Left sided colitis is a subtype of ulcerative colitis, in which the inflammation extends from the rectum up to the sigmoid and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side. If the conditon is chronic, you may have unintended weight loss. To treat left side colitis, anti-inflammatory drugs such as 5-aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine, mesalamine, balsalazide, and olsalazine) are first admistered by mouth, enema, or suppository, along with Corticosteroids (such as prednisone and hydrocortisone). Some patients may need immunosuppressants. Some additional medications may be needed to manage specific symptoms (antibiotics, anti-diarrhea drugs, pain relivers and iron supplements). For most severe cases, the entire colon and rectum need to be removed.
How is Left sided colitis treated in practice?