Ulcerative Colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease, characterized by sores and ulcers in the large intestine. A person living with ulcerative colitis may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed. The following subgroups have been shown to be more susceptible to developing ulcerative colitis:

• Young adults and people over the age of 60
• Related to someone with an inflammatory bowel disease
• Jewish heritage

Approximately 700,000 people in the United States live with ulcerative colitis.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

The most common ulcerative colitis symptoms include:

• Blood in stool
• Loose bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Anemia
• Cramping
• Joint pain
• Rash

Is there treatment available for ulcerative colitis?

While there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, there are treatments to manage the symptoms and encourage remission. These treatments include:

• Antibiotics
• Aminosalicylates
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologics

If your case is severe enough, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove parts of or your entire colon.

Where can I find more information on ulcerative colitis?

• Crohn’s and Colitis
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases