Ulcerative Colitis-When To Call A Professional

New or changing symptoms often mean that additional treatment is needed to keep ulcerative colitis under control. For this reason, people who have ulcerative colitis should be in frequent contact with their physicians. Common symptoms that require a doctor's immediate attention are fever, which could indicate infection or a ruptured intestine, and heavy bleeding from the rectum. A serious, but uncommon, complication, called megacolon, results when the colon inflammation is so severe that it stops the colon's motion. Megacolon causes the abdomen to swell, which can cause vomiting or severe abdominal pain and bloating. Megacolon requires emergency treatment.

How Serious Is Ulcerative Colitis

People who live with ulcerative colitis are burdened by many questions, especially when they are having their first crisis and being diagnosed. These questions focus on issues of pain, symptoms, possible complications and disability

The answers to many questions are not apparent and often take a long time to determine. But most people who live with ulcerative colitis have increasingly longer periods when they feel well than they do when they are acutely ill. And this has never been more true than today, when doctors have an increasingly large arsenal of treatment options.

Moreover, the severity of the illness varies greatly for different people. One long-term study suggests that after the first attack, less than 10 percent develop chronic, longstanding, persistent symptoms, while the rest go into complete remission, and remain symptom free.

The most common concerns of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis deal with the issues of:

Determining The Severity Of The Disease

The severity of the disease can be measured objectively by determining symptoms such as:

• The number of stools in a day
• Appetite
• Fever
• The number of days in a month when an individual must modify his or her work, home, or social schedule because of diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and other symptoms

It can also be measured subjectively, through questioning by a doctor of an individual's general state of being, such as whether that person is angry, depressed, in pain, embarrassed by needing to use the toilet frequently in social or business situations.

The severity of the objective signs seen on x-rays does not necessarily correspond to how severe the subjective symptoms are. One individual with disease that looks severe on radiological exam might have the ability to lead a relatively normal life, while another person with few objective signs of disease may find the conditions totally debilitating, both physically and mentally.

Can Ulcerative Colitis Cause Serious Complications?

In some people, ulcerative colitis can cause serious complications that include:

• Severe bleeding that may require blood transfusions
• Toxic megacolon, a dangerous condition where the colon becomes extremely distended (swollen), causing a person to become severely ill, with a distended belly and a high fever. The colon expands and becomes paralyzed. Occasionally, it may rupture. If this occurs, up to 30 percent may not survive it. The diagnosis is confirmed by simple x-ray of the abdomen.
• Perforation (a hole in the colon), which can cause widespread infection and can be life threatening

Not everyone who has ulcerative colitis will experience complications from the illness, however. In cases where a first attack comes on very suddenly, complications will occur in about 10 percent of individuals. Effective treatments are available for these complications.

Need To Know: Q. Is ulcerative colitis life threatening? A. Ulcerative colitis is very rarely life threatening. Cases of toxic megacolon or excessive bleeding due a very severe flare-up where the colon swells up massively can be life threatening, which is why surgery is undertaken quickly if these conditions develop. Normally, ulcerative colitis is a chronic, life-long illness, characterized by periods of few symptoms, known as remission, and periods of very active disease, known as flare-ups. The mortality rate is the same as for the general population, unless the initial attacks were very severe, or the inflammation is extensive affecting all or most of the colon, in which case it is a bit higher.

Possible Increased Risk Of Colon Cancer

Individuals with ulcerative colitis have a slightly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The increase in risk is dependent on the amount of colon involved. The incidence is greatest for those with pancolitis. However, the severity of the colitis symptoms has no bearing on any increased risk.

The risk of colon cancer developing, according to various studies, is estimated at 5 percent to 10 percent after 10 years, rising to 15 percent to 40 percent after 30 years

Thus, for individuals with ulcerative colitis, the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases over time, as is true for the general population. Therefore, regular screenings--either a colonoscopy with biopsy, or a barium enema --should begin eight years after the diagnosis.

