, an imaging test that highlights the colon on an X-ray

How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?

Because there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and help your child achieve and maintain remission. Treatment approaches include:

Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologic agents help control inflammation and manage symptoms.

Nutrition

Nutrition therapy and dietary guidance support healing and help your child maintain healthy growth and development.

Surgery

Surgery is considered a last resort and may be recommended when other treatments do not adequately control the condition.

With a personalized treatment plan, most children with ulcerative colitis are able to manage their symptoms and lead active, healthy lives. Explore all of our pediatric GI services to learn more, then call (708) 581-4911 or make an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management to control symptoms.

How is ulcerative colitis different from Crohn’s disease?

Both are types of inflammatory bowel disease, but ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum and involves just the inner lining, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and the full thickness of the bowel wall.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in children?

Common symptoms include cramping abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea often with blood or pus, an urgent need to have a bowel movement, fatigue, weight loss, reduced appetite, and delayed growth. If your child has these symptoms, an evaluation is recommended.

How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves reviewing your child’s history and symptoms along with a combination of tests, including blood tests, stool tests, an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy with biopsy, and sometimes a barium enema to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Can ulcerative colitis be cured?

There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis. However, with the right treatment plan, symptoms can be controlled, inflammation reduced, and children can achieve and maintain remission while living active lives.

Will my child need surgery for ulcerative colitis?

Surgery is considered a last resort and is only recommended when medications and other treatments do not adequately control the condition. Most children are managed successfully with medication and nutrition therapy.

Which locations treat ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is managed at all five of our locations: Evergreen Park, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Romeoville in Illinois, or Highland, Indiana. Call (708) 581-4911 to schedule.