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Ulcerative Colitis
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More InDepth Information on This Condition

Definition
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease .

It causes:
  • Inflammation
  • Ulcers
  • Bleeding in the lining of the colon and rectum

Ulcerative Colitis

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Causes
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases (UC and Crohn's disease ) seem to run in some families. Some think that a virus or bacteria causes the immune system to overreact and damage the colon and rectum.

Risk Factors
Having family members with inflammatory bowel disease is the only risk factor.

Symptoms
These factors increase your chance of developing UC. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue, weakness
  • Nausea
  • Fever

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:
  • Blood tests
  • Stool test
  • Barium enema —injection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in your colon
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
  • Colonoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
  • Biopsy —removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing (may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)

Treatment
Avoid Foods That Provoke Symptoms
Talk to your doctor to learn more about what foods to avoid, since this may be different for each person.

Aminosalicylate Medications
Steroid Anti-inflammatory Medications
Immune Modifier Medications
Biological Agents
Surgery
Medication may not cure very severe UC. In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgery . This can involve having all or part of the colon removed. Surgery may also be done because UC increases your risk of colon cancer .

Over time, colitis that is not treated or does not respond to treatment can lead to:

If you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing ulcerative colitis.



RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Society

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada

References:
About ulcerative colitis and proctitis. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/ucp . Accessed July 9, 2008.

Goroll AH, Mulley AG, Mulley AG Jr. Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.

Ulcerative colitis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colitis/index.htm . Accessed July 9, 2008.

Ulcerative colitis patient education resources. Digestive Health Initiative. American Gastroenterological Society website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=4024 . Accessed July 9, 2008.

Yamada T, Alpers DH. Textbook of Gastroenterology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2003.

Last Reviewed September 2011