Ulcerative Colitis

About

Anyone, including children and adolescents, can develop ulcerative colitis, but the disease most often strikes people ages 15 to 30. It also tends to run in families. As many as one-fourth of people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have a parent or sibling with inflammatory bowel disease. Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis isn't known, the best evidence suggests that the disease results from a combination of factors, including an abnormal immune system response, genetic predisposition and environmental influences.

Ulcerative colitis tends to recur over time. Although relapses can occur without warning, Mayo doctors use blood tests, such as C-reactive protein, as well as X-ray and endoscopic findings to help spot potential flares before they happen.

There is no nonsurgical cure for ulcerative colitis, but appropriate therapies and support can often reduce or eliminate symptoms and help restore your quality of life — even if you have severe disease that hasn't responded well to treatments in the past.

Read more about ulcerative colitis at MayoClinic.com.