• Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
• How Is Ulcerative Colitis Characterized?
• Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosing and Monitoring
• Ulcerative Colitis Factors: Genetics and Gender

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will take careful steps and the appropriate means to determine if you have this condition. Initial steps your doctor may take to diagnose ulcerative colitis include:

• Taking a medical history
• Completing a physical examination
• Ruling out other bowel disorders caused by viruses, bacterial infections, food poisoning, or other conditions
• Ordering blood and/or stool tests

If your doctor suspects that you have UC, he or she may order an X-ray or another medical procedure called an endoscopy to help confirm the ulcerative colitis diagnosis. He or she also may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further testing if necessary.

An X-ray provides your doctor with a picture of your intestines. By delivering liquid barium to the colon and rectum, usually by enema, your doctor can study the condition of your colon and rectum on the X-ray.

For an interior examination of your rectum and/or colon, your doctor may perform an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube, or endoscope, through the rectum. A colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are examples of procedures used to diagnose and monitor ulcerative colitis.

A sigmoidoscopy is a minimally invasive test performed by a doctor that involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube, or endoscope, through the rectum to view the sigmoid colon, or S-shaped part of the colon. A biopsy may be taken during this examination. Sedatives are usually not necessary for this procedure.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire colon using a lighted, flexible tube, or colonoscope, inserted through the rectum. Your doctor typically will administer sedatives to make you more comfortable during this exam. A biopsy may be taken to further study your condition. Your doctor also may recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you to drive you home after a colonoscopy because sedatives can leave you feeling drowsy and also can cause you to be forgetful.

Check with your doctor or your healthcare team about special preparations you may need to take prior to any test. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved. Talk with your doctor for more information.

How Ulcerative Colitis Is Monitored

Ulcerative colitis is monitored using many of the same techniques used to diagnose the condition, including colonoscopies and biopsies. Your doctor also may conduct blood tests to monitor your condition and medications. Monitoring ulcerative colitis usually includes the following:

• Routine checkups and colonoscopies. Talk with your doctor about how often he or she recommends having a colonoscopy. Even when you feel well, your doctor may decide that it's important for you to have a colonoscopy.
• Biopsies. During a colonoscopy, your doctor may take a small sample during an examination of the rectum and colon. This biopsy may be used to measure changes in your condition or to periodically check for the possibility of other conditions.
• Blood tests. Blood tests may be necessary to monitor the health of organs, including your kidneys and liver, so medication therapy can start and continue.