Specialties
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment at St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. At St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases, Dr. Antwan Atia provides expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing management for patients living with ulcerative colitis. With locations in Toledo, Maumee, and Perrysburg, Ohio, our practice offers accessible, compassionate care for individuals across Northwest Ohio seeking relief from this challenging condition.
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and ulceration in the colon. The disease can affect individuals of any age, though it most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 30. Dr. Atia has extensive experience treating all forms of ulcerative colitis, from mild cases confined to the rectum to more severe, widespread inflammation that impacts the entire colon.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include chronic diarrhea (often with blood or mucus), abdominal cramping, urgency to have a bowel movement, fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. These symptoms may come and go, with periods of flare-ups followed by remission. At St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases, Dr. Atia helps patients recognize and manage symptoms to reduce flare frequency and severity, while improving quality of life.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Accurate diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is essential to creating an effective treatment plan. Dr. Atia uses advanced diagnostic tools including colonoscopy with biopsy, blood tests, stool studies, and imaging techniques to assess the extent and severity of inflammation. These tools help rule out other conditions and determine whether ulcerative colitis is present, as well as distinguish it from Crohn’s disease, another form of IBD.
Customized Treatment Plans
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is highly individualized, depending on the severity and location of inflammation. Dr. Atia offers a full range of treatment options, including anti-inflammatory medications, immune system suppressors, corticosteroids, biologic therapies, and aminosalicylates. For patients with more severe disease or complications, surgical intervention may be necessary. With a patient-focused approach, Dr. Atia works closely with individuals to find the most effective treatment while minimizing side effects.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Support
Managing ulcerative colitis goes beyond medication. Diet, stress levels, and lifestyle choices can significantly influence symptoms. At St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases, patients receive education and guidance on maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and identifying food triggers. Dr. Atia and his team provide holistic care to support long-term wellness and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Ongoing Monitoring and Management
Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, long-term monitoring is essential. Regular follow-up visits allow Dr. Atia to track the disease’s progression, monitor treatment effectiveness, and adjust the care plan as needed. Additionally, patients with ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of colon cancer, making routine colonoscopic surveillance an important part of their ongoing care.
Schedule Your Ulcerative Colitis Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ulcerative colitis or have been diagnosed and are seeking expert care, St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases is here to help. Dr. Antwan Atia offers comprehensive IBD management with a focus on improving daily life and preventing complications. Contact our offices in Toledo, Maumee, or Perrysburg, Ohio today to schedule a consultation and take control of your digestive health with specialized, compassionate care.