Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and may spread into part or all of the colon. This inflammation can make it difficult for the colon to absorb water normally and can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.
Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that often goes through periods of flare-ups (when symptoms worsen) and remission (when symptoms improve or disappear). Although there is currently no cure, medications, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular medical care can help control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Ulcerative Colitis – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html
Provides easy-to-understand information about ulcerative colitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
Ulcerative Colitis – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Explains what ulcerative colitis is, why it develops, common symptoms, and treatment options.
Ulcerative colitis affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with Crohn’s disease. It can develop at any age but is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30, although it may also develop later in life.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/
Provides information about inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary from mild to severe and often occur in episodes called flare-ups.
Common symptoms may include:
Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination. Laboratory testing, stool testing, imaging, and endoscopic procedures are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of inflammation.
A colonoscopy with biopsies is the most common test used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Explains how ulcerative colitis is diagnosed and what tests may be recommended.
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Researchers believe it develops because the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the lining of the colon. Genetics and environmental factors may also play a role.
Common risk factors include:
Ulcerative Colitis – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Learn about the possible causes and risk factors associated with ulcerative colitis.
Although triggers vary from person to person, several factors may increase symptoms or contribute to flare-ups.
Common triggers include:
Ulcerative Colitis – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides practical information about managing flare-ups and recognizing common triggers.
Ulcerative colitis cannot currently be prevented. However, following your treatment plan and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce flare-ups and lower your risk of complications.
Helpful prevention tips include:
Ulcerative Colitis – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Provides practical guidance for managing ulcerative colitis and reducing complications.
The following video content is provided to help you better understand this condition. These resources are intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Laboratory tests help evaluate inflammation, anemia, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies.
Common laboratory tests may include:
Fecal Calprotectin Test – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/
Explains how stool testing helps evaluate inflammation in the digestive tract.
Several diagnostic tests help confirm ulcerative colitis and determine how much of the colon is affected.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Colonoscopy – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/colonoscopy.html
Provides information about colonoscopy, how it is performed, and why it is important in diagnosing ulcerative colitis.
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, maintaining remission, and preventing complications. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on the severity of your ulcerative colitis.
Treatment options may include:
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides information about medications, nutrition, surgery, and long-term management of ulcerative colitis.
Healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce symptoms, improve overall health, and support your treatment plan.
Helpful lifestyle changes include:
Diet and Nutrition – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides practical information about nutrition and healthy eating for people living with ulcerative colitis.
Several medications are available to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and help maintain remission.
Common medications include:
Mesalamine – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688021.html
Explains how mesalamine works, how it is taken, and possible side effects.
Ulcerative Colitis – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides information about medications used to treat ulcerative colitis and maintain remission.
Some people with ulcerative colitis may need procedures to diagnose, monitor, or treat their condition. While many people manage ulcerative colitis with medications, procedures or surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe, complications develop, or medications are no longer effective.
Common procedures may include:
Ulcerative Colitis – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Learn about procedures and surgical treatment options for ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that usually goes through periods of remission and flare-ups. Many people achieve long periods with few or no symptoms by following their treatment plan and attending regular medical appointments.
Keeping inflammation under control can reduce the risk of complications such as hospitalization, colon damage, and colorectal cancer. Your healthcare provider may recommend routine colonoscopies to monitor your condition.
Daily self-care plays an important role in managing ulcerative colitis and reducing flare-ups.
Helpful tips include:
Diet and Nutrition – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides practical nutrition guidance and self-care tips for people living with ulcerative colitis.
Both are inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.
Stress does not cause ulcerative colitis, but it may worsen symptoms or contribute to flare-ups in some people.
Most people are treated successfully with medications. Surgery is usually recommended only for severe disease, complications, or when medications no longer control symptoms.
Yes. People with long-standing ulcerative colitis involving much of the colon have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Regular colonoscopies help detect changes early.
Yes. Many people with ulcerative colitis lead active, healthy lives by following their treatment plan and managing flare-ups promptly.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Ulcerative colitis is often managed by a team of healthcare professionals. Depending on your symptoms and disease severity, your healthcare provider may recommend seeing one or more specialists.
You may be referred to:
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Provides patient education, support resources, and information about specialty care for inflammatory bowel disease.
There is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis with medication alone. However, many people successfully manage the condition with medications and healthy lifestyle habits, allowing them to live active, fulfilling lives.
Surgical removal of the colon can eliminate ulcerative colitis because the disease affects only the colon and rectum. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether surgery is appropriate for your individual situation.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Seek prompt medical care if you notice:
Ulcerative Colitis – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html
Learn about ulcerative colitis complications and when emergency medical care is needed.
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Ulcerative Colitis – NIH MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html
Easy-to-understand information about ulcerative colitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Ulcerative Colitis
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
Comprehensive information about ulcerative colitis, medications, nutrition, surgery, and long-term management.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
Evidence-based patient education about ulcerative colitis, treatment options, nutrition, support resources, and living with inflammatory bowel disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/
Reliable information about inflammatory bowel disease, public health information, and patient resources.
This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team regarding your individual health needs. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen, you develop a flare-up, or your medications are no longer controlling your symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, severe dehydration, confusion, or another medical emergency.
At APNS, our providers take the time to understand your condition and your goals. We offer comprehensive telehealth visits at a fixed rate — no membership fees, no insurance required, and no unexpected charges. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for a provider who actually listens, we’re here to help.
