It is aninflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a category that also includesCrohns diseaseandindeterminate colitis.
The forms of IBD are sometimes confused for one anotherbecause the symptoms are similar.
Genetic Predisposition
One of the factors involved in ulcerative colitis is that it does run in families.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
However, its not as simple as being passed down from parent to child.
Most people with UC dont have a family member who has the disease.
However, they often have family members with autoimmune conditions.
So far, more than 200 genes have been found to be involved in the development of IBDs.
This has led scientists to believe that several factors can cause ulcerative colitis to develop.
The attack leads to inflammation in the lining of the colon.
These seem to be different based on geography.
Inflammation of the Colon
The most prominent sign of ulcerative colitis is inflammation in the colon.
Inflammation causes the formation of ulcers in the lining of thecolon.
How Common Ulcerative Colitis Is
Ulcerative colitis is a common disease.
In fact, cases are increasing throughout the world.
Having a poor quality of life due to symptoms is another reason for having surgery.
If a total colectomy is performed, it is considered curative for ulcerative colitis.
After acolectomy, another way for stool to leave the body must be created.
That means adding either an ileostomy or anileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).
Complementary Therapies
People with ulcerative colitis often try nondrug treatments to manage their disease.
Always check with your healthcare provider about using supplements to ensure they dont interfere with other therapies.
Diet and Lifestyle
People with ulcerative colitis often try diets to manage the symptoms of their disease.
In some cases, during aflare-up, dietary changes may be recommended by a physician or a dietitian.
Other more comprehensive diet plans might also be used to manage symptoms, with the help of a dietitian.
Sufficient data on diet in ulcerative colitis are still lacking.
Colon Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis
Long-term ulcerative colitis is associated with a risk ofcolon cancer.
Regular colonoscopies with biopsies are usually recommended to keep watch for any changes in the cells of the colon.
A Word From Verywell
What causes ulcerative colitis is still not known.
However, it does seem to be a complex interaction of genetics and environmental factors.
Stress is not a cause of ulcerative colitis, though it can make symptoms worse.
They cause inflammation in the digestive system.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of IBD.
There are probably many causes of ulcerative colitis.
The various forms of IBD are probably better described as immune-mediated diseases rather than autoimmune diseases.
This is because no autoantibodies have been found to be connected to IBD.
In addition, there hasn’t been much study to recommend any one diet over another.
Dietitians often recommend a modified Mediterranean diet for their patients who are in remission (without symptoms).
However, patients should always work with their medical team on diet to avoid vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition.
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