Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
First off: What is ulcerative colitis (UC)?
UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) known for its inflammation of the large intestine (rectum and colon). The innermost lining becomes inflamed, and ulcers may form on the surface.
UC Can Affect More Than the Intestines
Sometimes, ulcerative colitis causes inflammation outside of the large intestine. It’s important to know that IBD isn’t confined to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—disease-related symptoms may develop in other areas of the body, like:
Who Gets UC?
Want more quick facts? Download the basic guide: Ulcerative Colitis 101
Learn about treatment options for ulcerative colitis.
The Differences Between UC and Crohn’s
Both UC and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), but there are some key differences.
Ulcerative Colitis
- Affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum
- Can affect either a part of or the entire colon
- Appears in a continuous pattern
- Inflammation affects the innermost lining of the intestine
- About 30% of people in remission will experience a reoccurrence of symptoms in the next year
Crohn's Disease
- Inflammation may develop anywhere in the GI tract from the mouth to the anus
- Commonly affects the end of the small intestine
- Can appear in patches
- May affect the entire thickness of bowel wall
- About 67% of people in remission will have at least 1 reoccurrence of symptoms over the next 5 years
IBD Is Not IBS
It’s important not to confuse an IBD like UC or Crohn’s disease with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a disorder that affects the muscle contractions of the bowel and is not characterized by intestinal inflammation, nor is it a chronic disease.
More Knowledge. More Power.
What are the symptoms of UC?
Understand the different signs and symptoms.
What causes UC?
Learn how the interaction of factors may result in UC.
How do you test for UC?
Understand diagnosis, disease evaluation, and testing.
How is UC a progressive disease?
Find out how UC may get worse over time.
What treatments are there for UC?
Learn about different treatment options and medications.
What are some tips for daily life with UC?
Get advice on managing UC in your day-to-day.
It’s going to be tough in the beginning. But once you figure out what treatment works for you, you can head in the direction of living a happy life.
