Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to involve an abnormal immune response.
Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal pain, urgency to defecate, weight loss, fatigue, and fever.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is a multi-discplinary approach involving multiple specialties like primary care, gastroenterology, and colorectal surgery. Your healthcare team customizes treatment strategies that is unique for your health and lifestyle.
Surgery is considered for severe cases or when there are life-threatening complications, unresponsive chronic symptoms, or signs of colon cancer. Regular follow-ups and screenings for colon cancer are crucial.