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Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Case in a Patient in Their 60s:
Recovery from Refractory Inflammation Unresponsive to Biologics
Antibiotic Misuse and Ulcerative Colitis
Hello. This is HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic, where we have been researching and treating ulcerative colitis since 2007. The case we are looking at today is a patient in their 60s whose symptoms rapidly worsened after prolonged exposure to antibiotics during dental treatment and while taking cold medication.
Despite using the biologic Remsima, its effectiveness wore off after just 4 months. By the time they visited us, they were suffering from more than 10 bowel movements a day, severe bloody stools, and abdominal pain.
Key Symptoms at Time of Visit (Sept. 2025)
- Bowel Movement Status: 6-12 times per day, bloody and mucous stools, fecal urgency
- Pain and Condition: Lower abdominal pain 10-15 times/day, severe fatigue
- Inflammation Marker: Fecal calprotectin 3425 points (extreme inflammation state)
The Impact of Antibiotics on the Gut Microbiome
Antibiotics destroy not only the bacteria in a wound but also the microbiome ecosystem of the large intestine. In particular, the fact that antibiotics are routinely prescribed in the Korean medical field for colds—a viral illness—can be fatal to patients with ulcerative colitis. This patient also experienced an accelerated worsening of symptoms as their gut bacterial diversity plummeted after taking antibiotics.
Treatment Progress and Numerical Changes
Dramatic Drop in Inflammation Levels
After 3 months of Korean medicine treatment, the calprotectin level dropped sharply from 3425 to 84 points. Both bloody and mucous stools disappeared, and bowel movement frequency returned to normal.
End of Treatment and Complete Remission
The final test showed a calprotectin level of less than 3.8, confirming that all inflammation had resolved. We successfully concluded the treatment, confirming not just the disappearance of symptoms but also the complete healing of the intestinal mucosa.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates that fundamental treatment is possible by improving the gut microbial environment without relying on biologics. HanStep Korean Medicine Clinic will continue to do its best for the healthy lives of our patients.