Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

It is one type of inflammatory bowel diease (IBD). No one knows what causes IBD. But the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be treated and people with it can lead full, active lives.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:

*Frequent, loose bowel movements
*Blood and pus in stools
*Rectal Bleeding
*Feeling of incomplete bowel movements
*Urgency
*Severe straining with bowel movements
*Joint Pain
*Rectal pain that comes and goes

Tests you may have:

Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) to look directly into your rectum and colon.

Biopsy to take a sample of tissue from your colon. Done during Endoscopy.

Blood or stool tests to help rule out other problems, such as infection.

X-rays of your colon, if needed.

Treatment Options:

Ulcerative colitis can be treated. Help manage your symptoms by following your doctor's instructions and watching what you eat.

Get Support:

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America @ 1-800-932-2423. Their website is available under Links from our home page.