Which statement about ulcerative colitis management is true during exacerbations?

• A. Prednisone may be prescribed for exacerbations.
• B. The condition occurs exclusively in elderly men.
• C. Antibiotics are never used in UC.
• D. Surgery is always required.

Answer: (C)

During an ulcerative colitis flare, the goal is to rapidly reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe exacerbations because they quickly suppress the immune response and mucosal inflammation, helping induce remission when simpler measures aren’t enough. They’re used for a limited period with a careful taper to minimize side effects. Antibiotics aren’t used routinely for a typical UC flare since the disease itself is inflammatory rather than infectious, though they may be appropriate if there’s a concurrent infection or specific complications. The disease can affect people of various ages and both sexes, and surgery isn’t automatically required—many patients improve with medical therapy, with surgery reserved for refractory cases or serious complications. So, the statement that prednisone may be prescribed for exacerbations reflects the standard management approach.