Diseases
ulcerative colitis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.
Symptoms
- diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- abdominal pain and cramping
- rectal bleeding — passing small amount of blood with stool
- weight loss
- urgency to defecate, inability to defecate despite urgency
Causes
- the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don't cause ulcerative colitis.
Risk factors
- age. ulcerative colitis usually begins before the age of 30.
- family history.
- race or ethnicity.
Diagnosis
- blood tests, stool studies.
- colonoscopy.
- imaging procedures, ct scan, or x-rays.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.
What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?
diarrhea, often with blood or pus, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding — passing small amount of blood with stool, weight loss, urgency to defecate, inability to defecate despite urgency
What causes ulcerative colitis?
the exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don't cause ulcerative colitis.
Which medicines are used for ulcerative colitis?
adalimumab, azathioprine, balsalazide, budesonide, golimumab, hydrocortisone, infliximab, mercaptopurine, mesalamine, olsalazine, sulphasalazine, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, ustekinumab, vedolizumab
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