Ulcerative Colitis – Netdoctor

Reviewed byDrJeniWorden, GP

Ulcerative colitis is a superficial inflammation of the large intestine, not caused by bacteria, which results in ulceration and bleeding.

The patient typically experiences alternating periods with no or few symptoms, and periods with frequent stomach pains and diarrhoea that is mixed with pus, blood, and mucus.

It's rare in the UK, with one new case per 10,000 people per year. Currently, there are approximately 146,000 patients with ulcerative colitis and usually they are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25-years-old, with a smaller peak between 55 and 65 years old.

People of Asian origin are less likely to be affected, and men and women are equally affected.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Hereditary, infectious and immunological factors have been proposed as possible causes.

Flare-ups cannot be prevented, but the severity and extent of the attacks can be reduced.

It's important that affected people follow preventive treatments carefully, watch out for symptoms and consult their doctor if there is blood in their stool.

Severe, acute flare-ups may confine the patient to bed. When the symptoms subside, the patient should be able to resume their normal activities.

There are no dietary restrictions because changes in diet have no effect on ulcerative colitis. However, eating small meals and drinking plenty of fluids will help.

However, there appears to be a greater incidence of lactose intolerance in ulcerative colitis sufferers.

The disease can often be controlled by medical treatment.

Surgical treatment may become necessary in up to 30 per cent of people with ulcerative colitis who do not respond to medication.

In these cases, the disease is cured by a removal of some or all of the large intestine (colectomy).

Diarrhoea: what causes diarrhoea?

Bowel cancer: who does bowel cancer affect?

Vitamins and minerals: what do they do?

Allergy: does hypersensitivity occur frequently?

Based on a text byDrJensKjelsenandDrOveSchaffalitzky de Muckadell, professor of internal medicine

Last updated11.02.2015

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Ulcerative Colitis - Netdoctor