When the disease is limited to the rectum, it can be treated with suppositories. If it involves only the lower part of the colon, enemas are adequate. If the disease is more extensive, the medication should be taken by mouth. Once the disease is in remission, the continuous use of 5-ASA can decrease the risk and frequency of relapses. Corticosteroids are also used to treat patients who have a more severe form of the disease.
Corticosteroid use is limited by side effects and the potential of long-term complications.
In general, corticosteroids are used for short periods of time to induce remission, and then 5-ASA medication is used to prolong remission. Patients with extensive ulcerative colitis are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer in these patients usually is preceded by mucosal changes that can be diagnosed during pathological evaluation. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal system that can affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common site involved at the time of a first visit to a physician is the small intestine and colon.