Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon (large intestine) and rectum.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, but, like other inflammatory bowel diseases, there may be a link between:

A genetic predisposition
The environment
An overactive immune response to normal intestinal bacteria

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps and pain
Rectal bleeding
Anemia
Weight loss
Fatigue, weakness
Nausea
Fever

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

Blood tests
Stool examination
Flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the rectum and the lower colon
Colonoscopy to examine the lining of the colon
Biopsy to test a small (2-4 mm) sample of colon tissue

The following treatment options can help to control or prevent the severity of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Medicines for Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Many types of medicines are available to treat ulcerative colitis, such as:

Aminosalicylate medicines
Antibiotics/probiotics
Corticosteroids
Immunomodulators
TNF-inhibitors
Other biologic treatments

Dietary Changes

Avoiding certain foods may help ease symptoms.

These foods are different for each person, but may include:

Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)
Highly seasoned foods
High-fiber foods

Surgery

Surgery for ulcerative colitis:

Is necessary for people who do not respond to medicine or who develop cancer
Cures the disease
Eliminates the risk of ever developing colon cancer, as the entire rectum and colon are removed

After removal of the colon, you may have a permanent end ileostomy (stoma bag) or an ileal pouch anal anastomosis (no external bag).

Additional Resources from our Health A-to-Z Library

Overview
Diagnosis
Treatment