Evidence Health
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Digestive System

Ulcerative Colitis

This comes from MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Treatments, services and advice can differ in your country; check with a local health professional. Set your country.

Also called Colitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Distal colitis, Pancolitis, Ulcerative proctitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease.

UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. It tends to run in families. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen and blood or pus in diarrhea. Other symptoms may include:

  • Anemia
  • Severe tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Sores on the skin
  • Joint pain
  • Growth failure in children

About half of people with UC have mild symptoms.

Doctors use blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and imaging tests to diagnose UC. Several types of drugs can help control it. Some people have long periods of remission, when they are free of symptoms. In severe cases, doctors must remove the colon.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the full topic on MedlinePlus

Medicines whose label mentions ulcerative colitis

These medicines list it among their uses on the official FDA label. This is not a treatment recommendation: only a clinician who knows your history can decide what’s right for you.

When to get urgent help

If symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, or you’re worried, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. For anything less urgent, contact your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the likely cause in my case, and what tests might I need?
  • What are my treatment options, and what are the trade-offs?
  • Which symptoms mean I should seek urgent care?
  • What changes to diet, activity or habits would help?
This is general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, talk to a health professional, and call your local emergency number if it’s an emergency.