Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a long-term condition, resulting from an abnormal response by the body’s immune system, that causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the colon and rectum (the large bowel). In UC, ulcers develop on the surface of the lining and these may bleed and produce mucus. The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon. If UC only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis, whereas it affects the whole colon it may be called total colitis or pancolitis. It’s one of the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The other is Crohn’s Disease.

Signs and symptoms

Ulcerative Colitis is a very individual condition and symptoms will vary from person to person. They range from mild to severe and may also change over time. About half of all patients with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms, while others have frequent flare-ups.

The most common symptoms are:

Diarrhoea
Stool is generally bloody
Cramping pains in the abdomen
Tiredness and fatigue
Feeling generally unwell or feverish
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Anaemia (a reduced level of red blood cells)

Causes and risk factors for Ulcerative Colitis

It is estimated that UC affects about one in every 420 people in the UK (roughly 146,000 people). It is not known what causes Ulcerative Colitis. However, it is probably a combination of factors:

Genetic
Immunological
Previous infection
Environmental

Treatment

While there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis and flare ups may recur, a combination of treatments can help to control the disease and lead a full and rewarding life. Medication for ulcerative colitis can reduce the inflammation of the colon allowing tissues to heal.

The main aims of treatment are:

To reduce symptoms – known as inducing remission (a period without symptoms).
Maintain remission – treatments may be medical, surgical or a combination of both. In most cases the first line of treatment is steroids to reduce the inflammation.

More information

Please visit the Crohn’s and Colitis UK website for more information.

References

Cockbain AJ, et al., (2012) Gut; 61:135-149. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer
Cockbain AJ, et al., (2014) Gut; 63(11):1760-8; doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2013-306445. Anticolorectal cancer activity of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid
Scaioli E, et al., (2018); EPA Reduces Fecal Levels of Calprotectin and Prevents Relapse in patients with UC; 2018;16:1268-1275