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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that inflames and ulcerates the lining of the large bowel (colon and rectum). It causes bloody diarrhoea and flares over time.
Causes & risk factors
- An overactive immune response in the colon lining
- Genetic tendency (family history)
- Changes in gut bacteria
- Environmental triggers
- The exact cause is not fully known
Common symptoms
- Diarrhoea, often with blood and mucus
- Crampy lower tummy pain
- Urgent need to pass stool
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool
Tests & diagnosis
- CBC (anaemia)
- CRP and ESR (inflammation)
- Faecal calprotectin (stool test)
- Colonoscopy with biopsy
- LFT (to check the liver)
Treatment & management
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (aminosalicylates) for mild disease
- Steroids for flares; immune-modifying medicines or biologics for severe disease
- Regular monitoring and, in the long term, bowel-cancer surveillance
- Good nutrition and staying hydrated
- Surgery to remove the colon in severe or non-responding cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Frequent bloody diarrhoea, especially more than 6 times a day
- High fever, fast heart rate or severe tummy pain
- Signs of dehydration or feeling very unwell
- A flare that is not responding to treatment
Frequently asked questions
Does ulcerative colitis increase cancer risk?
Long-standing, extensive colitis raises the risk of bowel cancer over time, which is why regular colonoscopy surveillance is advised. Good control lowers the risk.
Can diet cure ulcerative colitis?
Diet does not cure it, but eating well and staying hydrated support treatment. Medicines are the mainstay for controlling inflammation.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.