Understand Ulcerative Colitis
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PrintWhat is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. It's a form of inflammatory bowel disease that involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. People with this condition typically alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives. While ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition, it usually can be managed with medication when taken as prescribed by your doctor.
What is a flare-up?
A flare-up is when the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare-up, people experience periods of increased ulcerative colitis symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Flare-ups can vary in duration and intensity.
What is remission?
Remission is the time between flare-ups of ulcerative colitis when people experience few, mild, or no symptoms. Periods of remission vary in duration, anywhere from a matter of days to a number of years.
How common is ulcerative colitis?
It's estimated that about 1 to 1.5 million Americans suffer from some form of inflammatory bowel disease. About half of the people with inflammatory bowel disease have ulcerative colitis.
What causes ulcerative colitis?
The causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown. Current research suggests that possible causes may involve, but are not limited to, heredity, the environment, and the immune system. This condition affects people of all ages, but is often diagnosed during early adulthood. The medical research community recognizes that inflammatory bowel disease is more common in Caucasians of Jewish descent, and can run in families.
While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis (except for removal of the colon), most people with moderate UC who follow their doctor's instructions are able to lead relatively normal lives.
What are active ulcerative colitis symptoms?
Common symptoms of moderate UC may include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain/cramping
- Urgent need to go to the bathroom
- Diarrhea
More severe* ulcerative colitis symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
* Not all medications are approved for the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis. Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets are not indicated for severe ulcerative colitis. Contact your doctor for more information.
What is the long-term outlook for this condition?
Though ulcerative colitis can be unpredictable, medications usually can help provide people with a measure of control over this tough, persistent condition. Taking your medication as directed by your doctor is an important part of managing your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?
Usually, your doctor will perform all or some of the following:
- Tests to rule out disorders that may mimic the symptoms of ulcerative colitis
- A complete physical exam
- Blood and stool tests
- Endoscopy (e.g., colonoscopy) or X-ray
What medications are used to treat ulcerative colitis?
There are a number of medications prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. These medications can come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, enemas, foams, and infusions. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication for your condition.
Some ulcerative colitis medications include:
- 5-ASAs, or aminosalicylates, including medications such as mesalamine (sulfa-free) and sulfasalazine (contains sulfa)
- Steroids, such as prednisone and hydrocortisone
- Biologics, such as infliximab
What is the role of surgery in ulcerative colitis treatment?
Surgery may be an alternative for some who don't respond to the intensive medical therapies available. Under these circumstances, the doctor may consider surgically removing portions of the colon and/or rectum. This procedure is called a colectomy.