Nice To Know: Scientists are still searching for the link between ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. Some scientists in the United Kingdom have suggested that the increased risk is not as great as has been thought. Other scientists have studied whether increased incidence of colon cancer in those with ulcerative colitis can be reduced by more aggressive treatment of the early cellular changes that may indicate a later development of cancer. Still others are seeking new strategies for dealing with polyps in those with ulcerative colitis as a way to reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

Ulcerative Colitis

Classifying Ulcerative Colitis

In individuals with ulcerative colitis, a distinct portion of the colon is diseased. Disease starts at the rectum and moves "up" the colon to involve more of the organ. Doctors categorize ulcerative colitis by the amount of colon involved. Regardless of how little or how much of the colon is involved, symptoms can vary from mild to severe in any individual.

Types of ulcerative colitis are:

• Ulcerative proctitis: If ulcerative colitis is limited to the rectum, it is known as ulcerative proctitis. Symptoms are diarrhea, bloody stool, pain in the rectal area, and a sense of urgency to empty the bowel.

• Proctosigmoiditis: If ulcerative colitis affects the rectum and the sigmoid colon, it is known as proctosigmoiditis. Symptoms are diarrhea, bloody stool, cramps and pain in the rectal area, and moderate pain on the left side of the abdomen.

• Left-sided colitis: Left-sided colitis affects the entire left side of the colon, from the rectum to the place where the colon bends near the spleen and begins to run across the upper abdomen (the splenic flexure). Symptoms include diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss and loss of appetite, and sometimes severe pain on the left side of the abdomen.

• Pancolitis: If the entire colon is affected, the term pancolitis is used ("pan" meaning total). The classification is most important in planning treatment. While ulcerative proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, and even left-sided colitis can be treated with local agents introduced through the anus, including steroid-based or other enemas and foams, pancolitis must be treated with oral medication so that active ingredients can reach all of the affected portions of the colon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to ulcerative colitis.

Q: Is ulcerative colitis an autoimmune disease?

A: There is certainly a malfunction in the immune system that takes place in ulcerative colitis. However, immunosuppressive medications used to keep individuals from rejecting transplanted organs have shown less effectiveness in treating ulcerative colitis than in treating Crohn's disease.

Q: Is ulcerative colitis life threatening?

A: Ulcerative colitis is very rarely life threatening. Cases of toxic megacolon or excessive bleeding due a very severe flare-up where the colon swells up massively can be life threatening, which is why surgery is undertaken quickly if these conditions develop. Normally, ulcerative colitis is a chronic, life-long illness, characterized by periods of few symptoms, known as remission, and periods of very active disease, known as flare-ups.

Q: If both parents have ulcerative colitis, what are the chances that their children will have ulcerative colitis?

A: Ulcerative colitis is not a strictly genetic disease. To date, scientists have found no specific gene that miscodes and causes ulcerative colitis. The chances of a child having ulcerative colitis if his or her parents do is only slightly greater than the chances of any child having ulcerative colitis.

Q: If I need surgery, will I have to wear an ostomy bag?

A: Not necessarily. There are three options for eliminating bowel waste after removal of the colon. One is the standard ostomy, and use of ostomy appliances. Another is a so-called continent ostomy, which is emptied through a rigid tube you insert through the valve-like ostomy opening. The third is the ileo-anal pull-through, where the ileum is attached to the rectal wall, and you eliminate through the anus.

Q: Should I be worried about steroid treatment?

A: Steroids have proved to be powerfully effective medications for literally thousands of people who live with ulcerative colitis. However, steroids are also toxic. Doctors today know that steroids are useful in bringing about remission, but not in maintaining remission. This knowledge, and better understanding of the drugs such as 6-MP that regulate the body's immune response, allow doctors to get people off steroids much more quickly than in the past. Today, far fewer people are steroid dependant than years ago.

Q: Are diagnostic tests to find out if I have ulcerative colitis painful?

A: A sigmoidoscopy entails some discomfort, but little pain for most people. If you have active disease, however, this test can be very uncomfortable. Colonoscopy is a more painful procedure, and because of that, doctors use a combination of a sedative and a painkiller, known as "conscious anesthesia," when performing a colonoscopy. A barium enema also is uncomfortable, but not usually painful, except when it is performed on a person with active disease.

Q: Should I be worried about colon cancer if I have ulcerative colitis?

A: Statistical evidence does show that people with ulcerative colitis do have a slightly higher incidence of colon cancer than the general population. For this reason, doctors begin regularly screening those with colitis eight years after diagnosis. Those with pancolitis (ulcerative colitis affecting the entire colon) have the highest incidence of colon cancer.

