Ulcerative colitis is a long-term (chronic) condition affecting the colon. The colon, also known as the large intestine, removes nutrients from undigested food and expels waste products through the rectum and anus when you pass stools (faeces).

Conditions that cause inflammation of the intestines, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, are known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a different condition and requires different treatment.

Ulcerative colitis causes the colon to become inflamed and in severe cases, ulcers (painful sores) may form on the lining of the colon. These ulcers can bleed and produce mucus and pus.

The causes for the condition are unknown, though research suggests that both environmental and genetic factors are involved.

Ulcerative colitis condition normally appears between the ages of 15-30. The condition is more common in people of European descent, especially those people descended from Ashkenazi Jewish communities (Jews who lived in Eastern Europe and Russia). The reasons for this are unclear.

There is no current cure for ulcerative colitis though there are a number of successful treatments that can relieve and prevent symptoms. These treatments can successfully control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in 70% of all cases.

In the remainder of cases, surgery may be required to remove the colon.

Severe forms of the condition can be serious and cause life-threatening complications. However, due to advancements in the treatment of the condition, death from ulcerative colitis is extremely rare.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis 

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, a frequent need to go to the toilet and weight loss. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. For some people the condition is a minor inconvenience, while for others it can seriously affect their quality of life.

Ulcerative colitis is an unpredictable condition. Symptoms can flare up and then go into remission for months or even years. The symptoms of the condition can vary, depending on how much of the colon is affected and the level of inflammation.

Common symptoms include abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhoea with mucus. There may also be

• tiredness and fatigue,
• loss of appetite and weight loss,
• anaemia,
• fever,
• dehydration,
• weight-loss, and
• a constant desire to empty the bowels (known as tenesmus).

Symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning.

Many people living with the condition will have longs periods of months or years where they experience very few, or no, symptoms. However, in all cases, without treatment symptoms will eventually return.

No specific trigger that causes the return of symptoms has been identified, though it is thought that stress may play a factor.

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