Ulcerative colitis is a long-term (chronic) condition affecting the colon. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- bloody diarrhoea
- abdominal pain
- a frequent need to go to the toilet
- weight loss
The colon
The colon, also known as the large intestine, absorbs nutrients from undigested food and passes out waste products through the rectum and anus in stools (faeces).
Ulcerative colitis causes the colon to become inflamed (swollen) and in severe cases, ulcers (painful sores) may form on the lining of the colon. These ulcers can bleed and produce mucus and pus.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can range from mild to severe, with the condition being very unpredictable. Symptoms can flare up and then disappear (go into remission) for months or even years.
At its most severe, the entire colon can become inflamed (known as pancolitis). This form of ulcerative colitis is particularly challenging to treat.
The causes for the condition are unknown, though research suggests that both environmental and genetic factors are involved.
How common is ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is an uncommon condition. It is estimated that there are ten new cases a year out of every 100,000 people. There are currently 100,000 people in England with ulcerative colitis.
The condition normally appears between the ages of 15 and 30. The condition is more common in white people of European descent, especially those descended from Ashkenazi Jewish communities (Jews who lived in Eastern Europe and Russia) and black people. The condition is much rarer in people of Asian background. The reasons for this are unclear.
Both sexes seem to be affected equally by ulcerative colitis.
Outlook
The outlook for most people with ulcerative colitis is usually quite good. Symptoms are often mild to moderate and can usually be controlled using medication.
However, an estimated one in five people with ulcerative colitis have severe symptoms that often respond less well to medication. In these cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the colon.