Q: My 11-year-old was just diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I thought only adults could get the disease. Does my child face any special obstacles in having the disease treated?

A: In the last quarter century, it has become clear that ulcerative colitis affects large numbers of children and young teens. Nutritional deficiency is a major issue in treatment of children with ulcerative colitis. Children are growing machines, and although inflammatory bowel disease may not cause great weight loss for youngsters, a failure to grow and a backsliding on height and weight charts should be a sign that something is wrong and worth investigating. Children facing ulcerative colitis also have significant self-image issues to deal with.

Side Effects - Prednisone

Common Side Effects:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• increased appetite
• indigestion
• nervousness or restlessness

Less frequent or rare:

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• darkening or lightening of skin color
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• flushing of face or cheeks
• hiccups
• increased sweating
• sensation of spinning

Always Notify Doctor:

Less common

• Decreased or blurred vision
• frequent urination
• increased thirst

Rare

• confusion
• excitement
• false sense of well-being
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things
• that are not there)
• mental depression
• mistaken feelings of self-importance or being mistreated
• mood swings (sudden and wide)
• restlessness
• skin rash or hives

Additional effects:

Side Effects that may occur when this drug is used for a prolonged period of time. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal or stomach pain or burning (continuing)
• acne
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• changes in vision
• eye pain
• filling or rounding out of the face
• headache
• irregular heartbeat
• menstrual problems
• muscle cramps or pain
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• pain in arms, back, hips, legs, ribs, or shoulders
• reddish purple lines on arms, face, groin, legs, or trunk
• redness of eyes
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• stunting of growth (in children)
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• tearing of eyes
• thin, shiny skin
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual bruising
• unusual increase in hair growth
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight gain (rapid)
• wounds that will not heal

Other Notes

Corticosteroids may lower your resistance to infections. Any infection you get may be harder to treat. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any possible signs of an infection, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.

After stopping this medicine, a body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of prednisone taken, and how long it was used. After large doses of this medicine for a long time, it may take up to one year to adjust. During this time, check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal, stomach, or back pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• fever
• loss of appetite (continuing)
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea
• reappearance of disease symptoms
• shortness of breath
• unexplained headaches (frequent or continuing)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight loss (rapid)

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. This information is meant only as a guideline - always consult a physician or pharmacist for complete information about prescription medications.

Ulcerative Colitis

When To Call A Professional

New or changing symptoms often mean that additional treatment is needed to keep ulcerative colitis under control. For this reason, people who have ulcerative colitis should be in frequent contact with their physicians. Common symptoms that require a doctor's immediate attention are fever, which could indicate infection or a ruptured intestine, and heavy bleeding from the rectum. A serious, but uncommon, complication, called megacolon, results when the colon inflammation is so severe that it stops the colon's motion. Megacolon causes the abdomen to swell, which can cause vomiting or severe abdominal pain and bloating. Megacolon requires emergency treatment.

Travel Tips

When you have ulcerative colitis (UC), traveling can be stressful. But with a little planning, you can have a stress-free trip.

• Find a doctor in the town or towns you will be visiting. Your regular doctor can help you locate someone in the cities you will be visiting.

• Make sure you have enough medication. Call your doctor and ask for a refill of your prescription.

• Talk to your doctor about a plan of action in case you experience a flare-up while away.
  

When you're en route, whether it's by car or plane, these tips can help make your traveling relaxing.

• Always carry your medication with you. If you are traveling by plane, pack your medication in your carry-on bag.

• If you are flying or traveling by bus or train, request an aisle seat for easy access.

• Talk to some friends who have been to the city or attraction, and try to find the best bathrooms.

Ulcerative Colitis Glossary

Abscess: A pocket or collection of pus.

Anemia: Lower than normal amounts of hemoglobin in the red cells of the blood.

Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint, accompanied by pain, swelling, heat, or redness.

Autoimmunity: An inflammatory reaction to one's own tissues.

Barium Enema: An x-ray examination of the colon and rectum after liquid barium has been infused through the rectum.

Biopsy: A small piece of tissue taken from the body for examination under the microscope.

Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the colon.

Colon: The large intestine.

