OverviewIBD blogRead Mayo's IBD blog, discussing the latest advances in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract Continue reading →

Ulcerative colitisEndoscopic image of a colon affected by ulcerative colitis. The internal surface of the colon is blotchy and broken in places.SpecialtyGastroenterologySymptomsAbdominal pain, diarrhea mixed with blood, weight loss, fever, anemia[1]ComplicationsMegacolon, inflammation of the eye, joints, or liver, colon cancer[1][2]Usual onset1530 years or > 60 years[1]DurationLong term[1]CausesUnknown[1]Diagnostic methodColonoscopy with tissue biopsies[1]Differential diagnosisDysentery, Crohn's disease, ischemic colitis[3]TreatmentDietary changes, medication, surgery[1]MedicationSulfasalazine, mesalazine, steroids, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, biological therapy[1]FrequencyUp to 5 per 1000 people[4]Deaths47,400 together with Crohn's (2015)[5] Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum.[1][6] The primary symptoms of active disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood.[1] Weight loss, fever, and anemia may also occur.[1] Often, symptoms come on slowly and can range from mild to severe.[1] Symptoms typically occur intermittently with periods of no symptoms between flares.[1] Complications may include megacolon, inflammation of the eye, joints, or liver, and colon cancer.[1][2] The cause of UC is unknown.[1] Theories involve immune system dysfunction, genetics, changes in the normal gut bacteria, and environmental factors.[1][7] Rates tend to be higher in the developed world with some proposing this to be the result of less exposure to intestinal infections, or to a Western diet and lifestyle.[6][8] The removal of the appendix at an early age may be protective.[8] Diagnosis is typically by colonoscopy with tissue biopsies.[1] It is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) along with Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis.[1] Dietary changes, such as maintaining a high-calorie diet or lactose-free diet, may improve symptoms.[1] Several medications are used to treat symptoms and bring about and maintain remission, including aminosalicylates such as mesalazine or sulfasalazine, steroids, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, and biologic therapy.[1] Removal of the colon by surgery may be necessary if the disease is severe, does not respond to treatment, or if complications such as colon cancer develop.[1] Removal of the colon and rectum can cure the disease.[1][8] Together with Crohn's disease, about 11.2 million people were affected as of 2015.[9] Each year it newly occurs in 1 to 20 per 100,000 people, and 5 to 500 per 100,000 individuals are affected.[6][8] The disease is more common in North America and Europe than other regions.[8] Often it begins in people aged 15 to 30 years, or among those over 60.[1] Males and females appear to be affected in equal proportions.[6] It has also become more common since the 1950s.[6][8] Together, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease affect about a million people in the United States.[10] With appropriate treatment the risk of death appears the same as that of the general population.[2] The first description of ulcerative colitis occurred around the 1850s.[8] The clinical presentation[13] of ulcerative colitis depends on the extent of the disease process Continue reading →

If you or someone you love have recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, its important to begin learning as much as you can about what ulcerative colitis is. By developing a better understanding of ulcerative colitis, you will be more prepared to manage its symptoms and live a full life Continue reading →