Ulcerative colitis is a relatively common long-term condition that causes inflammation in the colon. Dietary changes and medications can often help manage symptoms, but surgery is an option in severe cases.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is similar to Crohn’s disease.
The colon typically removes nutrients from undigested food and eliminates waste products through the rectum and anus as feces. However, UC causes ulcers to form on the lining of the colon. These ulcers may bleed and produce pus and mucus.
Various medication options can help reduce symptoms, and doctors can tailor treatment to meet individual needs.
In this article, we cover the symptoms, risk factors, and possible causes of UC, as well as some treatment options.
UC is a type of chronic IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers on the inside lining of the large intestine. Symptoms may vary depending on the area of inflammation.
People with UC may experience periods of worsening symptoms, known as flares, and periods when symptoms lessen or disappear, known as remission. Remission can last for
The first symptom of UC is usually diarrhea.
Stools become progressively looser, and some people may experience abdominal pain with cramps and a severe urge to pass stool. Diarrhea may begin slowly or suddenly and occur with blood and mucus. Symptoms depend on the extent and spread of inflammation.
The symptoms of UC can include:
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- bloody diarrhea with mucus
- fatigue or tiredness
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- anemia
- elevated temperature
- dehydration
- a constant urge to pass stool
Symptoms are often worse early in the morning.
Symptoms may be mild or absent for months or years at a time. However, if a person does not receive effective treatment, symptoms will usually return. Additionally, symptoms may vary depending on the part of the colon the condition affects.
The exact causes of UC are unclear. However, they may involve the following:
- Genetic factors:
Experts suggest that people with UC are more likely to have certain genetic features. The specific genetic feature a person has may affect the age at which the disease appears. - Environmental factors: A person’s diet and exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke may affect the onset of UC.
- Immune system reaction: The body might respond to a viral or bacterial infection in a way that causes the inflammation associated with UC. Once the infection resolves, the immune system continues to respond, leading to ongoing inflammation.
- Autoimmunity: Another theory suggests that UC may be an autoimmune condition. A fault in the immune system may cause it to fight nonexistent infections, leading to inflammation in the colon.
- Gut microbiome: People with IBD tend to have differences in the bacteria, viruses, and fungi in their digestive tracts compared with people without IBD, though research is still ongoing to determine whether there is a connection.
Known risk factors for UC include:
- Age: UC can affect people at any age but is more common at 15–30 years of age.
- Ethnicity: White people and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Genetics: Although recent studies have identified specific genes that may play a role in UC, the link is unclear due to the role of environmental factors.
The sections below discuss the various types of UC, many of which affect different parts of the colon:
Ulcerative proctitis
This type affects only the end of the colon, or the rectum. Symptoms tend to include:
- rectal bleeding, which may be the only symptom
- rectal pain
- an inability to pass stools despite frequent urges
Ulcerative proctitis is usually the mildest type of UC.
Proctosigmoiditis
This type involves the rectum and the sigmoid colon, which is the lower end of the colon.
Symptoms include:
- bloody diarrhea
- abdominal cramps
- abdominal pain
- a constant urge to pass stool
Left-sided colitis
This type affects the rectum and the left side of the sigmoid and descending colon.
Symptoms usually include:
- bloody diarrhea
- abdominal cramping on the left side
- weight loss
Pancolitis
This type affects the whole colon. Symptoms include:
- bloody diarrhea that is occasionally severe
- abdominal pain and cramps
- fatigue
- considerable weight loss
Fulminant colitis
This is a rare, potentially life threatening form of colitis that affects the whole colon.
Symptoms tend to include severe pain and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and shock.
Fulminant colitis can present a risk of colon rupture and toxic megacolon, which causes the colon to become severely distended.
A doctor will ask about a person’s symptoms and medical history. They will also ask whether any close relatives have had UC, IBD, or Crohn’s disease.
They will check for signs of anemia, or low iron levels in the blood, and tenderness around the abdomen.
