FAQ About Ulcerative Colitis

Severe inflammation of the large intestine is the hallmark of ulcerative colitis. As of July 2009, surgery currently is the only cure for the disease, but you can use medications to keep flare-ups to a minimum. The disease also can affect other areas of your body in a myriad of ways, such as causing arthritic pain in your knees.

What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

• Ulcerative colitis symptoms include frequent, bloody and painful bowel movements. As the disease progresses, fatigue and weight loss can occur, attributable to the chronic diarrhea.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

• The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, so you can't do anything to prevent the disease.

What is a Common Misconception Regarding the Disease?

• Although stress and tension can aggravate symptoms of active ulcerative colitis, there is no evidence that these conditions cause the disease.

Is Ulcerative Colitis Hereditary?

• According to research from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, up to 20 percent of people with the disease have a close relative with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

What are Some Theories Regarding the Disease?

• The Radical Induction Theory purports that a malfunction of an individual's metabolism that leads to disproportionate levels of oxygen in the cells of the intestine triggers the onset of ulcerative colitis.

How Can People Treat Ulcerative Colitis?

• Treatment approaches include maintaining a bland diet, coupled with different medications designed to reduce inflammation. Some of the medications used include prednisone and sulfasalazine. Because surgery (which normally involves removing at least your colon) is the only effective cure of the disease, your doctor may prescribe these medications to keep your symptoms in remission.