Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon, that affects the lining of the intestine and results in the formation of small sores, or ulcers. Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure (SBS-IF)

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure is a condition where individuals cannot absorb nutrients properly because they lack part of their intestine due to portions being surgically removed, parts missing since birth, or portions damaged and unable to function properly.

Symptoms

Patients with ulcerative colitis may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Abdominal cramps and pain

Diarrhea

Rectal pain and bleeding

Fatigue

Weight loss

Loose and urgent bowel movements

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed.

When to see your doctor

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms below, it may be time to visit your doctor:

Change in bowel movements
Abdominal pain
Blood in your stool
Ongoing diarrhea

Process for diagnosis

There are tests that doctors perform to confirm a diagnosis of UC, including:

Endoscopic procedures

Colonoscopy: A procedure to look at the inside of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a small video camera at the end.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure that involves inserting a sigmoidoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube, into the rectum to examine the lower portion of the large intestine.

Lab tests

Blood Tests: Can indicate whether you have signs of infection or have anemia, a disease in which there aren't enough red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to tissues.
Stool Tests: Can indicate whether white blood cells or certain proteins are present in your stool, both of which may be signs of ulcerative colitis. This test can also detect infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists, including a gastroenterologist, in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Treatment Options and Ongoing Research

More research into effective UC treatment options is critical. By taking part in research and clinical studies, you can assist other patients who would benefit from advanced research and new treatments.

Current Research Studies

There are approximately 250 ulcerative colitis research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search the site below to find UC research studies near you:

Visit Clinicaltrials.gov

Medications

While no known cure exists, treatment and medications can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of UC.

Check out these medications below that can help treat UC:

Aminosalicylates (5-ASA)

This drug can be taken topically (via the rectum) or orally to reduce inflammation in the bowel lining.

Steroids

Steroids can help quickly reduce inflammation during a flare-up and can be taken orally, through an IV, or topically.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants slow your immune system to stop the immune response that is causing the colon and rectum to swell. These can be taken orally or by injection.

Biologic Medicines

Biologic medicines block parts of the immune system, reducing more severe inflammation. These can be taken through injection or an IV and can be used in combination with an immunosuppressant. Examples of biologics include, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, Entyvio (monoclonal antibody), and Stelara (IL-23 and IL-12 blocker).

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors

This is a medicine that blocks JAKs, which are proteins that activate the body’s immune response. These can be taken orally, usually for patients with moderate to severe UC.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be recommended for patients with UC to help alleviate symptoms. Learn more about a few surgery options for people with UC below:

Proctocolectomy: Removal of the colon and rectum.
Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (J-pouch surgery): The colon and rectum are removed, and an internal pouch is created, eliminating the need for a permanent external ostomy.
Proctocolectomy with end ileostomy: The colon, rectum, and anus are removed, and an end ileostomy is created to allow waste to exit the body into an external ostomy bag. Patients wear the ostomy bag and empty it several times per day.

These examples do not encompass all possibilities, as surgeons may do these procedures differently.‍

Diet and lifestyle changes could also be necessary for treatment

Some foods may make symptoms worse when the condition is active, but diet does not cause ulcerative colitis. Your doctor might suggest dietary changes depending on your symptoms, as well as vitamins and dietary supplements.

Visit the website below to learn more about nutritional therapy for patients with IBD. Nutritional Therapy for IBD Patient Pathway is a resource for patients with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis to help support healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
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Learn More

Principal Investigator Spotlight

Dr. John Gubatan

Stanford Gastroenterologist and Junior Researcher

Personalizing Therapies: The Intersection of Drug Development and Complementary or Alternative Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Read Dr. Gubatan's article where he answered questions about research related to ulcerative colitis.

Dr. Raymond Phillips

Clinical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the Gastroenterology Group of Naples

Shifting from Private Practice to Increasing Clinical Trial Accessibility for Gastroenterology Patients

Read Dr. Phillips' article where he discusses the importance of offering clinical trials as an option to patients before it's too late.

Resources

Find an online community of fellow UC patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

Achieving Remission from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

This group is a science-based group for people suffering from IBD and searching for evidence-based discussions regarding strategies to achieve remission.

Ulcerative Colitis Support Group (Global)

The UC Support Group (Global) aims to help people with UC find a way to communicate and help one another by sharing information about how they deal with this condition.

Reddit Group: r/UlcerativeColitis

A Reddit community for patients and caregivers affected by ulcerative colitis to share experiences and get support.

Ulcerative Colitis

The Ulcerative Colitis group on Facebook is for people who have UC or are interested in learning more about the daily challenges of the disease.

Girls With Guts

Girls With Guts is a nonprofit organization supporting women with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis) and/or ostomies.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They focus on improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

Plenty and Well

Plenty and Well is a website created by Natalie Kelley who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2017. This website hosts information about Natalie's service called Path to Empowered Acceptance where she helps coach people on their chronic illness journeys. There is also other content on this website including Natalie's blog, podcast, recipes, and business coaching information.

About IBD

On the About IBD podcast, Amber talks to caregivers and people living with IBD to share their journey. She also interviews healthcare providers and other experts to get their take on a variety of topics, such as IBD research, improving relationships with physicians, becoming a critical thinker, and how to get involved in healthcare activism.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Learn more about mental and emotional well-being and find resources for mental health support for those with IBD.

Your Ultimate Online Guide for UC Support
Check out the ultimate online guide for UC support.

New Drug Mirikizumab Shows Promise in Ulcerative Colitis Remission

This article discusses mirikizumab, a new drug that may help treat ulcerative colitis and achieve remission.

Stem Cell Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Advancements and Limitations

Learn more about stem cell therapy as a potential treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Events

Visit the website below to join the IBD community and find special events and fundraisers near you.

Surgery and Ostomy for Crohn's and Colitis 101

Register for this webinar to learn about surgery and ostomies for Crohn’s and colitis. This event will take place on October 24^th at 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET.

FAQs

What causes UC?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown.

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

IBD causes chronic inflammation of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most common types of IBD.

Can UC be cured?

UC is a chronic illness; therefore, patients will live with it for the rest of their lives. People, however, can experience periods of remission, where they experience no symptoms at all. While not all remission periods end, they can end in flare-ups, where people experience a return of active symptoms.

What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?

UC occurs in the colon, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract. Also, the colon is consistently inflamed with UC, whereas Crohn's disease may involve both healthy and inflamed parts of the bowel.

Who is most at risk for having ulcerative colitis?

People can be diagnosed at any age; however UC usually begins before the age of 30. Caucasians are at the highest risk of having UC, but it can affect people of any race or ethnicity. People who have a family history of the condition are also at a higher risk of developing UC.

What is a good diet plan to follow?

There is no diet that is effective for all UC patients. Based on the specific requirements of each patient, dietary guidelines may be created. The goal is to maintain a nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet.

Does stress contribute to ulcerative colitis symptoms?

Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis. Emotional stress or stressful situations may lead to flare-ups of symptoms for some people with UC.

PatientWing gratefully acknowledges Dr. Raymond Phillips for assistance in the review of this condition information. Updated July 2023.

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