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Methodist Charlton Medical Center
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Spring 2015
11
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Q&A with
gastroenterologist
Charles Lostak, DO
Q: What is ulcerative colitis (UC)?
A: UC is a disease that causes inflammation
and ulcers in the digestive tract. It typically
appears before age 30, but it is not
uncommon to develop the disease at an
older age.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Symptoms tend to be abdominal cramping,
diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Some people
may also encounter fever, fatigue, and
weight loss.
Q: How is it diagnosed?
A: UC is usually diagnosed through a
colonoscopy with a biopsy of intestinal tissue.
Q: How is UC treated?
A: Our goal is to reduce the signs and
symptoms of UC with the hope of actual
remission of the disease. It’s exciting in
medicine today to see the new medications
being developed to do just that.
Initial treatment usually includes anti-
inflammatory medications or steroids. If
needed, further medications include immune
suppression agents as well as the newest
medications, known as biologics. These drugs
target specific parts of the immune system to
fight inflammation.
We also follow patients with ulcerative
colitis closely to evaluate the possibility of
developing colon cancer.
Because treating ulcerative colitis is a long-
term commitment, which can be challenging
for the patient, I really try to emphasize the
need for patience. We can work together to
find the right solution for you.
abdominal pain
“The dehydration and blood loss
resulted in a couple of hospital stays
for me,” Jodee says. During severe
flare-ups, the symptoms can include
a strong sense of urgent and frequent
diarrhea. It is not uncommon to
have to use the restroom 15 to
20 times a day.
Regaining control
Fortunately, medication helped
Jodee control the disease. She
initially started with steroids but was
switched to an anti-inflammatory
medicine with fewer side effects.
These days, Jodee enjoys a full
life with no restrictions from the
disease. She is grateful to Dr. Lostak
for his compassion and attentiveness,
and she makes sure to schedule a
follow-up colonoscopy every two to
three years.
“I know a lot of folks are very
uncomfortable with the idea of a
colonoscopy, but the alternative
could be an undiagnosed cancer,”
Jodee says. “I think that is good
motivation to have it done!”