Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the large bowel and rectum. The condition impairs the ability of the large bowel to absorb water which results in diarrhea, the main symptom of the condition.

Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting condition, meaning symptoms can die down for long periods but then flare-up from time to time. These flare-ups can be sudden and severe. During a period of relapse, symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and a sudden urge to defecate. Other symptoms include wind, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and fatigue.

Currently, there is no cure for the condition apart from surgery. However, certain treatments such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be used to ease symptoms by reducing inflammation. Surgery for severe ulcerative colitis that does not respond to treatment involves completely removing the large bowel and re-routing the small bowel so that waste can still be expelled. This procedure is called a colectomy.

In the UK, the incidence of ulcerative colitis is around 1 in 500 and the condition is equally common among males and females. Symptoms can develop at any age, but onset usually occurs between 15 and 30 years of age.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that affects the large intestines, particularly the colon. It is classified as one of the two inflammatory bowel diseases along with Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Causes

Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis

Ulcerative Colitis Epidemiology

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative Colitis Research

Latest Ulcerative Colitis News and Research

Study reveals disparities in healthcare utilization among racial and ethnic groups with IBD

A study published today in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reveals significant disparities in healthcare utilization among racial and ethnic groups with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the United States.

1 Apr 2025

Machine learning identifies key comorbidities predicting premature death in IBD patients

Researchers use machine learning models to investigate patterns between multimorbidity and premature deaths among decedents with irritable bowel disease.

28 Mar 2025

Epstein-Barr virus triggers inflammatory cell death in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing disease that causes painful inflammation and ulcers in the colon.

24 Mar 2025

Machine learning helps predict early mortality in IBD patients

Almost half of people who died with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) died prematurely, according to a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.241117 that used machine learning models to predict death.

24 Mar 2025

Plant-based diets and IBD

This study highlights the link between plant-based diets and reduced IBD risk, suggesting dietary choices play a crucial role in managing chronic inflammation.

19 Mar 2025

Experts release new guidelines on JAK inhibitors for chronic inflammatory diseases

Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are an important treatment option for people with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

17 Mar 2025

Semi-synthetic bile acid could be a promising therapeutic option for TH17-mediated intestinal diseases

A research team from the Medical University of Vienna has made further progress in the treatment of intestinal inflammation.

14 Mar 2025

Restoring gut health in ulcerative colitis through microbiome-based therapy

The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play vital roles in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

10 Mar 2025

Eating ultra-processed foods harms your gut—here’s how inflammation takes hold

Ultra-processed foods disrupt gut microbiome balance, causing inflammation, reduced microbial diversity, and increased gut permeability. This microbiome imbalance contributes to chronic diseases including diabetes, IBD, cancer, and neurological disorders.

6 Mar 2025

Nationally recognized gastroenterologist joins NYU Langone to lead Pediatric IBD Program

Nationally recognized pediatric gastroenterologist, Michael Dolinger, MD, MBA, joins Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone as director of the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program within the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program.

5 Mar 2025

Grapefruit juice and its effects on prescription drugs

Grapefruit juice can interfere with how certain medications work by affecting drug metabolism and absorption, leading to either increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. The FDA requires warnings on some drugs due to these interactions, making it essential to check labels and consult healthcare providers.

28 Feb 2025

Unfolded protein response disruptions contribute to colorectal cancer and gut-related disorders

The intestinal epithelium is a highly dynamic barrier that regulates digestion, absorption, immune responses, and communication between the gut microbiota and the nervous system.

20 Feb 2025

Mediterranean diet boosts quality of life—here’s how

A systematic review finds that following the Mediterranean diet is linked to better physical, mental, and social well-being, particularly in aging populations and those with chronic conditions.

10 Feb 2025

Study identifies six genetic regions associated with anterior uveitis

An international study led by the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital has identified six genetic regions associated with the inflammation of the eye's iris, also known as anterior uveitis.

30 Jan 2025

Tofacitinib reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in patients with PTPN2 deficiency

Researchers report the ability of tofacitinib to reduce infection risk with SARS-CoV-2 in individuals who are deficient in PTPN2.

17 Jan 2025

Wearable devices can identify and predict flare-ups in inflammatory bowel disease

Wearable devices can identify, differentiate, and predict flare-ups, or the worsening of symptoms and inflammation, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Mount Sinai researchers have shown in a first-of-its-kind study.

16 Jan 2025

Genetic risk factor linked to increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers have identified a novel genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing new insights into the virus' ability to invade human cells. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that spreads COVID-19.

15 Jan 2025

AI-designed drug shows promise for inflammatory bowel disease

Insilico Medicine ('Insilico'), a clinical-stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery and development company, today announces positive results from two Phase I studies in Australia and China of ISM5411, a novel gut-restricted and PHD specific Inhibitor designed and optimized with the support of Insilico's Chemistry42 commercially-available generative reinforcement learning platform, for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

8 Jan 2025

NYU Langone IBD Center celebrates two years of transforming lives

A complex, chronic, and debilitating condition, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects roughly 3 million Americans, including those with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

16 Dec 2024

Mediterranean diet linked to reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests the Mediterranean diet supports inflammatory bowel disease management, enhancing gut microbiota with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

10 Dec 2024