Several tests can help rule out other possible conditions and diseases, including Crohn’s disease, infections, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Possible tests include:
- blood tests
- stool tests
- X-ray
- barium enema, during which a healthcare professional passes a fluid called barium through the colon to make any changes or anomalies visible on a scan
- sigmoidoscopy, in which a healthcare professional inserts an endoscope — a flexible tube with a camera at the end — into the rectum
- colonoscopy, in which a doctor examines the whole colon using an endoscope
- CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis
A person with UC will need to see a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the digestive system.
The doctor can assess the type and severity of the condition and create a treatment plan.
UC symptoms can range from mild to severe. The symptoms may go away, but if a person does not receive treatment, there is a higher chance that symptoms will come back.
People with UC typically receive outpatient treatment. However, around 15% of people with the disease have a severe form. Of these, 1 in 5 may need to spend time in the hospital.
Treatment usually focuses on:
- maintaining remission to prevent further symptoms
- managing a flare until symptoms go into remission
Medication
Various medications are available, and a doctor will make a treatment plan that accounts for a person’s individual needs and wishes. Natural approaches can support medical treatment but cannot replace it.
Treatment for UC can include:
- Aminosalicylates such as mesalamine, balsalazide, and sulfasalazine, which are drugs that target inflammation in the lining of the colon.
- Topical corticosteroids, which are powerful, fast-acting anti-inflammatories that can treat UC flare-ups.
- Immunomodulators, which are drugs that regulate the immune system, such as thiopurines (azathioprines) and methotrexate.
- Biologics, which target inflammation in the gut. These can include TNF-alpha antagonists such as infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira), anti-integrin agents such as vedolizumab (Entyvio), and interleukin 12/23 antagonists such as ustekinumab (Stelara).
- Targeted synthetic small molecules, which can reduce inflammation. Options can include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as tofacitinib (Xeljanz) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq).
The specific medications a doctor prescribes can depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms and other factors. People should talk with their doctor about the available medications and the benefits and risks of each.
Hospitalization
A person with severe symptoms may need to spend time in the hospital. Hospital treatment can reduce the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and life threatening complications such as colon rupture. Treatment can involve intravenous (IV) fluids and medications.
Surgery
If other treatments do not provide relief or if a person experiences life threatening complications, doctors may recommend surgery.
Surgical options for UC include:
- Colectomy: A surgeon removes part or all of the colon.
- Ileostomy: A surgeon makes an incision in the stomach, extracts the end of the small intestine, and connects it to an external pouch called a Kock pouch. The pouch then collects waste material from the intestine.
- Ileoanal pouch: A surgeon constructs a pouch from the small intestine and connects it to the muscles surrounding the anus. The ileoanal pouch is not an external pouch. People sometimes call it a J-pouch.
Research suggests that 25–30% of people with UC may need surgical treatment.
Diet
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), some
- eating smaller, more frequent meals, such as five or six small meals per day
- drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration
- avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can both increase diarrhea
- avoiding sodas, which can increase gas
- keeping a food diary to identify foods that make symptoms worse
Depending on a person’s symptoms, a doctor may suggest temporarily following a specific diet such as:
- a low fiber diet
- a lactose-free diet
- a low fat diet
- a low salt diet
What’s the best diet for ulcerative colitis?
If a person is experiencing symptoms of UC, a doctor may recommend a low residue or low fiber diet to reduce the amount of stool a person passes. This diet can include:
- refined grains such as white bread and white rice
- cooked vegetables with the peel, seeds, and stalks removed
- eggs
- lean meat and fish
- certain fruits, such as peeled apples and ripe bananas
A person with UC should discuss any dietary changes with a healthcare professional in advance.
Natural and lifestyle remedies
It may be helpful to take supplements or eliminate particular foods from the diet. However, a person should discuss any complementary or alternative measures with a doctor before trying them.
Possible options include:
- Probiotics: A 2019 review suggests that some probiotics may help manage IBD.
- Herbal remedies: Another
2019 review suggests that some herbal remedies, such as aloe vera gel and wheatgrass juice, may help reduce symptoms and manage the condition. - Fruits and other plant-based foods: Some
research suggests that compounds naturally present in strawberries, rosemary, broccoli, soy, and citrus fruits may have beneficial effects. - Spices: Older
research suggests that garlic, ginger, fenugreek, saffron, turmeric, and Malabar tamarind may help with IBD symptoms.
