A stool sample is taken to test for the presence of blood or bacteria. Ulcerative colitis is incurable but can be treated to lessen the symptoms. A special diet is usually tried first. The patient is told to avoid seasoned foods, dairy products, and red meat. The individual's stress level should be reduced.
Drug treatments are usually the next step.
Salicylates, sulfasalazine, azathioprine are a few specific drugs. He or she might be fed intravenously or given medications. Twenty to twenty-five of the patients with ulcerative colitis require surgery. The most common surgery is the proctocolectomy, the removal of the entire colon and rectum. An ileostomy is usually done with this procedure.