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:
Ulcerative Colitis is not:
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:
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