Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the mucosa of the large intestine (colon and rectum), leading to the development of ulcers. While the cause of ulcerative colitis is not definitively known, medical professionals believe that possible causes include:
Genetics
Autoimmune disease
Gut microbiome changes
Virus or bacteria triggers
Anyone can develop ulcerative colitis, however, individuals at higher risk include those:
Between 15 and 30 years old
Living in the United States or Northern Europe
With a family history of inflammatory bowel disease
Of Jewish descent
As a lifelong disease, people with ulcerative colitis can experience extended periods of time with symptoms, as well as periods of time without symptoms. Most people have mild to moderate symptoms that can include:
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramping and pain
Rectal pain
Blood or puss in the stool
Constipation
Anemia
Weight loss
Fatigue
Most individuals with ulcerative colitis will have a full life expectancy. For severe ulcerative colitis cases, complications can arise including:
Severe bleeding
Perforated colon
Severe dehydration
Toxic megacolon
Blood clots
Osteoporosis
Skin, joint and eye inflammation
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