Recurrence of Ulcerative Colitis and Treatment Advice During Lactation

### Recurrence of Ulcerative Colitis and Treatment Advice During Lactation **Ulcerative Colitis** is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. The disease often tends to relapse, especially during changes in immune function, such as during pregnancy and postpartum. Here are some treatment suggestions based on your condition and lactation period. 1. **Cause of Recurrence**: During pregnancy, the body's immune system undergoes changes that may temporarily alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. After childbirth, the immune system gradually returns to normal, which may trigger a relapse. 2. **Managing Recurrence**: It is advisable to contact your gastroenterologist for a thorough examination to determine the severity of your condition. Treatment plans will be tailored based on the examination results. 3. **Continue Breastfeeding**: Certain medications, like mesalamine, can be safely used during lactation. However, the choice and dosage of drugs should be determined by your doctor based on your condition. 4. **Weaning and Treatment**: If the relapse symptoms are severe, stronger medications or immunosuppressants might be necessary, which could affect breastfeeding. In such cases, your doctor may advise temporarily weaning to facilitate more effective treatment. 5. **Seeking Expert Care**: If local treatment is not effective, consider visiting a more specialized hospital such as Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital for further consultation. 6. **Psychological Adjustment**: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, and relapses and remissions are normal. Maintaining a good mental state and actively cooperating with your doctor's treatment can help manage the condition. I hope these suggestions help you cope with your current situation and wish you a speedy recovery!