Chronic colitis

First, check the cause

Long-term colitis is most often ulcerative colitis or microscopic colitis. It is diagnosed with a colonoscopy and biopsies, and managed with a gastroenterologist (bowel specialist). If the colonoscopy and biopsies are normal, the cause is often irritable bowel syndrome.

How it is treated

• Colitis medicine from your gastroenterologist. It controls the disease for most people and protects the bowel. Keep taking it as prescribed, even when you feel well.
• Regular colonoscopy checks, because long-standing ulcerative colitis raises the risk of bowel cancer.
• Looking at medicines that can set it off, such as some pain pills.
• Acupuncture, alongside your colitis medicine: very thin needles. It eases cramping and diarrhea and helps calm the bowel.
• Chinese herbs, alongside your colitis medicine — keep taking it as prescribed — prescribed for your pattern to strengthen digestion and calm the bowel. They are checked against the medicines you already take.

How many visits

Usually once a week at first. Six to eight visits make a course; then you and Dr. Pan look at how much better you are: fewer bowel movements, less cramping, more energy.

Common questions

I was told I have “chronic colitis” but never had a colonoscopy. What now?

A colonoscopy with biopsies is the way to know. Some people with this label turn out to have irritable bowel syndrome, which is treated differently. Dr. Pan can help you sort it out.

Can I use herbs and acupuncture with my colitis medicine?

Yes — they work well together. Keep taking your colitis medicine as prescribed, even when you feel well; never stop it on your own, as stopping can bring on a flare.