Did You Know? Ulcerative colitis can be cured with surgery
Most Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Are Diagnosed Before the Age of Thirty
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is very similar to Crohn’s Disease. However, Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from an individual’s mouth down to the rectum; whereas UC only affects a specific portion of the GI area. It is important to understand both diseases as they are the two most common types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
This guide is intended to help inform patients on the following four topics that include what UC is, the signs and symptoms, causes and how UC is diagnosed.
01 | What is Ulcerative Colitis?
UC is a disease that affects the large intestine, specifically the colon and the rectum. UC causes ulcers, sores and swelling within its lining of the large intestine.
02 | Signs & Symptoms
The effects of UC are treated on a case-by-case basis. Symptoms which cause discomfort can appear to come and go and may include:
More severe symptoms can include:
03 | Causes
The causes of UC are continuously being studied as it is unknown how or why an individual develops UC. These studies have also shown that the following could contribute to UC:
04 | Diagnosis
UC affects each patient differently. There are ways to determine if UC is the cause of gastrointestinal problems; diagnostic testing can include:
Speak to your medical provider for additional insight on ways to prevent, understand or manage UC.
For additional resources and information on Ulcerative Colitis, visit: www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-topic-overview
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/definition/con-20043763
http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/
