Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, also called the colon, that affects the lining of the colon and causes small sores, or ulcers, to form.

Those ulcers produce pus and mucous, which cause abdominal pain and the need to frequently empty your colon.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary from person to person and about half of all ulcerative colitis patients experience mild symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

  • Loose and urgent bowel movements
  • Bloody stool
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Persistent diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain and blood in the stool

Medications

Medication is the first line of treatment for ulcerative colitis. Your doctor’s recommendation for which medication will work best for you is based on the severity of your disease, your overall health, and other individual factors.