Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the large intestine, affecting an estimated 907,000 Americans. Symptoms include urgent and loose bowel movements, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential weight loss. Diagnosis is made through medical history, physical examination, and tests, and those with a family history may be at higher risk.

1. Understanding
Ulcerative Colitis

2. What is Ulcerative
Colitis?
It’s a chronic disease of the
large intestine (aka the colon),
where the lining becomes
inflamed and develops tiny
open sores that produce pus
and mucous.

3. What causes
Ulcerative Colitis?
With this disease, the immune system
mistakes food, bacteria, and other
materials in the intestine as harmful
substances. Then the body sends
white blood cells into the lining of the
intestines, where they produce
chronic inflammation and
ulcerations.

4. Did you know?
Ulcerative colitis may affect as many as
907,000 Americans.

5. Who is likely to have
Ulcerative Colitis?
Men and women are equally
likely to be affected, and most
people are diagnosed in their
mid-30s.

6. Ulcerative Colitis
runs in my family.
Am I at risk?
Studies show that up to 20
percent of people with ulcerative
colitis have a close relative with
the disease, but researchers
have been unable to establish a
clear pattern of inheritance.

7. What are the common
signs and symptoms?
About half of all patients with ulcerative
colitis experience mild symptoms including:
● bowel movements become looser and
more urgent
● persistent diarrhea accompanied by
abdominal pain and blood in the stool
● stool is generally bloody
● crampy abdominal pain

8. Are there other symptoms
I should be aware of?
People suffering from ulcerative colitis
often experience these symptoms:
● loss of appetite and weight loss
● low energy and fatigue
● In younger children, it may also
delay growth and development

9. How is Ulcerative
Colitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will make a
diagnosis based on your
medical history, a physical
examination, and a series
of tests.

10. Do you or a loved one have
Ulcerative Colitis?
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Crohn’s & Colitis. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/colitis-diagnosis-testing.html