ulcerative colitis

Dear Doctor, My son of 22 was diagnosed with U.C. in February- he is on Raffasal 4 gr. a day. This was reduced to 2 gr AND then he had a flare up again AND so the dosage was once again increased to 4 gr. At times he stiill gets bouts of diarrhoea AND pain- is this normal even though he is on the medication? Does diet make a difference AND does the use of Acidophilus tablets help? Sincerely, Keren

אם קיימים ארועים חוזרים של דימום ושלשול יש לשקול לעבור לטיפולים חזקים יותר המדכאים את מערכת החיסון. לתזונה אין השפעה ברורה על התפרצות השלשולים ולאצידופילוס יכולה להיות השפעה מיטיבה מסויימת. ד"ר גל

Dear Doctor, In February my son was diagnosed with U.C. following a Colonoscopy as well as a biopsy . He also underwent a barium meal which was clear- He then underwent another Sigmoidoscopy in June AND the diagnosis was susp.Crohns- how can one differentiate between the two conditions? Is Crohns far more serious? What is the reason for suchj a change in diagnosis? I read on the report that has skip lesions- is this typical of Crohns? Finally he is on 4 mg Rafssal daily- is this regarded as a very high dose? He is convinced that the dosage is very high AND being young finds this very worrying. . He also has the occasional flare up- with pain AND loose stools AND then it seems to settle Is there any way I can perhaps reassure him? Many thanks for your time.