Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis: The Basics
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers. The inflammation leads to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, frequent bowel movements, and bloody stools. UC can develop gradually and has periods of remission and flare-ups. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, a perforated colon, osteoporosis, liver disease, colorectal cancer, and toxic megacolon.
Ulcerative Colitis News
Symptoms and Diagnosis
![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-ulcerative-colitis-and-c-diff-1440x810.jpg)
Ulcerative Colitis and C. Diff: What You Need to Know
People with ulcerative colitis are susceptible to an infection from a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile...
By Erica Patino![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/embarrassing-uc-symptoms-solved-alt-1440x810.jpg)
7 Embarrassing Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms — Solved
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis — including cramps, gas, and bleeding — can be embarrassing. Use these tips...
By Madeline R. Vann, MPH![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-the-connection-between-ulcerative-colitis-and-anemia-alt-1440x810.jpg)
The Connection Between Ulcerative Colitis and Anemia
Having ulcerative colitis makes you more prone to developing anemia. Learn about iron loss symptoms and how to...
By Ashley Welch![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/beyond-tired-is-your-ulcerative-colitis-causing-fatigue-1440x810.jpg)
Beyond Tired: Is Your Ulcerative Colitis Causing Fatigue?
Fatigue is an all-too-common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Learn how to get the pep back in your step.
By Katie Kerns Geer![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/coping-with-iron-deficiency-from-colitis-rm-1440x810.jpg)
What Are the Signs of Iron Deficiency With Ulcerative Colitis?
Iron deficiency is a common problem when you have colitis, but some iron treatments may make colitis worse. Learn...
By Jennifer WarnerCauses, Risk Factors, and Prevention
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How to Reduce Your Arthritis Risk When You Have Ulcerative Colitis
Arthritis is the most common non-intestinal complication for people with ulcerative colitis (UC). These tips can...
By Marie Suszynski![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/ways-to-ward-off-osteoporosis-if-you-have-uc-alt-1440x810.jpg)
8 Ways to Prevent Osteoporosis if You Have Ulcerative Colitis
If you take steroids for ulcerative colitis, you might have an increased risk of osteoporosis or low bone density...
By Brian P. Dunleavy![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-protect-against-blood-clots-if-you-have-ulcerative-colitis-1440x810.jpg)
How to Protect Against Blood Clots if You Have Ulcerative Colitis
People with inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, are two to three times as likely to develop blood...
By Jessica Migala![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-things-to-know-about-ulcerative-colitis-in-minorities-722x406.jpg)
5 Things to Know About Ulcerative Colitis in Minorities
Ulcerative colitis has been underdiagnosed (and undertreated) in minorities. Here are five things to know.
By Blake Miller![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/the-link-between-smoking-and-ulcerative-colitis-1440x810.jpg)
How Does Smoking Affect Ulcerative Colitis?
Research shows that smoking can have beneficial effects on people with ulcerative colitis. But the risks of starting...
By Denise SchipaniTreatments and Complications
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The Consumer’s Guide to S1P Receptor Modulators for Ulcerative Colitis
Your guide to S1P receptor modulators, the newest drug for ulcerative colitis.
By Julie Stewart![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/most-young-people-with-uc-dont-take-their-meds-1440x810.jpg)
Most Young People With Ulcerative Colitis Don’t Keep Up With Their Meds
Adolescents and young adults may be unaware of health consequences related to not taking their medications.
By Don Rauf![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/ways-to-control-ulcerative-colitis-pain-722x406.jpg)
5 Ways to Control Ulcerative Colitis Pain
Abdominal and rectal pain can come with having ulcerative colitis, but it doesn’t mean you have to live with it...
By Dennis Thompson Jr![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/liver-conditions-linked-to-uc-alt-1440x810.jpg)
Liver Conditions Linked to Ulcerative Colitis
There's a close association between the inflammation of ulcerative colitis and liver disease. Learn about the ...
By Jennifer Warner![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-heres-what-to-know-about-uc-and-colon-cancer-risk-1440x810.jpg)
Ulcerative Colitis Can Raise Your Risk of Cancer. Here’s What to Know — and Do — About It
UC and colon cancer are linked, but you can lower your risk for the latter by getting screened regularly.
By Brian P. DunleavyDiet and Nutrition
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Should You Go Gluten Free if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?
Cutting gluten out of your diet may improve your UC symptoms.
By Marygrace Taylor![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/foods-to-avoid-with-ulcerative-colitis-00-intro-1440x810.jpg)
Foods to Avoid When You Have Ulcerative Colitis
Dietary changes can reduce the risk of IBD flares. Find out what to limit and what not to eat when you have UC...
By Jennifer Warner![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-foods-to-eat-during-an-ulcerative-colitis-flare-1440x810.jpg)
8 Foods to Eat During an Ulcerative Colitis Flare
It’s important to eat the right foods while avoiding the wrong ones during an ulcerative colitis flare. Here are...
By Agata Blaszczak-Boxe![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-food-swaps-healthy-uc-diet-00-alt-1-1440x810.jpg)
Food Swaps for a Healthy Ulcerative Colitis Diet
By Charlotte Libov![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-fodmap-diets-for-ulcerative-colitis-722x406.jpg)
Should You Start a Low-FODMAP Diet if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?
A low-FODMAP diet may help ease the symptoms of IBD, including ulcerative colitis. Here’s what you can and can...
By Jill WaldbieserLiving With Ulcerative Colitis
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Can Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Help Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?
Essential oils have been studied for their medicinal properties. Research shows some scents have anti-inflammatory...
By Denise Schipani![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-ways-to-ease-ulcerative-colitis-cramps-1440x810.jpg)
7 Ways to Ease Ulcerative Colitis Cramps
Heat therapy and yoga are just two pain relievers that can help ease stomach cramps when you have ulcerative colitis...
By Madeline R. Vann, MPH![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/crohns-disease/cs-gi-psychologists-for-ulcerative-colitis-1440x810.jpg)
What Is a GI Psychologist — and Should You Have One?
If you have ulcerative colitis, a GI psychologist can help you manage anxiety or depression related to gastrointestinal...
By Erica Patino![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/cs-link-between-ulcerative-colitis-and-stress-alt-1440x810.jpg)
The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Stress
Research has found an important link between flares of ulcerative colitis and stress. Learn how to reduce stress...
By Dennis Thompson Jr![](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/digestive-health/ulcerative-colitis/cs-finding-the-right-doctor-for-ulcerative-colitis-1440x810.jpg)
Finding the Right Ulcerative Colitis Doctor
Your doctor plays a major role in managing your ulcerative colitis. Follow these steps to find one who's right...
By Marie Suszynski