What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the large intestine (colon) that causes inflammation and sores (ulcers), which produce pus and mucous. This can cause stomach discomfort and rapid emptying of your colon (diarrhea).

Ulcerative colitis is the result of an abnormal response by your body's immune system. Your body treats the food, bacteria and other substances in your intestine as disease-causing agents. When this happens, your body goes into attack mode, sending white blood cells to the lining of your intestines. This results in inflammation and ulcers. While we don't know the exact causes of ulcerative colitis, researchers believe an abnormal immune system plays a role. Learn more about the causes of ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some forms of IBD, such as Crohn's disease, can affect any part of your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis only involves the innermost lining of your colon. Ulcerative colitis can happen at any age, but most commonly occurs before the age of 30 or after the age of 60.

At Stanford Health Care, our team of dedicated IBD specialists and nationally renowned researchers provide comprehensive care for ulcerative colitis. Read more about our Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program.

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include stomach cramps and diarrhea. Learn more about ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis

Our specialists have unique expertise in providing an accurate diagnosis for ulcerative colitis. Understanding the severity of your disease helps us to create an effective treatment plan. Find out more about ulcerative colitis diagnosis at Stanford.

Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Read about our ulcerative colitis treatment options, including medication, medical nutrition therapy and surgery.