Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease and inflammatory bowel disorder that affects the large intestine and rectum. Although it can begin at any age, it often starts in young adulthood.

There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, and remission and flare-ups are common. Left untreated, patients may need to be hospitalized for severe flare-ups and are at risk for developing colon cancer over time. However, with treatment, most patients can be symptom-free for long periods of time and avoid many of the risks associated with the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Vs. Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are not the same. They are two types of inflammatory bowel disease that cause similar symptoms, but ulcerative colitis impacts only the large intestine, whereas Crohn's disease impacts the entire digestive tract. People with Crohn's disease may have healthy areas of their digestive tract between inflamed areas. People with ulcerative colitis have continuous inflammation along their large intestine. Symptoms unique to Crohn's disease include:

• Mouth sores
• Anal ulcers, tears or infections

Treatment options for ulcerative colitis include:

• Using medication to reduce pain and inflammation, control immune response or fight infection
• Monitoring diet to limit foods that cause inflammation and irritation, such as dairy, high-fiber grains, spicy food and alcohol
• Managing stress through exercise, lifestyle changes and relaxation practices
• Undergoing surgery on all or part of the colon and rectum

If you think that you may have ulcerative colitis or a related issue, talk to your care team to learn about your diagnostic and treatment options.