Category Archives: Ulcerative Colitis

The large intestine is partly responsible for allowing good bowel movement, which is something that most people usually take for granted. But as with other parts of the body, your large intestine can also encounter its fair share of problems over time Continue reading →

Is yoga the key to soothingulcerativecolitis? Will an herb provide relief Continue reading →

Facts About and Definition of Colitis What Is Colitis? Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine Continue reading →

Updated on January 29, 2019. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Richard Koffler, MD, Board Certified Physiatrist If you or someone close to you have received an ulcerative colitis diagnosis, you probably want to learn as much as you can about it Continue reading →

What are immunomodulator medications? Immunomodulators are medications that weaken the body's immune system Continue reading →

Ulcerative Colitis Medications Medications that are used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis may be divided into two groups, anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive agents. The decision as to which medication regimen should be used will depend upon the severity of the ulcerative colitis. Physicians and patients need to discuss the benefits and risks of recommended treatments Continue reading →

The exact causes of ulcerative colitis (the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)) is not known, but there are several theories. Ultimately, scientists believe that there is more than one cause and that the several different factors work together to cause the disease. Further, the cause for one particular individual with the disease could be different from anothers Continue reading →

An ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis can bring about changes you never thought you'd face. But, if you're newly diagnosed, or even if you've had your diagnosis for a while, how do you know whats normal and whats cause for alarm when it comes to UC Continue reading →

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 →