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Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which inflammation and ulcers develop in the lining of the rectum and colon. Symptoms commonly include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and blood or pus in the stool. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and often occur in periods of flares followed by remission. The disease can occur at any age but commonly begins during adolescence or early adulthood.
Body System
Digestive System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical assessment for a significant increase in bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, fever, dehydration, rapid worsening, or marked weakness. Emergency care may be required for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal swelling or pain, fainting, confusion, or other signs of a severe flare or complication.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which inflammation and ulcers develop in the lining of the rectum and colon. Symptoms commonly include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and blood or pus in the stool. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and often occur in periods of flares followed by remission. The disease can occur at any age but commonly begins during adolescence or early adulthood.
Symptoms 3
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Jaundice
Causes 2
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. The condition involves an abnormal immune response in the digestive tract, although it is not clear exactly what triggers that response. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute. A family history of ulcerative colitis or other autoimmune diseases can increase risk. Stress and certain foods may worsen symptoms in some people but are not considered the underlying cause of the disease.
Autoimmune Disorder
Inflammation
Risk Factors
Risk factors include having a family history of ulcerative colitis or other autoimmune diseases. The condition can occur at any age, with common periods of onset during adolescence and early adulthood and another peak later in life. Genetic susceptibility and other environmental or immune factors are thought to contribute. A person can develop ulcerative colitis even without a known family history.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis involves a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, stool tests, and examination of the colon. Colonoscopy with biopsy is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and determine how much of the colon is affected. Tests such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and stool calprotectin or lactoferrin can help assess inflammation. Imaging or additional endoscopic tests may be used when needed to distinguish ulcerative colitis from other conditions.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
There is no known way to reliably prevent ulcerative colitis because its exact cause is not fully understood
Following medical advice, avoiding known personal triggers, not smoking, and maintaining regular medical care can help manage the condition and reduce complications
Prevention Guidance
There is no known way to reliably prevent ulcerative colitis because its exact cause is not fully understood. Following medical advice, avoiding known personal triggers, not smoking, and maintaining regular medical care can help manage the condition and reduce complications.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Soft Cooked Vegetables
Easier to digest during flare-ups.
Rice
Gentle on the intestine.
Banana
May help digestive comfort.
Lean Protein
Supports recovery.
Foods to Avoid
Spicy Foods
May worsen symptoms.
High Fiber During Flare
May aggravate symptoms in some patients.
Alcohol
May worsen intestinal inflammation.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon and rectum.
Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency may occur.
Colonoscopy and biopsy are commonly used.
Treatment controls symptoms and reduces flare-ups.
Stress may worsen symptoms in some patients.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.