Ulcerative Colitis
Gastroenterology experts at the Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health offer the latest and most comprehensive treatment options to diagnose and treat ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is among the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a form of chronic inflammation in the large intestine of the digestive tract causing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea.
Currently, the causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown. Risk factors include genetics and environmental factors such as diet, antibiotic exposures and gastrointestinal infections. Ulcerative colitis is typically diagnosed in a patient’s mid-30s.
Gastroenterology specialists at the Underwood Center will investigate a range of factors when diagnosing this complex condition, considering both your immune system and the functionality of your digestive tract.
Nationally Ranked Digestive Treatment
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital. Our gastroenterologists are nationally and internationally known for their compassionate approach to patients, research, diagnoses and treatment.
Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis
The Underwood Center has several tests available to assist in the evaluation of ulcerative colitis; however, tissue biopsies are necessary to make a definitive diagnosis:
- Colonoscopy
- Intestinal ultrasound
- Stool analysis
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Laboratory testing (inflammatory markers in the blood)