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About Ulcerative Colitis

What Is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

UC is a chronic (long-term) disease that causes inflammation in the large intestine (colon and rectum). This inflammation causes small sores, called ulcers, to form on the lining of the intestine. 1

What causes UC and who gets it?

The exact cause of UC isn't well understood, but research suggests it may be triggered by an infection in the colon. Normally, your immune system would cause temporary inflammation to protect you from an infection. In UC, the inflammation persists, causing damage to the healthy tissue in the large intestine. 1

UC tends to run in families but can also be triggered by environmental or lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, or pollutants. Both men and women of any age or race can get UC, but most people are diagnosed in their mid-30s. 1,2

What are the signs and symptoms of UC? 3

Belly pain and cramping
Loose and urgent bowel movements

Other symptoms you have may include:

Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Low energy or fatigue (feeling tired)
Nausea
Persistent diarrhea
Blood in the stool
Fever
Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
In children, delayed growth and development

UC can be unpredictable

The symptoms of UC tend to come and go. When you do have symptoms, it's called a flare.

In between flares, you may not have any symptoms. This is called remission. Remission can last for months or even years. 2

How is UC diagnosed?

When you see your doctor, he or she may 4,5 :

Ask about your symptoms
Ask about your family and medical history, and any medicines you take
Ask about your general health, diet, home environment, and daily activities
Perform a physical exam
Order lab or imaging tests such as blood work, stool tests, or X-rays
Recommend a test called an endoscopy that examines the inside of your colon

What is the difference between UC and Crohn's?

	Ulcerative Colitis	Crohn's Disease
Part of GI tract affected	Affects the colon and rectum (also called the large intestine)	Can affect any part of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus
Portion of bowel wall affected	Inflammation is present in the inner-most lining of the colon	Inflammation can reach the entire thickness of the bowel wall
Damaged areas	Damage is continuous, not patchy	Damage appears in patches with some normal areas in between