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Updated by Umbrella Health Care Systems on Oct 22, 2023
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A visual Guide to Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine, also called the colon, and rectum. In most people, symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis can be draining and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. While it has no known cure, there are several new treatments that can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease and bring about long-term remission.
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1

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis is a type of bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation of the cells that line your rectum and colon (also called the large intestine). This may lead to sores called ulcers that can bleed and keep your body from digesting food like it should. You can take medicine to calm the inflammation and learn ways to ease its effects on your daily life.
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2

Warning Sign: Abdominal Pain

Warning Sign: Abdominal Pain

A belly ache and diarrhea with blood or pus in it could be warning signs of ulcerative colitis. Some people have mild symptoms every once in a while, but others have worse symptoms more often.
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3

Other Warning Signs

Other Warning Signs

Some people with ulcerative colitis have symptoms outside the digestive system. These may include:

  • Joint pain
  • Skin sores
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Frequent fevers
4

Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's?

Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's?

Ulcerative colitis symptoms are similar to those of another inflammatory bowel condition called Crohn's disease. UC only affects your large intestine. But Crohn's can happen anywhere in your digestive tract. It can cause symptoms from your mouth to your anus. Another disease called irritable bowel syndrome can cause long-term belly pain and diarrhea, but it doesn't lead to inflammation or sores in your intestines.
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5

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

The exact cause isn't clear. But researchers think your immune system -- which defends you from germs -- is involved. When you have UC, your immune system may not react like it should to bacteria in your digestive tract. Doctors aren't sure whether this triggers the condition or results from it. Stress and your diet can make your symptoms worse, but they don't cause ulcerative colitis.
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6

Do UC Symptoms Go Away?

Do UC Symptoms Go Away?

Your UC symptoms will come and go. The disease can go into remission, which means you may have no symptoms for long periods of time. Remission can last for months or years, but the symptoms will return.
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Medications for Ulcerative Colitis

Medications for Ulcerative Colitis

Medications can calm the inflammation inside your colon. The first one you’ll usually try is from a group called aminosalicylates. If that doesn't help, your doctor might prescribe a steroid like prednisone. A third option is an immune modifier, which lowers inflammation by changing the activity of your immune system. It can take up to 3 months before you feel the benefits.
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8

Ulcerative Colitis and Colon Cancer

Ulcerative Colitis and Colon Cancer

Your risk for colon cancer goes up if you have UC. It depends on how much of your colon is involved and how serious it is. The odds also rise after you've had UC for 8-10 years -- and they go up over time. Treatment that puts your UC in remission may also make cancer less likely. Colonoscopy screening helps doctors find colon cancer early, when it's easier to treat.

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