If ulcerative colitis does not cause symptoms, no treatment is needed. If you have only mild symptoms, antidiarrheal medicines and changes in diet and nutrition may help. For disease in the rectum alone, you can try topical medicines (suppository, enema, or foam). Ask your health professional about these products. For more information about making good food choices, see:

Eating plan for inflammatory bowel disease.

Generally, doctors recommend that you do not use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen). Studies have linked these pain relievers with flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.⁷ However, some people may be more likely to have flare-ups from NSAIDs than others. Talk to your health professional about whether to avoid these medicines.

If you have had or are planning to have surgery that will create an opening from the intestines to the outside of the body through which stool passes (ostomy), you may feel self-conscious or embarrassed. After a period of adjustment, most people are able to resume all of their usual activities. In fact, you may feel better than before surgery because you may no longer suffer painful symptoms. Support groups are available for people with ostomies.

Caring for your ostomy

Children with ulcerative colitis may feel self-conscious if they do not grow as fast as other children their age. Encourage your child to take medicine as prescribed. Offer your help with the treatment so that your child can feel better, start growing again, and lead a more normal life. Children tend to have a harder time managing ulcerative colitis than adults, so your support is especially important.