Colonoscopy: A test in which a flexible, lighted tube is inserted through the rectum to examine the colon.

Colostomy: A surgically created opening of the colon to the abdominal wall, allowing the diversion of fecal waste.

Continent Ileostomy: The surgical creation of a pouch inside the lower abdomen to collect waste. No external appliance is required; the pouch is emptied regularly with a small tube inserted through a nipple opening in the abdomen.

Distension: An uncomfortable swelling feeling in the abdomen, often caused by excessive amounts of gas and fluids in the intestine.

Endoscopy : The examination of the inside of a hollow organ, such as the bowel, using special lighted tubes.

Erythema Nodosum : Red swellings occasionally seen on the lower legs during flareups of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Exacerbation: An aggravation of symptoms or an increase in disease activity; a relapse.

Excision: Surgical removal.

Fissure: A crack in the skin, usually in an area of the anus in Crohn's disease.

Fistula: An abnormal channel occuring between two loops of intestine, or between the intestine and another structure, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin.

Folic Acid: One of the vitamins responsible for the maintenance of red blood cells.

Gastroenterologist: A physician specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disease.

Gut: General word for intestine or bowel.

Hemorrhage: Abnormally heavy bleeding.

IBD: Acronym for inflammatory bowel disease.

Idiopathic: Of unknown cause.

Ileostomy: A surgically created opening of the abdominal wall to the ileum, allowing the diversion of fecal waste.

Ileum: The lower third of the small intestine, adjoining the colon.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome : Altered motility of the small and large intestine, causing diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Sometimes mistakenly called "spastic colitis," this condition does not cause inflammation of the colon and has no relationship to ulcerative colitis.

Lactose Deficiency/Lactose Intolerance: A condition caused by a decrease or absence of the enzyme lactase, which aids in the digestion of milk sugar (lactose).

Leukocytosis: An increased number of white blood cells in circulation

Motility: Movement of the muscles that propel food through the intestinal tract.

Mucus: A whitish substance produced by the intestine, which may be found in the stool.

Obstruction: A blockage of the small or large intestine that prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents.

Ostomy: The surgical creation of an artifical excretory opening, such as a colostomy.

Perforation: Formation of a hole in the bowel wall, allowing intestinal contents to enter the abdominal cavity.

Peristalsis: Normal rhythmic movements of the stomach and intestine.

Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum (the membrane enclosing the abdominal organs), usually resulting from an intestinal perforation.

Proctectomy : Removal of the rectum.

Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum.

Proctocolectomy: Removal of the entire colon and rectum.

Regional Enteritis: Another name for Crohn's disease affecting the small intestine.

Remission: A lessening of symptoms and a return to good health.

Resection: Surgical removal of a diseased portion of intestine.

Short Bowel Syndrome: A condition in which so much diseased bowel has been surgically removed that the remaining intestine can no longer absorb sufficient nutrients.

Sigmoidoscopy: A test in which a lighted tube is passed through the rectum into the sigmoid colon.

Small Bowel: Small intestine.

Stenosis: A narrowing of an area (e.g., a segment of intestine).

Stoma: A surgically created opening of the bowel onto the skin, the result of ostomy surgery.

Stricture : A narrowed area of intestine caused by active inflammation or scar tissue.

Tenesmus: A persistent urge to empty the bowel, usually caused by inflammation of the rectum.

Toxic Megacolon: Acute dilation of the colon in colitis (or occasionally in Crohn's disease), which may lead to perforation.

Upper G.I. Series: An x-ray exam of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum performed in the fasting patients after the ingestion of liquid barium. The duration of the exam can be prolonged to allow for visualization of the entire small intestine, including the terminal ileum. The x-ray is then known as an upper G.I. series with small-bowel follow-through.

Ulcerative Colitis Presentation

Potential Problems After Surgery

Many people are concerned about the longevity of their jpouch. How long will it last? What types of complications might potentially occur? Here is a link to an excellent site that gives you really good in-depth and objective info on the Potential Problems Following J-Pouch Surgery

Image to the left shows the large intestine and rectum removed, the formation of the temporary ileostomy, and the jpouch. The whole series of photos can be found by clicking on the following jpouch.org link.

