Diagnosing & Monitoring Ulcerative Colitis

How Ulcerative Colitis is Diagnosed

Ulcerative colitis is not always simple to diagnose. Your doctor will take careful steps and the appropriate means to determine if you have this condition. Initial steps your doctor may take to diagnose ulcerative colitis include:

• Taking a medical history
• Completing a physical examination
• Ruling out other bowel disorders caused by viruses, bacterial infections, food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or another condition
• Ordering blood and/or stool tests

If your doctor suspects that you have UC, he or she may order an X-ray or another medical procedure called an endoscopy to help confirm the ulcerative colitis diagnosis. He or she may also refer you to a gastroenterologist for further testing if necessary.

An X-ray provides your doctor with a picture of your intestines. By delivering liquid barium to the colon and rectum, usually by enema, your doctor can study the condition of your colon and rectum on the X-ray.

For an interior examination of your rectum and/or colon, your doctor may perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube, or endoscope, through the rectum. A colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are examples of procedures used to diagnose and monitor ulcerative colitis.

A sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive test performed by a doctor that involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube, or endoscope, through the rectum to view the sigmoid colon, or S-shaped part of the colon. A biopsy may be taken during this examination. Sedatives are usually not necessary for this procedure.

A Colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon using a lighted, flexible tube, or Colonoscope, inserted through the rectum. Your doctor will likely administer sedatives to make you more comfortable during this exam. A biopsy may be taken to further study your condition. Your doctor may also recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you to drive you home after a colonoscopy since sedatives can leave you feeling drowsy and can also cause you to be forgetful.

Check with your doctor or your healthcare team about special preparations you may need to take prior to any test. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved. Talk with your doctor for more information.

How Ulcerative Colitis is Monitored

Ulcerative colitis is monitored using many of the same techniques used to diagnose ulcerative colitis, including colonoscopies and biopsies. Your doctor may also conduct blood tests to monitor your condition and medications. Monitoring ulcerative colitis usually includes the following:

• Routine check-ups and colonoscopies. Talk with your doctor about how often he or she recommends having a colonoscopy. Even when you feel well, your doctor may decide that it's important for you to have a colonoscopy.
• Biopsies. During a colonoscopy, your doctor may take a small sample during an examination of the rectum and colon. This biopsy may be used to measure changes in your condition or to periodically check for the possibility of other conditions such as cancer.
• Blood tests. Blood tests are an important and necessary part of monitoring ulcerative colitis, especially since you may be taking medications. Blood tests will be used to:
  • Assess changes in your condition
  • Check health of other organs, including your kidneys and liver
  • Monitor responses to medications