What Causes UC?

Immune System Response: In people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like UC—inflammation is the result of the immune system responding inappropriately to the intestinal tract.

Genetics and Heredity: While they do not absolutely predict that the disease will occur, certain genes are connected to susceptibility of the disease.

Environmental Factors: While not fully identified, these can act as “triggers” to initiate a harmful immune response in the intestines.

Ulcerative Colitis is:

• A chronic, inflammatory condition of the large intestine (colon to rectum)
• Thought of as an autoimmune disease
• Unpredictable—no one can know how it will affect a particular person

Ulcerative Colitis is not:

• Caused by something you did
• Contagious—you can’t catch it from anyone
• A result of something you ate or drank
• Developed from a stressful lifestyle

Connecting UC and the Immune System

The immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that protects the body. When an immune system functions normally, white blood cells attack dangerous bacteria or viruses, causing inflammation that results in the removal of foreign substances. But, since UC is an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks itself instead of a foreign substance.

Leading to an Overreaction of the Immune System

Inflammation helps the body limit the effects of these dangerous bacteria and viruses and goes away once the threat is removed. Ulcerative colitis, however, produces chronic (ongoing) inflammation (redness and swelling) that might cause pain unless managed by an effective treatment plan.

Causing UC Symptoms When Inflammation Doesn’t Subside

With UC, once the inflammatory response is triggered by the immune system, it doesn’t subside. This may lead to:

• Chronic inflammation
• Ulceration
• Thickening of the intestinal wall
• Eventually, patient symptoms