Interactive Tutorial on UC

This is a great Interactive Ulcerative Colitis Tutorial. It is pretty basic info, but it is comprehensive and it is really easy to follow. Plus, there is a cool explanation how food goes through the digestive system.

Info from Medline Plus.

Meet: "True Guts" - The Movie

Crohn’s & UC Disease FILM

Crohn's Disease
A very inspirational movie to those living with Crohn’s Disease or Colitis and has received attention from various medical authorizes nationwide (e.g. Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America).
http://www.trueguts.com
View Trailer...

About Movie...

For the first time ever, Crohn's Disease and colitis are being thrust into public awareness through a nationwide inspirational movie, True Guts: Struggle and Triumph over Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

True Guts is the story of what happens when individuals turn life altering Crohn's Disease and Colitis into a personal springboard to get more out of life. True Guts depicts individuals (including teenagers and young adults) with Crohn's or colitis and how each of them found ways to use his/her disease to improve their lives. Also included is advice from a nationally recognized gastroenterologist and psychiatrist, each breaking down the steps that are necessary to take control of your life with chronic diseases such as Crohn's or Colitis.
Watch film trailer here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does stress cause ulcerative colitis?

Stress has not been shown to cause ulcerative colitis. It may, however, aggravate your symptoms. Manage your stress by learning when to remove yourself from situations, saying "no" sometimes, and cutting back a bit on commitments. Schedule a few moments every day to relax in a way that works best for you.

How can I cope with ulcerative colitis?

One of the best ways to cope with ulcerative colitis by learning how to manage your condition.

1. Take your medication as prescribed
2. Eat a nutritionally sound diet
3. Get educated on the condition
4. Finding emotional support

Would a support group help?

People all over the country attend support groups to help cope with ulcerative colitis. One organization is the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Topics of discussion include:

1. Reactions to having a chronic illness
2. Reactions of friends and family
3. Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on lifestyle
4. Talking with your doctor
5. Feelings about medical treatment
6. Feelings about sex
7. Sharing coping strategies
   

For more information about CCFA's self-help groups in your area, visit their Web site at www.ccfa.org

Are mood swings normal?

Everyone experiences mood swings. When you feel stressed out, anxious, angry, or sad, try to identify why. The source of your mood swing may be something you can control. Sit back, collect your thoughts, and think about why you're upset. If you can't seem to shake feelings of fear, anger, or depression, be sure to speak with your health care professional. He or she can help you find the resources you need to resolve the problem.

What can I do to improve the relationship with my doctor?

Building a partnership with your doctor will help you effectively manage your ulcerative colitis. Remember that communication is a two-way street. Try these approaches:

• Be honest with your doctor about your condition and your medication habits
• Educate yourself about ulcerative colitis
• Prepare for your appointments by bringing a list of questions or using the Talking-with-Your-Doctor Worksheet.
• Take notes or have your doctor write down crucial information
• Bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment to help you remember important information.
  

Where can I find support for dealing with the stress of ulcerative colitis?

There are a number of resources available to help you cope with the stress of living with ulcerative colitis. Try these resources:

• Develop a partnership with your doctor so you can gain even more support.
• Look at the resources available from Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, including local support groups.
• Involve others in your quest. Get started by sharing a copy of the article You Are Not Alone.
  

How can I manage stress at work?

Some of the greatest sources of stress at work include overcoming embarrassment, the fear of discrimination, cancelled business appointments, decreased work activities, or the inability to perform at work. Try these approaches to help you reduce stress at your workplace:

• Keep a positive attitude. When you do, people will have little room to speculate on your commitment to your job.
• Discuss possible solutions for telecommuting on special projects. Today's office environment is more flexible than ever, making working from home a viable solution.
• Read the personal insights from other people with ulcerative colitis and discover how they cope.
  

Nutrition:

Is there a special diet for people with ulcerative colitis?

No single diet has been shown to benefit all people with ulcerative colitis. However, you can learn which foods cause you problems and avoid them. Some tips that may help you improve your nutrition and diet include:

1. Eat a variety of low-fat foods to maintain your weight and meet your nutrient needs.
2. Keep a diary to identify foods that trigger your symptoms.
3. Determine if you are lactose intolerant because you may need to reduce or possibly eliminate dairy products.
4. Identify high-fiber foods that may cause problems for you. Some people must avoid certain raw fruits and vegetables or whole grain cereals.
5. Ask your doctor about supplements if the foods you can eat are limited or if you need to eliminate whole groups of foods such as dairy products.
   

