Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes inflammation and sores called ulcers in the top layers of the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It most often occurs in the lower part of the colon and rectum, but may affect the whole colon. When it is located only in the rectum, it is called proctitis. It most often occurs in young people between the ages of 15 and 40.

The most common symptom is diarrhea because the inflammation keeps water from being absorbed into the bloodstream and makes the colon empty often. Inflammation also kills healthy colon lining cells, which causes ulcers to form and bleed, and make pus and mucus. Other symptoms include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, nausea, and frequent fever. Most people with UC have times when they feel well (remission) and times when they feel sick (relapse). About half of the people with UC only have mild symptoms. In severe cases, people can become malnourished and may need to have a special diet or be fed fluids through a vein.

UC can cause problems like arthritis, inflammation in the eye, liver disease, skin rashes, anemia, and kidney stones. No one knows why these problems occur outside of the colon. They may occur when the immune system triggers inflammation in other parts of the body. These problems are usually mild and go away when the colitis is treated. Osteoporosis can occur due to low Calcium and vitamin D intake through dairy products, poor absorption of nutrients in the body, inflammation, and use of corticosteroids (for treatment of UC).

In order to find out if you have UC, your doctor will examine you and may order blood tests or samples of a bowel movement to check for blood or germs. She also may give you a barium enema, which is an x-ray of the colon, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, screening tests that allow the doctor to see the inside lining of the colon.