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Ulcerative Colitis

Causes, symptoms & treatment

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is one of two main conditions that falls under the umbrella term "inflammatory bowel disease" (IBD); the other is Crohn's disease. It affects the colon (or large intestine) and is characterized by inflammation of the bowel tissue.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but common risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • Family history
  • Stress

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms & Complications

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Mild fever
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Cramps
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Weight loss
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Eye redness/pain
  • Severe joint pain
  • Delayed puberty (teens)
  • Failure to gain weight (children)

Some complications associated with ulcerative colitis include:

  • Perforated colon
  • Bleeding ulcerations
  • Malnutrition
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney stones
  • Osteoporosis
  • Liver disease
  • Toxic megacolon

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you have experienced persistent diarrhea (>48 hours) or if you have concerns about any of the symptoms listed above.

How to Diagnose Ulcerative Colitis

Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to confirm an ulcerative colitis diagnosis.

  • Blood tests
  • Stool samples
  • X-ray
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Barium enema
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

In most cases, ulcerative colitis can be managed with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. However, in severe cases, surgery of the colon or rectum may be needed.

Top Prescribed Ulcerative Colitis Medications

There are six types of drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, each with their own set of pros and cons. Patients should discuss their unique symptoms with their doctor to get appropriate guidance as to which medication (and dosage) is most likely to work for them.

  • Anti-Inflammatories (Sulfasalazine/5-ASA)
  • Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Budesonide)
  • Immunosuppressives (Methotrexate, Azathioprine)
  • Biologics (Infliximab, Adalimumab, Golimumab)
  • Biosimilars (Infliximab-Dyyb)
  • JAK Inhibitors (Tofacitinib)