Research has not yet confirmed the possible benefits of the options above, but moderate amounts appear safe to add to the diet. However, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional first.
Researchers have also found that some lifestyle strategies may help:
- Education: The more a person knows about a health condition, the more in control they tend to feel. A
2017 study suggests that learning about UC can help ease anxiety and lead to effective coping and management techniques. - Exercise: Some research suggests that aerobic exercise may have an anti-inflammatory effect, which could help people with UC. One
2019 review suggests that combining exercise with an anti-inflammatory diet could have a positive effect. However, people should check with a healthcare professional before changing an exercise routine. A small 2016 study suggests that intense physical activity can negatively affect colon healing. - Mindfulness: In a small
2020 study , 37 people with UC engaged in a mindfulness-based intervention involving 4 online therapy and 4 face-to-face sessions. After 6 months, these participants had lower markers of inflammation than the 20 participants who did not have the sessions.
The possible complications of UC can range from a lack of nutrients to potentially fatal bleeding from the rectum.
These include:
Colorectal cancer
UC increases the risk of developing colon cancer, especially if UC symptoms are severe or extensive.
According to the
Toxic megacolon
This complication occurs in a few cases of severe UC.
In toxic megacolon, gas becomes trapped, causing the colon to swell. When this occurs, there is a risk of colon rupture, septicemia, and shock.
Other complications
Other possible complications of UC include:
- inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes
- liver disease
- osteoporosis
- perforation of the colon
- severe bleeding
- severe dehydration
To prevent bone density loss, a doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements, calcium supplements, or medications.
Attending regular medical appointments, closely following a doctor’s advice, and being aware of symptoms can help prevent these complications.
A person may be able to avoid or delay UC flares by carefully monitoring their symptoms, diet, and environmental exposures and limiting their exposure to potential triggers.
What triggers ulcerative colitis?
Individuals can have different triggers for a UC flare. Common triggers include:
- use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- stress
- exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke
- dietary intolerances, such as dairy or lactose
The following sections answer some common questions about UC.
Does ulcerative colitis ever go away?
UC is a chronic condition that currently has no cure. However, treatment can help a person enter a period of remission and prevent or delay future flares.
Can I give my kids ulcerative colitis?
Some genetic factors that pass from parents to children can increase a person’s risk of developing UC. However, the condition’s onset typically involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What is the life expectancy with ulcerative colitis?
The life expectancy of a person with UC is similar to that of a person without the condition. Effective treatment can help prevent flares and life threatening complications.
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recommends that people who have had UC for at least 8 years get a colonoscopy every 1–2 years. Other risk factors may affect how often a person needs to have a colonoscopy.
Does ulcerative colitis make you immunocompromised?
UC affects the immune system. Treatment for UC can include medications that suppress an overactive immune system, which can cause a person’s immune system to be compromised.
The outlook for UC varies widely. While it is a lifelong condition, the overall mortality rate for people with UC is the same as for people without it.
However, some UC complications, such as toxic megacolon, can be life threatening. In addition, at least
UC involves periods of remission, during which symptoms improve, and flares, during which symptoms worsen. Some people may experience remission all year and have few or no symptoms, while others may experience at least one flare at some time during the year.
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in helping people manage diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and liver. They can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and manage flare-ups. They can also use regular colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancers, which are more common in people with UC.
Certain foods can trigger UC symptoms, such as cramping, diarrhea, and bloating. A dietitian can provide a personalized eating plan focused on nutrient-rich foods that are easy to digest. They can also help someone find ways to reduce the risk of certain UC complications, such as malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies.
UC can increase the risk of iron deficiency (anemia). Hematologists specialize in treating blood conditions. They can check iron levels and prescribe treatments, if necessary. They may recommend eating more iron-rich foods, taking an oral supplement, or receiving intravenous iron.
Living with UC can be stressful and may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. A psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or clinical social worker can diagnose mental health conditions and use psychotherapy to help people find ways to cope. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, if necessary.
As many as 30% of people with UC may also have arthritis, an inflammatory condition that can cause swollen, painful joints. A rheumatologist can diagnose arthritis and prescribe medication to manage symptoms. This type of doctor specializes in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
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