Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation and ulcers inside your colon (large intestine). UC is one of the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside Crohn’s disease. UC often causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping. It may make you have to poop more.

Most people with UC experience periods when they experience symptoms (flare-ups), followed by longer periods of no symptoms (remission).

Types of ulcerative colitis

Healthcare providers classify UC based on where the inflammation is in your colon. The inflammation usually starts in your rectum, which is close to your anus (butthole). The inflammation can spread and affect all or part of your colon. Types include:

• Ulcerative proctitis: Inflammation affects your rectum.
• Inflammation affects your rectum and sigmoid colon (the lower, S-shaped part of your colon).
• Left-sided colitis: Inflammation affects the left side of your colon.
• Pancolitis: Inflammation affects your entire colon.

UC may be mild, moderate or severe, depending on your symptoms. The most severe form, fulminant ulcerative colitis, is rare. It can cause life-threatening complications that require urgent medical treatment.

How common is ulcerative colitis?

Together with Crohn’s disease, another type of inflammatory bowel disease, UC affects up to 1 in 250 people in North America and Europe. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (U.S.), up to 900,000 people in the U.S. are living with UC.