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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Finding and treating UC early supports long‑term health1, reduces disease progression1 and the likelihood of surgery2, and may help lower the risk of colorectal cancer3.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling in your digestive system4,5. Many people can manage their symptoms and still live full, active lives4,5.
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UC SYMPTOMS

Recognising what ulcerative
colitis feels like

UC happens when the inside lining of the colon gets swollen and irritated4,5. This makes the lining weak, and then painful open sores called ulcers can form4,5. Most symptoms are similar to other types of IBD, but the common symptoms to UC may include: Stool (poo) with blood or mucus (caused by ulcers), stomach cramping with bowel movements, and the urgent need to have a bowel movement4,5.
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  • Stool (poo) with blood or mucus, caused by ulcers Bowel urgency - a sudden and immediate need to go4,6
  • Stool (poo) with blood or mucus, caused by ulcers4,6
  • Stomach cramping with bowel movements or stomach pain in general7
  • Diarrhoea or changes in bowel movements4,6
  • Fatigue - tiredness, lack of energy, or exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest4,6
  • Nausea7
  • Weight loss4
  • If you are experiencing symptoms or if you have any questions or concerns, talk to a healthcare professional
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IMPACTS OF UC

How ulcerative colitis may affect 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 bottom7. Problems can happen both inside and outside the GI tract8.
Possible complications inside the GI tract
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  • Dehydration12
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients9
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers9
  • 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 (anaemia)10
  • Reduced bone density11
  • Joint pain9
  • Skin changes9
  • Eye irritation9
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children9
  • 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 sadness12. If you're feeling this way, talk to your healthcare professional. 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 healthcare professional

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 may 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 doctor13

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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 iron13.
  • Stool tests look for blood, mucus, or other signs of digestive problems16.
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 body14.
  • A sigmoidoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to look inside your digestive tract13.
  • A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a camera to look at your colon13.
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MANAGEMENT

Managing ulcerative colitis

Doctors manage ulcerative colitis by helping your immune system work better. This usually means using medicine, making lifestyle changes, and sometimes having surgery. Managing your disease symptoms effectively often comes down to finding the right combination of approaches with guidance from your doctor.
Nutrition12
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Eating a variety of healthy foods is good, but some foods may make symptoms worse. some foods can ease the symptoms of UC. Talk to your doctor about what foods are best for you.
Medicine15
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Medicine helps calm the swelling in your colon so it can heal. This can ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Taking your medicine the right way can also help prevent flare-ups.
Surgery15
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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 changes12
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Alongside medical treatment, healthy lifestyle habits—such as stress management, staying socially connected, and appropriate physical activity—can support overall well‑being and quality of life for people living with ulcerative colitis.
Resources to help you manage daily life
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Crohn's & Colitis UK has information and resources for people affected by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Explore their resources here

References

  1. Neves JC, Leal T, Fernandes S, et al. Early intervention prevents disease progression in ulcerative colitis: a multicenter retrospective study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026.
  2. Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, et al. ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults—2025 update. Am J Gastroenterol. 2025;120(6):1187‑1224.
  3. Catalano M, Mini E, Nobili S, et al. Ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer: Pathogenic insights and precision strategies for prevention and treatment. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2025;17(10):108514.
  4. NHS Ulcerative Colitis; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/
  5. Crohn’s & Colitis UK; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/understanding-crohns-and-colitis/ulcerative-colitis
  6. Crohn’s & Colitis UK. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s & Colitis UK; 2025 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/symptoms
  7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Your digestive system & how it works. Bethesda (MD): NIDDK; 2024. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works [accessed 30 Apr 2026]
  8. Rogler G, Singh A, Kavanaugh A, Rubin DT. Extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: current concepts, treatment, and implications for disease management. Gastroenterology. 2021;161(4):1118‑1132.
  9. NHS Ulcerative colitis – complications. London: NHS; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/complications/
  10. Gordon H, Burisch J, Ellul P, et al. ECCO guidelines on extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2024;18(1):1‑37.
  11. Sgambato D, Gimigliano F, De Musis C, et al. Bone alterations in inflammatory bowel diseases. World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(15):1908‑1925.
  12. NHS Ulcerative colitis – living with. London: NHS; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/living-with/
  13. NHS Ulcerative colitis – diagnosis. London: NHS; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/diagnosis/
  14. Deepak P, Bruining DH. Radiographical evaluation of ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf). 2014;2(3):169‑177.
  15. NHS Ulcerative colitis – treatment. London: NHS; 2022 [accessed 12 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ulcerative-colitis/treatment/
  16. Crohn's & Colitis UK. Tests and investigations [Internet]. Hatfield: Crohn's & Colitis UK; [accessed 26 May 2026]. Available from: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/healthcare/tests-and-investigations
CMAT-06476 June 2026
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