Learn About Ulcerative Colitis

Learn About
Ulcerative Colitis

Living with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can feel like having a constant companion that interferes with daily activities.

Join the Gut Health Circle

Connect with Community Members

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes your large intestine (colon and rectum) to get inflamed and sore. This inflammation creates tiny open sores, called ulcers, inside your colon.

Symptoms of
Ulcerative Colitis

Think of your colon as a smooth tube. In ulcerative colitis, the lining of this tube becomes inflamed and develops tiny breaks or ulcers. These changes can lead to a range of symptoms, including:¹

Stomach Troubles

You might feel cramps or pain in your belly.
Your tummy might make gurgling or rumbling sounds.

Issues in the Bathroom

You might have to go to the bathroom a lot more often than usual (diarrhea).
You might see blood or mucus (a slimy substance) in your stool.
You might feel like you really need to go, but then nothing happens when you get there.

Feeling Tired

You might feel really tired and weak all the time.
You might lose your appetite and not feel like eating.
Sometimes, you might even get a fever.

Stomach Troubles

You might feel cramps or pain in your belly.
Your tummy might make gurgling or rumbling sounds.

Persistent Asthma

You might have to go to the bathroom a lot more often than usual (diarrhea).
You might see blood or mucus (a slimy substance) in your stool.
You might feel like you really need to go, but then nothing happens when you get there.

Severe Asthma

You might feel really tired and weak all the time.
You might lose your appetite and not feel like eating.
Sometimes, you might even get a fever.

Want more information about this condition?

These resources might help

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD):

Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD):

Risk Factors
Ulcerative Colitis

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for developing UC:²

Things you can’t change

Family history: If someone in your family, like a parent or sibling, has UC or another similar condition, you might be 3-4x more likely to get it too. It’s like inheriting your mom’s blue eyes – sometimes things run in the family!
Age: UC can happen at any age, but it’s most often diagnosed in people between 15 and 30 years old.

Things that might increase your risk

Where you live: People in developed countries, like the United States, seem to have a higher risk of UC compared to those in developing countries. This might be because of differences in diet or environment.

Things that might decrease your risk

Having your appendix removed: For some reason, having your appendix taken out seems to make you a little less likely to be impacted by UC.³

Remember:

These are just risk factors. Having them doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get UC, and not having them doesn’t mean you’re completely safe.
It’s always best to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about your health.

Resources for Ulcerative Colitis

Having IBD can impact many aspects of your life – whether you’re at your job or on a date. Here are some ways to learn how to live with your constant companion.

Being Mindful of Your Diet

Learn how to make a gut-healthy Thanksgiving meal with Chefleen!

Caring for Your Mental Health

Our community member, Deanna, shares how she battled her mental health with IBD.

Coping with Flare-ups

Explore 4 ways to navigate ulcerative colitis flare-ups at school with this article!