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RA CD UC AS PsO PsA

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • About UC

    What happens in your digestive system affected by UC?

    Ulcerative Colitis is a condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the colon and rectum(the large bowel). 1
    The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon.13
    Inflamed segments are extended in a continuous, uninterrupted pattern. 1, 5

    Anatomic distribution of ulcerative colitis 3, 4

  • Symptoms

    What are the symptoms of UC?

    Most common symptoms include:

    • Urgent need to move bowels and sensation of incomplete evacuation are other symptoms related to inflammation of the Gl tract. 8, 9

    • Weight loss, night sweats and loss of normal menstrual cycle are general symptoms that may be associated with UC 8, 9

  • Treatment

    How is UC treated?

    Ulcerative Colitis is chronic ongoing and life long conditions. Therefore, the main goals of medical treatment are to achieve remission(the absence of symptoms), maintain remission(prevent flare-ups of symptoms) and improve quality of life. 1, 12
    UC may range from mild to severe, and will vary from person to person. 12
    Medications for UC aim to suppress the inflammation of the colon. 1

  • Tips & FAQs

    Living with UC

    UC is ongoing and lifelong, although you may have long periods of good health know as remission, as well relapses or flare-ups when your symptoms are more active. 1
    Flare-ups can come on suddenly, without an obvious trigger. 1, 8, 17
    With proper treatment over time, periods of remission can be extended and periods of symptom flare ups can be reduced. 17

    A flare is the reappearance of disease symptoms. The most common symptoms of UC are: 17, 18

    • Frequent and/or urgent bowel movements
    • Diarrhea
    • Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
    • Abdominal pain

    You cannot completely prevent flare-ups of UC. But, there are several self managements that you can do to optimize your health: 1, 18

    Take all IBD medications regularly

    The best way to control UC and reduce the risk of flares is by taking medications as recommended by your doctor.

    See your doctor regularly

    Well informed about the details of your symptoms and stay in close communication with your doctors.

    Quit smoking

    Smoking can make the symptoms of CD worse and can make it more difficult to treat.

    Eat a well-balanced diet

    Well-balanced nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy and minimizing the effects of the disease.

    Physical activity

    A regular exercise routine can improve overall health, and may be particularly beneficial for people with CD.

    A flare-up will probably not resolve by itself, and treatment will be needed. Maintenance drugs will be continued during a flare-up, and other drugs, diet modifications, or more treatment may be prescribed by your doctor to bring the disease back under control. 18

    Frequently asked Questions

    1. Can Ulcerative Colitis lead to cancer?1

    Ulcerative Colitis is not a form of cancer. However, if you have had UC for many years, you have a greater risk than normal of developing cancer in the colon or rectum.

    2. Does Ulcerative Colitis run in families? 1, 18

    Ulcerative Colitis tends to run in families, and parents with IBD are slightly more likely to have a child with IBD. However, studies show for most people the actual risk is relatively small. If one parent has Colitis, the risk of their child developing IBD is about 2%.

    3. Will UC patients need surgery? 1, 18

    Up to one in four people with ulcerative colitis may eventually need surgery, depending on how severe the disease is and which part(s) of the colon are affected. People with extensive or total colitis are more likely to require surgery than those with proctitis.

    Tips

    Tracking your diet with daily food journal can help you identify what foods and beverages work well for you and which ones don’t.

    Diet and Nutrition Tips 18

    Low-salt diet

    Used during corticosteroid therapy to reduce water retention

    Low-fiber diet

    Used to avoid blockages in CD patients with strictures and to avoid stimulating bowel movements

    Low-fat diet

    Typically recommended during a flare in CD when fat absorption may become an issue

    Lactose-free diet

    For those who have an intolerance to dairy products

    High-calorie diet

    For those who experience weight loss or growth delay

    Reduce the amount of greasy or fried foods

    It may cause diarrhea and gas

    Restrict carbonated beverages

    It may cause excessive gas

    Restrict caffeine

    It may cause a severe diarrhea

    Eat smaller meals at more frequent intervals