In North America, ulcerative colitis affects approximately 40 to in , people. It is estimated that more than , North Americans are affected by this disorder. Ulcerative colitis is more common in whites and people of eastern and central European Ashkenazi Jewish descent than among people of other ethnic backgrounds.
A variety of genetic and environmental factors are likely involved in the development of ulcerative colitis. Recent studies have identified variations in dozens of genes that may be linked to ulcerative colitis; however, the role of these variations is not completely understood.
Researchers speculate that this condition may result from changes in the intestinal lining's protective function or an abnormal immune response to the normal bacteria in the digestive tract , both of which may be influenced by genetic variations. Several of the genes that may be associated with ulcerative colitis are involved in the protective function of the intestines. The inner surface of the intestines provides a barrier that protects the body's tissues from the bacteria that live in the intestines and from toxins that pass through the digestive tract.
Researchers speculate that a breakdown of this barrier allows contact between the intestinal tissue and the bacteria and toxins, which can trigger an immune reaction.
This immune response may lead to chronic inflammation and the digestive problems characteristic of ulcerative colitis. Other possible disease-associated genes are involved in the immune system, particularly in the maturation and function of immune cells called T cells. T cells identify foreign substances and defend the body against infection. Certain genetic variations may make some individuals more prone to an overactive immune response to the bacteria and other microbes in the intestines, which may cause the chronic inflammation that occurs in ulcerative colitis.
Another possible explanation is that ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the cells of the intestines, causing inflammation. The inheritance pattern of ulcerative colitis is unknown because many genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved. Even though the inheritance pattern of this condition is unclear, having a family member with ulcerative colitis increases the risk of developing the condition.
Genetics Home Reference has merged with MedlinePlus. Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Ulcerative colitis. The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives.
Some people may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all remission , followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome flare-ups or relapses. During a flare-up, some people with ulcerative colitis also experience symptoms elsewhere in their body. In severe cases, defined as having to empty your bowels 6 or more times a day, additional symptoms may include:.
In most people, no specific trigger for flare-ups is identified, although a gut infection can occasionally be the cause. You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you have not been diagnosed with the condition.
They can arrange blood or stool sample tests to help determine what may be causing your symptoms. Find out more about diagnosing ulcerative colitis. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and think you may be having a severe flare-up, contact a GP or your care team for advice.
This means the immune system, the body's defence against infection, goes wrong and attacks healthy tissue. Screening is testing for diseases when you have no symptoms. Screening can check for dysplasia—precancerous cells—or colorectal cancer. Diagnosing cancer early can improve chances for recovery. For people with ulcerative colitis, doctors typically recommend colonoscopies every 1 to 3 years, starting 8 years after ulcerative colitis started. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.
Does ulcerative colitis have another name? How common is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is more likely to develop in people between the ages of 15 and 30, although the disease may develop in people of any age 3 who have a first-degree relative—a parent, sibling, or child—with IBD of Jewish descent 4 People who have a first-degree relative with IBD are more likely to have ulcerative colitis.
What are the complications of ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis may lead to complications that develop over time, such as anemia , a condition in which you have fewer red blood cells than normal. Ulcerative colitis may lead to more than one type of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia and anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. Bone problems include low bone mass , such as osteopenia or osteoporosis.
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