What Are the Best Approaches to Managing Ulcerative Colitis in North Baltimore, MD?

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and may also impact joint and rheumatic health. Many UC patients experience joint pain or arthritis, requiring a collaborative care approach with our rheumatology team.

Collaborative, Patient-Centered Care

Long-term management of UC aims to achieve remission, minimize flare-ups, and prevent complications. Our clinic works with gastroenterologists to create a treatment plan that controls bowel symptoms and addresses joint and musculoskeletal concerns associated with UC.

Monitoring and Medication Management

Regular follow-up visits help monitor medication side effects and inflammatory status, adjusting therapies as needed. As rheumatology specialists, we focus on the potential impact of UC treatments on bone health and the need for preventive strategies.

Holistic Approach to Triggers and Lifestyle

We emphasize adhering to medication regimens to prevent relapses and reduce joint inflammation. Avoiding NSAIDs, which can worsen both UC and joint symptoms, is also crucial.

Nutrition, Bone Health, and Supplementation

Working with dietitians, we address nutritional needs and prevent complications like malnutrition or osteoporosis, especially in patients using long-term steroids.

Screening and Preventive Care

We ensure timely colorectal cancer screenings and monitor for extra-intestinal manifestations to address new symptoms promptly.

Multidisciplinary and Proactive Approach

In rare cases requiring surgery, we coordinate with other specialists for optimal recovery, ensuring continuous care. At Nasseri Clinic, we offer a comprehensive, proactive approach to managing UC and promoting overall health.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) requires a comprehensive approach, combining medical treatments with lifestyle modifications to improve health and quality of life.

Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet is key in managing UC. Our team helps identify and avoid trigger foods, such as high-fiber, spicy, or fatty foods, which can aggravate symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals can also ease digestion and reduce discomfort.

Stress Management

Stress can worsen UC symptoms or trigger flare-ups. We recommend stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, and physical activity, and offer resources to help manage the emotional challenges of chronic illness.

Hydration and Lifestyle Habits

Staying hydrated is vital, especially due to the risk of dehydration from diarrhea. We advise drinking water, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding smoking, which negatively impacts gut health.

Rest and Recovery

Adequate sleep is essential for managing UC-related fatigue. We provide guidance on improving sleep quality to support overall health.

Ongoing Medical Partnership

Regular follow-ups at Nasseri Clinic ensure your treatment plan is adjusted as needed, with open communication to address changes in symptoms and maintain optimal care.

Diet plays a supportive yet significant role in the management of Ulcerative Colitis. Although dietary choices alone do not cause or cure UC, making thoughtful adjustments can help manage symptoms, prevent nutritional deficiencies, and promote overall gut and immune health—key concerns in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

During UC flare-ups, certain foods—such as those high in fiber, dairy products, spicy foods, or high-fat items—may worsen symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. In these situations, our providers may recommend a low-residue or low-fiber diet temporarily to reduce bowel irritation and frequency of bowel movements.

Even when UC is in remission, maintaining a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential to support healing and replenish nutrients that can be depleted during active disease. Protein, vitamins, and minerals—particularly iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B12—are critical, as deficiencies are common due to inflammation, blood loss, or impaired absorption. At Nasseri Clinic, we routinely monitor these nutrients and provide guidance on supplementation or dietary adjustments as needed.

Because dietary triggers and tolerances vary greatly among individuals with UC, our team encourages patients to keep a food diary and work closely with our healthcare providers or a registered dietitian specializing in inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. This allows us to tailor dietary recommendations to each patient’s unique needs, taking into account the interplay between gut health and joint or systemic symptoms.

While mild ulcerative colitis flare-ups can sometimes be managed at home with your provider’s guidance, certain symptoms should never be ignored—especially for patients with underlying rheumatic or autoimmune disorders, which may increase the risk of complications.

Contact your Nasseri Clinic provider immediately if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain, or a sudden worsening of your usual discomfort
• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days, especially if it does not respond to your usual medications
• Increasing or profuse blood in your stool
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, decreased urination, dry mouth, or rapid heart rate
• High fever (above 101°F / 38.3°C), particularly if accompanied by chills or sweats
• Unusual weakness, fatigue, or a general feeling of being unwell
• Inability to keep fluids down, confusion, or difficulty breathing

These symptoms may signal a serious complication, such as toxic megacolon, severe infection, or a significant flare that requires urgent medical attention. As specialists in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, our team is equipped to help you navigate these complex situations and coordinate your care for the best possible outcomes.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon that often coexists with, or shares features common to, many autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, brings his extensive expertise in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders to the management of ulcerative colitis, recognizing its impact not only on the gastrointestinal tract but also on the joints and overall immune system.

Patients with ulcerative colitis frequently experience extra-intestinal manifestations, such as arthritis, joint pain, and other rheumatologic symptoms. Dr. Nasseri specializes in providing a nuanced and personalized treatment approach that addresses both the intestinal and musculoskeletal aspects of the disease. Through a comprehensive evaluation, he assesses disease severity, symptom patterns, and any associated rheumatic complications, ensuring that each patient’s unique needs are met.

Utilizing the latest advancements in medical therapies, Dr. Nasseri selects the most appropriate options based on individual disease characteristics and coexisting rheumatologic conditions. His integrative approach may also include collaboration with gastroenterologists and other specialists to ensure holistic care.

For patients with severe or treatment-resistant disease, Dr. Nasseri discusses advanced therapeutic options—including surgical interventions—while providing expert guidance on managing potential rheumatologic complications.

Patient education and ongoing support are cornerstones of the Nasseri Clinic’s philosophy. By empowering patients to understand their condition and actively participate in care decisions, Dr. Nasseri helps individuals achieve optimal disease control, reduce complications, and enhance overall well-being. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3333 N. Calvert St, Suite 540B, Baltimore, MD 21218. We serve patients from North Baltimore MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ferndale MD, Yorktown MD, and surrounding areas.