Could caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda aggravate ulcerative colitis?

There is no evidence that caffeine makes ulcerative colitis worse. However, as a stimulant to the colon, it may worsen symptoms such as diarrhea or cramping. If you think this could be true for you, talk with your doctor about temporarily eliminating caffeine from your diet to see if your symptoms improve.

Should alcoholic drinks be eliminated?

Alcohol can cause diarrhea for anyone. If alcohol consistently seems to worsen symptoms, it's recommended to avoid it. In addition, alcohol should not be used with certain drugs like prednisone since the combination may increase gastric irritation.

What about taking a multi-vitamin supplement?

Check with your doctor before taking a supplement. It could be helpful, especially if you avoid certain food groups during flare-ups.

Cope With Stress

Stress &
Ulcerative Colitis

Although there's no evidence it causes ulcerative colitis, stress is often one of its consequences. >>

Exercise &
Ulcerative Colitis

Learn about starting an exercise program. >>

Stress & Work

Avoiding worrisome situations at work can help keep your condition from affecting your performance. >>

Techniques for Managing Stress

Finding ways to reduce stress is a good plan for improving your outlook on life. >>

Improve Your Diet

Tips for Managing Your Diet

Paying attention to the foods you eat may help you manage your ulcerative colitis symptoms. >>

Planning for a
Healthy Diet

In a busy world, planning ahead is the key to improving your diet. >>

Reading Nutrition Labels

Use nutrition labeling to understand just what you're eating and to make informed food choices. >>

Focus On Relationships

Ulcerative Colitis & Your Family

Those closest to you don't want to see you suffer in silence. Help them know when to give you support. >>

Ulcerative Colitis & Your Sex Life

Ulcerative colitis and intimacy may seem mutually exclusive, but you can learn to manage both. >>

Nurse Support Line Script Assist

Learn more about the Asacol Nurse Support Line Script Assist and enroll now. >>

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Working with your doctor and taking your medication as prescribed are the keys to helping to gain and maintain control over your condition and to get the most from your ulcerative colitis treatment.

Medication

Get the most out of your medication by learning how Asacol works and the benefits of maintenance therapy. >>

Your Doctor & You

Help your doctor help you by building the best relationship you can with your physician. >>

Treatment FAQs

Read through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding treatment around ulcerative colitis. >>

Understand Ulcerative Colitis

One way to help take control of your condition is to get a better understanding of what UC is. Knowledge is one of the best tools in helping manage your condition and keep your life on track.

Overview of Ulcerative Colitis

Learn what it is, how it's diagnosed and the symptoms of the disease. >>

Influences of Ulcerative Colitis

See what role genetics and gender play in ulcerative colitis and if certain factors increase the likelihood of acquiring the condition. >>

Other Effects of Ulcerative Colitis

Discover the relationship UC can have to arthritis, your eyes, and other complications. >>

Take Control

A first step in dealing with ulcerative colitis is to try to take control of it. With a good diet, positive relationships and reduced stress in your life, you're off to a great start!

Relationships

Discover how loved ones can have a truly positive impact on managing your disease and coping day to day. >>

Diet

Understand how the types of foods you eat can both positively and negatively affect your condition. >>

Stress

Learn about the relationship that stress may have on ulcerative colitis. >>

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you take your medication when you feel fine?

Taking your ulcerative colitis medication as prescribed by your doctor is an important part of managing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. And taking your medication, even when you think you feel fine, can help you reduce the risk of a flare-up and lengthen your time in remission.

What benefits can you gain from remission therapy?

Taking your medication for remission therapy regularly and as prescribed by your doctor can offer a number of benefits:

• Reducing the risk of flare-ups.
• Extending the time between flare-ups.

How can I remember to take my ulcerative colitis medication regularly?

Taking your ulcerative colitis medication as prescribed by your doctor is an important part of your health-care regimen. Medication provides a number of benefits, may help you stay in remission, and reduce the risk of a relapse. Talk with your doctor about why you are not taking your medication as prescribed. He or she can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You may also want to consider designing a reminder system that will help you remember to take your medication.