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What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. People with UC typically alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission throughout their lives. Although UC is a lifelong condition, it usually can be managed with medication when taken as prescribed by your doctor.

The more you know about ulcerative colitis, the better equipped you are to deal with it. Here are some basic facts to get you started:

Basic Facts About Ulcerative Colitis

  • Average age of onset

    Late teens and 20s

  • Site of inflammation

    Colon and rectum

  • Number of people in the U.S. with this condition

    500,000 to 750,000

  • Common symptoms during active stages of the condition

    Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, rectal bleeding

  • Medications used for treatment

    5-ASAs, steroids, biologics, other medications as prescribed by a doctor

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

Current research suggests that possible causes may involve, but are not limited to, heredity, environment, and the immune system. Ulcerative colitis affects people of all ages, but is often diagnosed during early adulthood. The medical research community also recognizes that ulcerative colitis is more common in Caucasians of Jewish descent, and can run in families.

How Can Ulcerative Colitis Be Treated?

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. While there is no known cure for UC (except for removal of the colon), most people with UC are able to live life with UC.

Moderate ulcerative colitis is characterized by tougher symptoms than mild UC. Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets help treat these tougher flares of moderately active ulcerative colitis. In clinical studies, Asacol HD rapidly decreased UC symptoms, including frequent trips to the bathroom (i.e., number of bowel movements), for the majority of patients by three weeks.*

* Individual results may vary.

 

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