Treatment Goal for Ulcerative Colitis

With a confirmation of an accurate diagnosis, the ultimate goal in treating ulcerative colitis is to help patients regulate their immune system better and avoid complications (of both the disease and the therapy). Remission, defined as the absence of inflammatory symptoms, can be achieved temporarily.

The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis do tend to come and go, with fairly long periods in between flare-ups in which patients may experience no distress at all. These periods of remission can span months or even years, although symptoms do eventually return.

The jury is still out on mucosal healing as an endpoint, but clinical and symptomatic outcomes should be monitored.

Next Page: Patient Education Considerations

The ultimate goal in treating ulcerative colitis is to help patients regulate their immune system better.