What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It's characterized by flare-ups followed by periods of remission that can alternate throughout a lifetime.

Flare-Ups

A flare-up is when the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare-up, people experience periods of increased symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Flare-ups can vary in duration and intensity.

Remission

Remission is the time between flare-ups of ulcerative colitis when people experience few, mild, or no ulcerative colitis symptoms. Periods of remission vary in duration, anywhere from a matter of days to a number of years.

While ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition, flare-ups can be controlled and periods of remission extended with medication when taken as prescribed by your doctor. This condition affects people of all ages, but often is diagnosed during early adulthood. The causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown, but may involve heredity, infection, or the immune system. There is no known cure for ulcerative colitis except for removal of the colon. However, research organizations, such as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), continue to research the cause of and seek a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.