What is the preferred treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?

The preferred treatment for Ulcerative Colitis often involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, particularly steroids, such as prednisone, and sulfasalazine, which is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compound. These medications help to reduce inflammation in the bowel, control symptoms, and induce remission.

Steroids are effective for managing acute flares by quickly suppressing the immune response that contributes to inflammation, while sulfasalazine works to maintain remission and prevent future flare-ups. This combination is commonly used as a first-line therapy for patients with moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis.

Other treatment options, like antibiotics and pain relievers, don’t directly address the underlying inflammation and are not standard for managing this condition. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases or when other treatments fail, but it is not the first line of treatment. Similarly, immunotherapy may be utilized in specific cases, but it is not the initial or preferred approach. Probiotics may have a supportive role in management but are not sufficient as primary therapy for Ulcerative Colitis. Thus, the combination of steroids and sulfasalazine forms the cornerstone of effective management for this condition.