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Ulcerative Colitis(UC; Colitis, Ulcerative)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It results in inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.
CausesThe exact cause is not known. Things that may play a role are:
Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in people who are 15 to 30 years of age. It is also more common in people of Jewish descent. Other things that may play a role are:
SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood and stool tests may be done. The inside of the colon and rectum will be viewed. This can be done with: A sample of tissue may be taken from the colon and rectum. This can be done with a biopsy. TreatmentThere is no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. A colectomy is the partial or full removal of the colon. PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem. RESOURCES:American Gastroenterological Society http://www.gastro.org Crohn's & Colitis Foundation http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Crohn's and Colitis Canada http://crohnsandcolitis.ca References:Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Mar;114(3):384-413. Ulcerative colitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ulcerative-colitis-in-adults. Accessed March 24, 2021. What is ulcerative colitis? Crohn's & Colitis Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 24, 2021. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 03/24/2021 | |