Ulcerative colitis: Finding relief and control

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QUICK LINKS
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Explore symptoms
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Understand impacts
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Learn ways to manage
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Ulcerative Colitis Black Icon

Finding and treating UC early helps people stay healthy, reduces surgery risk, and lowers cancer risk.

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling in your digestive system. Many people can manage their symptoms and still live full, active lives.
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UC SYMPTOMS

Recognizing what ulcerative
colitis feels like

UC happens when the inside lining of the colon gets swollen and irritated. This makes the lining weak, and then painful open sores called ulcers can form. Most symptoms are similar to other types of IBD, but the symptoms unique to UC are: Stool (poop) with blood or mucus (caused by ulcers), stomach cramping with bowel movements, and the urgent need to have a bowel movement. These symptoms can come in waves and range from mild to severe:
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  • Bowel urgency - a sudden and immediate need to go
  • Stool (poop) with blood or mucus, caused by ulcers
  • Stomach cramping with bowel movements or stomach pain in general
  • Diarrhea or changes in bowel movements
  • Fatigue - tiredness, lack of energy, or exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
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Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

If you don't have a doctor, you can search the Empower Health database to find a healthcare professional.
Find a healthcare professional
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IMPACTS OF UC

How ulcerative colitis affects the body

The gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract is a group of organs that help your body digest food. It starts at your mouth and ends at your anus. Problems can happen both inside and outside the GI tract.
Possible complications inside the GI tract
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  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
  • Dehydration
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers
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Possible complications outside the GI tract
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  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children
  • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • Reduced bone density
  • Joint pain
  • Skin changes
  • Eye irritation
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children
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Mental health impact
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UC can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling this way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
UC can make daily life harder and may cause feelings like stress, worry, or sadness. If you're feeling this way, talk to your doctor. They can help.
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DIAGNOSING UC

Diagnosing UC starts with a visit to the doctor

When you tell your doctor about your symptoms, they’ll first check to see if something else might be causing them. To find out if you have ulcerative colitis, your doctor will use tests and scans. You might also be sent to a special doctor called a gastroenterologist, who treats problems in the digestive system.
STEP 1
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Talk with your doctor

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Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, any medicines you take, your family’s health history, and your daily routine—like what you eat, how active you are, and how stressed you feel. They’ll also do a physical exam.
STEP 2
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Lab tests

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To learn more, your doctor may order blood or stool tests.

  • Blood tests check for swelling, infection, or low iron.
  • Stool tests look for blood, mucus, or other signs of digestive problems.
STEP 3
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Imaging and scoping

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Depending on what your doctor finds, they may suggest:

  • A CT or MRI scan to look for swelling or other issues inside your body.
  • An endoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look inside your digestive tract.
  • A colonoscopy is a procedue that uses a camera to look at your colon.
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MANAGING UC

Managing ulcerative colitis

Doctors treat ulcerative colitis by helping your immune system work better. This usually means using medicine, making lifestyle changes, and sometimes having surgery. Working with your doctor to find the right mix of treatments can help you feel better and stay active.
Medicine
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Medicine may help calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms like belly pain, bleeding, and diarrhea. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
Nutrition
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Eating a variety of healthy foods is good, but some foods may make symptoms worse. Your body may need more energy, especially if you’re having diarrhea or don’t feel like eating. Talk to your doctor about what foods are best for you.

Explore these patient advocacy groups to learn more.

The GI Society - Health & Nutrition Articles

Crohn's and Colitis Canada - Diet and Nutrition

Surgery
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If medicine doesn’t help, surgery may be needed. This means removing the colon. Your doctor will explain the options based on your age and health.
Other lifestyle changes
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Getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying connected with others, and moving your body can all help you feel better. These healthy habits can support your treatment and help you live a full life.

Learn more

Resources to help you manage daily life
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These patient advocacy groups have many resources for those living with ulcerative colitis and loved ones.

Explore insurance and Government support.

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

The GI Society

Explore community and support.

Crohn's and Colitis Canada

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation

The GoHere® App helps individuals with ulcerative colitis locate public washrooms and businesses that offer washroom access to them.

Download the app

PP-LLY-CA-0028 04/2026 © 2026, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
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