Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and the rectum become inflamed. This inflammation produces tiny sores or ulcers on the lining of the colon. It usually begins in the rectum and spreads upward. It rarely affects the small intestine beyond the lower portion.

The inflammation causes the bowel to move bowel contents rapidly and empty frequently. As cells on the surface of the lining of the bowel die, ulcers (open sores) form. The ulcers may cause bleeding and discharge of mucus and pus.

This disease affects people of all ages. Symptoms tend to develop when people are between the ages of 15 and 30, or between the ages of 50 and 70.

The cause of this condition is not known. Researchers no longer believe that it is caused by stress. Today, research focuses on the immune system and heredity for possible causes.

Most people with ulcerative colitis dont have a family history of the condition. However, you are more likely to develop it if a close family member also has the condition.

Ulcerative colitis can develop in a person of any race, but it is more common in Caucasians. If you are an Ashkenazi Jew, you have a greater chance of developing the condition than most other groups.

Some studies show a possible link between the use of the drug isotretinoin (Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, or Sotret) and ulcerative colitis. Isotretinoin is used to treat cystic acne.

The seriousness of symptoms varies among affected people. About 50 percent of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. (PubMed Health) However, symptoms can be severe. Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

Ulcerative colitis may cause additional symptoms such as:

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Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments