Overview
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It usually comes in flare-ups followed by periods with few symptoms. Treatment can control flares and keep the disease in remission.
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus
- An urgent need to open the bowels
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Tiredness and weight loss
- Fever during severe flares
- Joint pain, eye inflammation or skin problems in some people
Causes and risk factors
The cause is not fully understood. It involves the immune system, genetics and environmental factors. It often starts between ages 15 and 30, and a family history increases the risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses blood and stool tests, colonoscopy with biopsies and sometimes imaging.
Treatment
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines (aminosalicylates), steroids for flares, immune-suppressing medicines and biologic therapies. Surgery to remove the colon may be needed for severe disease. Regular colonoscopy checks for cancer risk over time.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for diarrhoea with blood lasting more than a few days. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, high fever or more than six bloody stools a day.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
