Commonly Affected Areas of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis most commonly affects the rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine. This area is typically where the disease first develops. As the condition progresses, inflammation often extends inward, reaching sections such as the sigmoid colon, descending colon, and even the transverse colon. In more severe cases, the entire large intestine can become inflamed and ulcerated.

Without proper treatment and maintenance therapy, the affected areas tend to expand over time. As the inflammation spreads along the colon, patients may experience increasingly severe symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. That's why early diagnosis and consistent management are crucial in controlling the disease and preventing complications.

Patients diagnosed at an early stage should follow a regular treatment plan and undergo continuous monitoring. By doing so, the inflammation can be effectively limited to the rectum and the adjacent lower part of the sigmoid colon. In many cases, localized treatments such as mesalamine suppositories can provide long-term remission for mild to moderate disease confined to these areas.

Topical medications offer several advantages, including higher drug concentration at the site of inflammation, fewer systemic side effects, and greater ease of use. Because of this, patients are often more willing to adhere to their treatment plans when local therapies are available.

Maintaining remission through targeted therapy helps improve quality of life and reduces the need for oral or systemic medications. However, if the disease progresses beyond the rectum and sigmoid colon, doctors may consider adding oral medication to the treatment regimen to better control inflammation throughout the colon.