diagnosis
What is ulcerative colitis and how will it affect my body?
Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and sores inside your large intestine. It is a long-term illness. Your immune system normally fights germs.
Ulcerative colitis is long-term swelling and sores in the lining of your large intestine. The immune system causes it by reacting the wrong way. Instead of fighting germs, it attacks the gut.
Common symptoms include belly cramps, diarrhea, and blood or pus in your stool. You may also feel a constant urge to use the bathroom. Fatigue, fever, nausea, and weight loss can happen too. About half of people have only mild symptoms.
This illness cycles between flares and remission. A flare is when symptoms return or get worse. Remission is when symptoms ease or disappear — sometimes for years. Treatment aims to keep you in remission as long as possible.
Over time, ulcerative colitis can affect other parts of the body. It may cause problems with your joints, skin, and eyes. It can also lead to anemia or bone changes. Your care team can explain what to watch for.
If you have heavy rectal bleeding, severe pain, high fever, or many bloody bowel movements in a day, get emergency care right away.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Ulcerative colitis
- What is a colonoscopy checking for, and how often will I need one?
- What is a colonoscopy screening for, and how often will I need to have one?
- What is ulcerative colitis and how will it affect my body now that I've been diagnosed?
- What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what does a flare feel like?
- What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what symptoms might I experience during a flare?
- How can I navigate insurance, prior authorization, and the cost of biologic medications?