About Ulcerative Colitis

Forget living life on “UC pause.” Our network of integrative and functional medicine experts is here to help on your way towards better wellness. It’s time to lose the one-size-fits-all approach and try our personalized plans that address your unique needs. Imagine fearlessly savoring your favorite meal, saying goodbye to bathroom anxieties, and reclaiming your social life. Your new life awaits, UC or not.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or “IBD,” that can cause inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects mostly the colon and rectum, as well as the innermost lining of one’s large intestine. Ulcerative colitis typically “develops gradually over time, though some people have a sudden onset of symptoms.” It can develop at any age, but the disease is more likely to develop in people between the ages of 15 and 30.

What Does Ulcerative Colitis Do?

The inflammation present in this form of IBD causes ulcers in the lining of the digestive tract. The immune system mistakenly attacks the gut lining and causes damage, which leads to bleeding and pain.

About Ulcerative Colitis

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Symptoms, Causes, and Side Effects of Ulcerative Colitis

There are many symptoms of ulcerative colitis that often get worse over time. Signs of ulcerative colitis include:

Diarrhea and urgency to have bowel movement

Bloody stools

Abdominal Pain and Cramping

The sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowels after a bowel movement

Unintentional weight loss and appetite loss

Fatigue

You may have periods of remission—times when symptoms disappear—that can last for weeks or years. After a period of remission, you may have a relapse, or a return of symptoms.

Side Effects

Fatigue: Chronic inflammation often results in fatigue
Anemia: Chronic bleeding from the inflamed colon can result in anemia
Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and malabsorption of nutrients can lead to unintentional weight loss
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer: Individuals with long-standing, extensive UC have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat this disease include immunosuppressants that can increase the risk of infections.

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis may lead to complications that develop over time. These include:

Anemia, a condition in which you have fewer red blood cells than normal.
Bone problems, because ulcerative colitis and corticosteroids used to treat the disease can affect the bones.
Problems with growth and development in children
Severe rectal bleeding.

Forum Health’s Solutions for Ulcerative Colitis

The integrative healthcare professionals at Forum Health specialize in identifying the underlying source of the system disruption such as microbiome impact that triggers symptoms. We employ cutting-edge diagnostic methods and a variety of scientifically supported treatments to effectively address and control ulcerative colitis.

Learn more about Forum Health's
Ulcerative Colitis Treatments

Ulcerative Colitis FAQ

Find answers to common questions about causes, warning signs, triggers, and treatment

What is the main cause of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the gut, which causes damage to the intestinal lining. Doctors are unsure what triggers this inflammation, but some think it may be autoimmune, genetic, or involve changes in the biome.

What are the warning signs of ulcerative colitis?

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis tend to develop gradually, and symptoms may fluctuate. The main symptoms are bloody diarrhea that may have mucus in it. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain along with weight loss, fever, and low energy.

What foods trigger colitis?

People with ulcerative colitis can develop lactose intolerance, which makes their symptoms worse. If this is the case, it is best to avoid dairy products. Other proposed triggers include alcohol, caffeine, soda, and spicy foods. It is often best to eliminate one food at a time, to identify which foods lead to flares.

How do doctors diagnose ulcerative colitis?

To diagnose ulcerative colitis, doctors review medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and order medical tests.

Can ulcerative colitis go away?

Unfortunately, ulcerative colitis is a lifelong disease. However, the symptoms often fluctuate, meaning that sometimes symptoms will be very mild. Symptoms can often be controlled with medication like Sulfasalazine or Glucocorticoids, which limit the amount of inflammation.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353326
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/ulcerative-colitis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459282/
https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html