Ulcerative Colitis
Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Modern, individualized care for children and teens living with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis can be frightening when bloody diarrhea, urgency, and accidents are part of daily life. The good news is that effective treatments exist, and the right plan can return your child to a normal routine.
Dr. Mendez focuses on confirming the diagnosis, choosing the right therapy for your child's disease severity, and following them closely so flares are caught and managed early.
Signs and symptoms
- Bloody or mucusy diarrhea
- Urgency and frequent trips to the bathroom
- Lower abdominal cramping, often relieved after a BM
- Nighttime stools that wake your child
- Fatigue and pallor from anemia
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Joint pain, mouth sores, or rashes
How we treat it
- Endoscopic confirmation of diagnosis with biopsies to characterize the disease.
- Personalized therapy from 5-ASAs through biologics, matched to disease severity.
- Routine monitoring for inflammation, growth, and medication safety.
- Coordination with surgery and adult IBD specialists when needed.
- Mental health and nutritional support as part of whole-child care.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Any child or teen with bloody diarrhea or persistent urgency.
- Diagnosed UC that is flaring or not responding to current therapy.
- A second opinion before starting biologic therapy.
- Concerns about growth, fatigue, or school attendance.
- Transition planning as your teen approaches adulthood.
Frequently asked
How is UC different from Crohn's disease?
UC is limited to the colon and affects only the inner lining. Crohn's can affect any part of the GI tract and goes deeper into the wall. Treatment and monitoring differ, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters.
Will my child need surgery?
Most children with UC are well controlled on medication. Surgery is reserved for severe, medication-resistant disease or specific complications, and we discuss it openly when it becomes a consideration.
How often will my child need a colonoscopy?
Surveillance frequency depends on disease severity, duration, and response to therapy. We build the schedule into your child's overall plan rather than chasing it visit by visit.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.