- Location: 1507 S Hiawassee Rd Ste 105, Orlando, FL 32835
Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine, specifically the colon and rectum. It causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of these areas. It is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Ulcerative colitis presents symptoms that are similar to other bowel disorders, including Crohn’s disease.
A UC physician—typically a board-certified gastroenterologist—specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing ulcerative colitis. They help control symptoms, monitor inflammation, adjust medications, and prevent complications.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms are predominantly abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include:
You should see a specialist if you experience symptoms such as:
A specialist can determine if UC or another condition is the cause.
Doctors don’t know what causes this disease. It may or may not be related to abnormalities of the immune system that exist in patients with the disease.
At Orlando Gastroenterology, we diagnose ulcerative colitis with testing that includes a physical exam, blood tests, stool sample evaluation, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, barium enemas, CT scans, and x-rays.
Diagnosis usually includes:
During active flares: every 4–8 weeks
During remission: every 6–12 months
Your doctor may adjust this depending on symptoms and treatment.
Yes. Long-term UC increases colon cancer risk. Most specialists recommend:
Diet does not cause or cure UC, but certain foods may trigger symptoms. Many specialists recommend:
A general doctor can start the conversation, but a gastroenterologist is the most qualified to diagnose and manage UC long-term.
An ulcerative colitis doctor is a gastroenterologist — a physician who completed a three-year GI fellowship after internal medicine residency and is board-certified in gastroenterology. Family doctors and internists can treat mild flares, but ongoing UC care needs a specialist, because the disease requires colonoscopic monitoring, medication adjustment over years, and surveillance for colon cancer risk.
When you are choosing a UC doctor, it is worth asking:
Orlando Gastroenterology treats ulcerative colitis at four Central Florida offices — MetroWest (1507 S Hiawassee Rd Ste 105), East Orlando (1300 N Semoran Blvd), Kissimmee (1132 Cypress Glen Circle) and Clermont (255 Citrus Tower Blvd #207). Dr. Antonio Soto-Ramos focuses on inflammatory bowel disease and sees UC patients in both English and Spanish. Offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Call (407) 445-9224 or text (407) 759-5041 to schedule.
Treatment varies from person to person. Doctors may implement drug therapies, surgery, and hospitalization.
